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The student news source of Iowa City West High

West Side Story
Although cutting weight can help an athlete make weigh-ins, dehydration and glycogen depletion can worsen performance, causing low energy levels, diminished strength, stamina and focus.
Cutting to compete: wrestlers and weight management
Dozing off, Katelyn Wehrle '29 tries to do her Spanish homework in her room Jan. 14. Wehrle receives between 6-8 hours of sleep each night — the average amount of a West High student.
Do not disturb: the impact of insufficient sleep on students
Red Cross Club Co-President Finnley Bonfig '26 scans a donor into the drive.
Red Cross Club’s winter blood drive collects 43 units
Boys tackle football has the highest concussion rate of youth sports.
Heads up: the impact of concussions
A diabetes kit showing what a diabetic might need on any given day.
Innovation meets insulin
Tirza Overholt '26 and City High student Cantrell Fletcher ‘26 protest among hundreds of students during the "Melt ICE!" protest held Feb. 5.
Reimagining resistance: exploring Iowa’s legacy of student activism
The Trump administration's lies and slander have reached an unprecedented high.
A small selection of the Trump administration’s lies
Socialism has arisen from the American political scene as a result of continued economic and political oppression.
The new American left
Democracy is being threatened across the world.
Democracy’s in a recession
Six years after its last shutdown, the U.S. government has ground to a halt — and its citizens are facing the consequences.
Paralyzing authority
The referee raises Eva Jara’s hand after she won her quarterfinals match at the IGHSAU State Tournamnet Feb. 5. Photo by Minna Abdalla.
Eva Jara’s journey through injury, loss and success
The friendships at West have spanned through shared interests and extracurriculars, as well as offering mutual support.
Dynamic duos: A glimpse into West’s friendships
Alejandro Domenech Aparicio '28 is an exchange student from Catalonia, Spain. He lives with his host family, the Rutkowskis, and he plays on West's sophomore basketball team.
More than an exchange from Spain: a student finding home away from home
West students share their personal collections ranging from pins to animal bones.
Collector’s cache: West students show off their collections
From participating in West basketball to starting her own volunteer organization, Taleen Rahhal '27 understands the value of staying involved in the community.
Connecting the community: how Taleen Rahhal’s mission has made an impact
Turning onto the backstretch, Jake Weiler '28 anchors the Distance Medley Relay at Trojan Field March 28. The quartet finished third with a time of 3:56.38.
Track and field teams compete at Hollingsworth Relays
The referee raises Eva Jara’s hand after she won her quarterfinals match at the IGHSAU State Tournamnet Feb. 5. Photo by Minna Abdalla.
Eva Jara’s journey through injury, loss and success
After defeating the No. 1 seed in the tournament and the previous state champion in the 190-pound bracket, sophomore Eva Jara moves on to the semifinals.
Trojans find success at the state wrestling tournament
Parrying a sword, Lucas Lee '31 fences against an opponent at the Iowa City Fencing Center on Feb. 6.
En Garde!: how fencing earned its cutting-edge reputation
From stunning upsets to unforgettable finishes, March Madness embodies the drama and energy of college basketball’s grandest stage.
Bracket breakdown
Starting the race, the boys varsity team takes off on Ashton Cross Country Course Oct. 2. The team placed first in the Iowa City West Invitational with a score of 20 points.
Boys cross country teams sweep final home meet
Preparing to start their race, the girls varsity team lines up at the start of the Seminole Valley Park Course. The team placed second in the Eastern Iowa Classic Sept. 25.
Cross country teams compete in Eastern Iowa Classic
Moustafa "Moose" Tiea '25 poses with his medal and plaque after the awards ceremony. On Nov. 1, Tiea took ninth in the state meet, running 15:38.2 in Fort Dodge, IA.
West girls and boys cross country compete at the state meet
Kalli Titus '25 leads a pack of runners Oct. 17 at Seminole Valley Park.
Girls cross country competes in MVC Mississippi Divisional
October started off with three Trojan home wins: girls swimming and diving, girls volleyball and boys cross country.
Trojans start October with three home wins
Using his wings, Winston Fan ‘26 flies through the 200 Yard Medley Relay swimming the breaststroke Feb. 14. West conquered the relay, winning gold medals with a time of 1.31.14 and earning 40 points for the team.
Trojan-Bolts bring home state title
Sonja Bruxvoort moved to West last year after teaching at Northwest Middle School. After becoming the coach for the Trojan Bolts, she is learning how to balance the two jobs.
Sonja Bruxvoort makes waves in the pool and in the classroom
Boys swimming celebrate after setting a new record at the state meet Feb. 11.
Winter sport athletes to watch: boys swimming
A collage of the different athletes in their sports.
A look into winter athletes off-season
West High sports on the left versus club sports on the left. (All photos used with permission).
Finding a balance: club vs. high school sports
Elsie Gross '27 soars over the court.
Girls tennis season switches to fall
The girls tennis team smiles as they celebrate senior night for captain Audrey Crawford ’26 after defeating Washington 7-2. Photo courtesy of Nina Marquardt.
West girls tennis ends regular season 14-3
Iris Vasi '28 returns the ball during a singles match against Cedar Falls Aug. 28.
Girls tennis wins big against Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids Kennedy
Seniors Claire Hahn and Marie Stier high-five after winning the first point of 1 Doubles against Dubuque Hempstead May 20.
Girls tennis falls short in team regional finals
Seniors Sasha Postnikov and Marie Stier prepare to return a serve during the semi-final match. Postnikov and Stier won the match 6-0, 6-0.
Girls tennis qualifies a doubles team for individual state tournament
After a tight set against the Little Hawks Oct. 2, Cyan Blommer '29 tips the ball over the net. Hitters must adjust to the ball, deciding whether to hit, tip or push the ball over.
Q&A with transfer Cyan Blommer ‘29
After the game, the Trojans finished the tournament as state quarterfinalists.
West volleyball heads to the 2025 state tournament
After winning the match 3-1, team captains Sophia Austen '27 and Lila Eastvold '27 celebrate their qualification for state.
Volleyball qualifies for state after winning regional championship against Liberty
Before the game starts, team captain Sophia Austen '27 breaks it down.
Trojan volleyball ends regular season with a senior night win over Liberty
The team poses with the Spike after their hard-fought victory against the Little Hawks. The Trojans came back from losing the first two sets to win the match 3-2.
West makes a comeback to take home the Spike
From stunning upsets to unforgettable finishes, March Madness embodies the drama and energy of college basketball’s grandest stage.
Bracket breakdown
Grace Fincham '26 runs out, receiving high fives and encouragement from teammates and coaches prior to the game held Feb. 13.
Trojan basketball ends regular season with busy schedule
Ethan Headings '26 celebrates a big play in a game against Iowa City Liberty on Jan. 6.
A look toward the end of winter sports season
Changing direction, Greg Ford '26 moves past a defender in the North Gym Feb. 10.
Boys basketball falls to CR Kennedy
West High's winter athletes and performers in action.
Winter rewind
Ethan Headings '26 celebrates a big play in a game against Iowa City Liberty on Jan. 6.
A look toward the end of winter sports season
Releasing the ball, a Regina bowler goes for a strike Jan. 10 at Colonial Lanes
Girls and boys bowling battle Cedar Rapids Kennedy
Rachel Wombacher-Hess '25 bowls a clean ball, finishing with a 240 series during the Battle for the Pins Feb. 9, 2024.
Winter sport athletes to watch: girls and boys bowling
WSS recap the 2023-24 winter sports.
No Cap Recap: leaving snow days behind
Carston Guess follows through after hitting his mark, finishing with a 437 series.
West High Bowling Teams take home the King Pin against City High
Ethan Headings '26 celebrates a big play in a game against Iowa City Liberty on Jan. 6.
A look toward the end of winter sports season
The boys swim team poses with their newly-earned banner at Summit Middle School Feb. 7. The Trojan Bolts won the IHSAA District Meet with 503 points, qualifying athletes for the IHSAA State Championship Feb. 13-14. “They've really grown a lot as a team,” Assistant Coach Cole Phillips said. “A lot of guys have become really good friends that are going to last forever.”
Boys swimming dominates District Meet
West High's winter athletes and performers in action.
Winter rewind
Swimming the 500-yard freestyle, Nikolai Paulson '26 finishes the race. Paulson placed second in the Little Hawk Invite at Mercer Park Aquatic Center Dec. 20 with a time of 5:02.26.
Trojan Bolts sweep Little Hawk Invite
Liberty's Jack Tunwall '28 swims the 100-yard breaststroke preliminaries.
Trojan Bolts secure second place at state championship
The referee raises Eva Jara’s hand after she won her quarterfinals match at the IGHSAU State Tournamnet Feb. 5. Photo by Minna Abdalla.
Eva Jara’s journey through injury, loss and success
After defeating the No. 1 seed in the tournament and the previous state champion in the 190-pound bracket, sophomore Eva Jara moves on to the semifinals.
Trojans find success at the state wrestling tournament
After pinning his opponent and getting his hand raised, Kaden Stitt '26 walks over to his coaches Jan. 31.
A final season, a fresh start: Kaden Stitt ’26
Ethan Headings '26 celebrates a big play in a game against Iowa City Liberty on Jan. 6.
A look toward the end of winter sports season
Although cutting weight can help an athlete make weigh-ins, dehydration and glycogen depletion can worsen performance, causing low energy levels, diminished strength, stamina and focus.
Cutting to compete: wrestlers and weight management
Coach Mary Goodfellow maps out the course to Lily Schmid '26 and Lily Collier '26
Girls who golf
Tate Genkinger '26 scans the green on Sept. 16 at Finkbine Golf Course.
Boys golf places second at Dubuque meet
Max Gerke '24, Dillon Croco '24, Serene Hamzeh '24 and Emma Pottoff '25 will continue their atheltic career in college.
The next level
No Cap Recap is a sports podcast with sports editor Yaya Orszula and staffer Anna Gibson.
No Cap Recap: fall sports in the review mirror
Cole Collier walks on the golf course, preparing for his next swing.
Q and A with West High golfer Cole Collier ’24
Soccer head coach Brad Stiles walks with his head down while he mentally prepares for a game against West's crosstown rival, the Little Hawks.
Brad Stiles: championship caliber coaching
Caden Crabtree '25 lines up to kick the ball across the field.
Senior night ends in strong victory for Trojan soccer
Paz Martinez '25 turns past a Western Dubuque player as she falls to the ground from Martinez's fake.
West High girls soccer defeats Western Dubuque on senior night
During halftime the girls sit together with their coaches to hear feedback and game plans.
Trojan takeover: West High soccer sweeps City High
Amaia Martinez '27 hugs Sofia Fuentes '28 after a goal against Wahlert Catholic on April 22.
Girls soccer defeats Wahlert Catholic 8-1
Turning onto the backstretch, Jake Weiler '28 anchors the Distance Medley Relay at Trojan Field March 28. The quartet finished third with a time of 3:56.38.
Track and field teams compete at Hollingsworth Relays
Moustafa Tiea '25 prepares for the 800-meter race April 25 at Drake Stadium.
Trojans take on Drake Relays
Coach Travis Craig congratulates Neil James '27 after his race during the Hollingsworth Relays March 29.
Travis Craig: the philosophy behind coaching
Max Gerke '24, Dillon Croco '24, Serene Hamzeh '24 and Emma Pottoff '25 will continue their atheltic career in college.
The next level
Reveling in their individual victories, Aidan Jacobsen '24, Izaiah Loveless '24 and Moustafa Tiea '25 hold their state champion flags. At Drake Stadium, Jacobsen, Loveless and Tiea won the 400-meter hurdles, 200-meter dash and 800-meter dash respectively, scoring 30 points for the Trojans at the state meet and taking home gold.
Trojans take home hardware at state track
Seniors Junze Sun, Ishan Harwani and Derek Hua pose with State Team qualifying flag.
Boys tennis senior reflections
Pierce Hribar ’28 and Derek Hua ’25 prepare for the serve in their match against Cedar Rapids Washington May 6.
Boys tennis completes regular season with 2 wins
After the starting serve from a Wahlert player, Junze Sun '25 readies himself to return the serve.
Boys tennis caps off home opener with win against Wahlert
The boys pose for a photo after beating City High on May 15 to qualify for state. Photo used with permission of BJ Mayer
Tennis teams compete in state tournaments
Samir Singh '24 serves as Shivy Mannengi '23 prepares for the return during their match for seventh place at the state singles/doubles tournament at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex May 24.
Three boys tennis players place at state singles/doubles tournament
WSS explores the training that Elsie Harms '28, Grace Walker '26 and Carter Wagner '28 undergo at Nolte Academy.
Behind the curtain: exploring dance culture at Nolte Academy
From Jazz Ensemble to Theatre West to Good Time Company, Nathan Butler '27 is a vital part of West’s art scene.
Perfectly pitched: Nathan Butler ’27
Members of Good Time Company dance in groups during their Minecraft-themed set at Choirs for a Cause Jan. 7.
Show choirs Good Time Company and Showtime perform at Choirs for a Cause
Playing the baritone saxophone, Evan Liu '28 performs "Uptown Swing" with Jazz Ensemble. On Dec. 13 at West High, Jazz Ensemble performed at the annual Jazz Café.
West High hosts annual Jazz Cafe
The Good Time Company's 51st theme for the 2025-26 year is "Minecraft," with choristers singing tunes like "Steve's Lava Chicken" from “A Minecraft Movie.”
West show choirs open season with annual Works in Progress
With over 30 different book-to-movie adaptations of "Wuthering Heights", the latest was released on February 13th.
Is “Wuthering Heights” worth watching?
This edition of Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice features recipes from South Korea to Mexico.
Sugar, spice and everything nice: West’s winter comfort foods
Players can unlock different cats by using tickets. Afterwards, players can read the interesting description of the cats.
Which normal cat are you? (“The Battle Cats” edition)
With the addition of Exploremores this year, the Girl Scouts offer 11 different cookie flavors.
Which Girl Scout Cookie are you?
West Side Story shares Trojans’ anonymous love confessions for Valentine’s Day.
Missed connections
Players can unlock different cats by using tickets. Afterwards, players can read the interesting description of the cats.
Which normal cat are you? (“The Battle Cats” edition)
With the addition of Exploremores this year, the Girl Scouts offer 11 different cookie flavors.
Which Girl Scout Cookie are you?
Opening Starr Drops is a way to obtain brawlers.
What “Brawl Stars” brawler class are you?
Players must spend sun to deploy plants.
What kind of Plants vs. Zombies Day plant are you?
This week, Trojans traveled across Iowa for state playoffs and conferences.
News Quiz: Nov. 7
ICE's activity around the U.S. has increased greatly recently, and it is very important to be informed about their actions.
Editorial: ICE is here. Be aware.
In spring, student’s pray for winter’s cold days that bring days off of school.
Editorial cartoon: Please freeze time!
Sometimes a teacher forgets about a frozen screen during class.
Editorial cartoon: Frozen
Spending on holidays has many negative environmental effects. We need to stop spending.
Seasonal spending
The recent performance profiles of the Iowa City Community School District show where the district needs to support students beyond the numbers.
Editorial: Educating equally
Dancers Amrutha Akula, Keerthana Ramkumar and Thaneesha Puviarasan perform a traditional Bharatanatyam dance, rotating as the plot advances, with two dancers staying in the common resting position.
Eastern Iowa celebrates Indian culture at the 2026 Annual Harvest Festival
Admin of West High, including principal Mitch Gross, prepare to open the homecoming parade in Galway Hills Sept. 22.
Homecoming ’25 highlights
Protesters held signs with messages such as “free Jorge now!” and “ICE is not welcome here” at the rally Sept. 26.
“We all belong here:” Iowa City rallies against ICE
Cyan Blommer '29 and Audrey Small '28 block a hit from Mid-Prairie.
West places third in annual Live Like Line home tournament
Author Samira Ahmed spoke in West High’s Little Theater during second and third period on April 29.
Samira Ahmed visits West for biennial author visit
As ICE increasingly oversteps legal and moral barriers, increasing comparisons have been drawn between them and the Gestapo.
The American Gestapo
Everyone has stories that connect each other through invisible threads. Two teachers share their own stories in Two Truths & No Lies.
Two truths & no lies: two ICCSD teachers share how their childhood experiences influence their teaching
Every period, the PA goes off with the announcement to put away phones and earbuds into backpacks and purses.
Screen time’s over: the effects of the ICCSD’s phone policy
Athletes from across fall sports share highlights from a season defined by hard work and success.
No Cap Recap: fall sports
Performative men at West sport Labubus while reading feminist literature and listening to indie female artists.
Peak performance
The theme for the 51st season of Good Time Company is inspired by the world of Minecraft
Creeping into song: Good Time Company’s Minecraft show choir season
Tirza Overholt '26 and City High student Cantrell Fletcher ‘26 protest among hundreds of students during the "Melt ICE!" protest held Feb. 5.
Reimagining resistance: exploring Iowa’s legacy of student activism
The team took on difficult matchups in the tournament.
West High Esports team competes at IAHSEA state
The balancing of school days
The balancing of school days
Farmers Market vendors line East Washington Street selling food, drinks and handmade goods.
Cultivating community: the Iowa City Farmers Market
The student news source of Iowa City West High

West Side Story
The student news source of Iowa City West High

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Recent A&E stories
Quizzes
With the addition of Exploremores this year, the Girl Scouts offer 11 different cookie flavors.
Which Girl Scout Cookie are you?
Opening Starr Drops is a way to obtain brawlers.
What “Brawl Stars” brawler class are you?
Taewhan Seol and Yeju Seol • Feb 25, 2026
Players must spend sun to deploy plants.
What kind of Plants vs. Zombies Day plant are you?
Taewhan Seol and Yeju Seol • Feb 12, 2026
All A&E stories
Nili Olalde makes tamales with her family often in the wintertime.
West’s Recipes: Nili Olalde’s Tamales
Anna Greenlee, Design, Entertainment and Opinion Editor • Mar 26, 2026
The new TV show "Heated Rivalry" is popular among teens and young adults. Two West Side Story staffers share their opinions on the show.
Hit or miss: “Heated Rivalry” review
Leah Butcher, Nili Olalde, Celia Sadewasser and Charlotte Stephens • Mar 10, 2026
West Side Story shares Trojans’ anonymous love confessions for Valentine’s Day.
Missed connections
Taelim Yoon, Yearbook Co-Editor-in-Chief and Co-Design Editor • Mar 7, 2026
The friendships at West have spanned through shared interests and extracurriculars, as well as offering mutual support.
Dynamic duos: A glimpse into West’s friendships
Sharon Liao and Anna You • Mar 6, 2026
Award season is here, and with every award, celebrities' outfits are being talked about twice as much. Here is the breakdown on what celebrities wore to the 83rd annual Golden Globes.
Shiny or dull: Golden Globes outfit review
Nili Olalde, Photographer • Feb 16, 2026
Sometimes a teacher forgets about a frozen screen during class.
Editorial cartoon: Frozen
Yeju Seol, Artist and Reporter • Feb 14, 2026
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