Basketball
West’s girls basketball team opened its season Nov. 25, winning 56-50 against seventh-ranked Waukee. On Dec. 2, the boys basketball team had its first game in a girls-boys doubleheader against Clear Creek Amana. Both West teams fell to the Clippers. The boys and girls both played Wahlert Catholic Dec. 16, with the girls playing away and the boys playing at home. Ethan Headings ’26 paved the way for a Trojan victory with 25 points, and Corey Davis ’27 added another 15 to take the win and improve to a 3-3 overall record. For the girls, Grace Fincham ’26 led with 23 points, along with 10 rebounds and four assists. Sasha Baldwin ’27 trailed closely with 15 points, securing a 57-46 win for the Trojans, which brought their record to 5-2.
Wrestling
West’s boys wrestling team headed to Dubuque Senior High School for their first duel of the season Dec. 4. The team won handily with a score of 67-4. The girls opened their season against Liberty High Nov. 20, falling 71-9. Later, both teams competed at the Dan Gable Donnybrook wrestling tournament Dec. 4-6. The girls’ team had six placements, with New Mexico transfer Brianna Lucero ’27 placing 13th. The boys’ team had four placements and one overall winner, Northwestern University commit Alexander Pierce ’26, who wrestled in the 120-pound weight class.
Peter and the Starcatcher
West High’s theater department held its rendition of the play “Peter and the Starcatcher” Dec. 4-6. The story is a prequel to “Peter Pan,” following the journey of an unnamed orphan boy who becomes Peter Pan. Carter Birch Houchins-Witt ’26 starred as Peter, along with Mieka Hedt ’28 as Molly and Luke Reimer ’27 as the Black Stache. The crew consisted of over 100 students involved in lights, sound, hair, makeup, props, costumes, production and set. After wrapping up the show, auditions for the spring musical were promptly held the week of Dec. 14. Theater West will be performing its rendition of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” April 16-18.
Boys swimming
West’s boys swim team kicked off their season at Kennedy High School Dec. 2. Led by Winston Fan ’26 and future University of Minnesota Gopher Hudson Huberg ’26, the Trojan Bolts took home the win against the Kennedy Cougars 132-33. On Dec. 6, the varsity team competed against six other teams at the Cougar Invite. The Trojan Bolts put up a staggering 571 points, finishing 38 points ahead of second place. On Dec. 13, the Trojans Bolts hosted the Iowa City-Dubuque quad comprising Iowa City West, City High, Dubuque Hempstead and Dubuque Senior High. Standout Jack Tunwall ’29 set personal records in all four of his events, leading West to victory. The Trojans hosted their first home dual meet against the top-ranked Linn-Mar Lions. The meet stayed close the whole time, but with a win in the 200 freerelay, West edged out the win by a final score of 90-80, upholding their undefeated record.
Cadenza
West High’s music charity club, Cadenza, hosted its fifth annual Vue Rooftop restaurant fundraiser Dec. 10. Members of the club played musical pieces ranging from classical to seasonal holiday sounds, entertaining diners. For over two hours, 10% of the dining revenue was raised towards Cadenza; those proceeds were then donated to Iowa City Music Auxiliary, which helps fund music programs throughout the Iowa City Community School District. Many members of Cadenza are also involved in West’s choirs, bands and orchestras. The Symphony Orchestra and West Choirs collaborated in the Choral Masterworks showcase Dec. 9, and concert bands’ first performance took place Dec. 16.
Matt Degner
Iowa City Community School District Superintendent Matt Degner was named the National Superintendent of the Year by K-12 Dive. Degner has been the school district superintendent since January 2021.
