• 12/16: Pajama + stuffed animal day
  • 12/17: Jersey day
  • 12/17: Girls basketball vs. Wahlert Catholic
  • 12/17: Boys basketball @ Wahlert Catholic
  • 12/17: Boys swimming @ Linn-Mar
  • 12/17: Band concert in Arganbright Auditorium
  • 12/18: Pink out day
  • 12/19: Throwback Thursday
  • 12/19: Boys wrestling @ Linn-Mar
  • 12/19: Girls wrestling @ Solon
  • 12/20: 2 HOUR EARLY RELEASE
  • 12/20: Ugly sweater day
  • 12/20: Boys and girls double-header vs City
The student news source of Iowa City West High

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

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

West Side Story
Kara Wagenknecht

Kara Wagenknecht, Online Editor-in-Chief, Co-Sports Editor

Kara is a senior at West and this will be her third year on staff. She is the Online Editor-in-Chief and Co-Sports Editor this year. When Kara isn’t covering a sporting event, she can be found playing with her dogs, editing photos, hanging out with her friends and dancing FTK.

All content by Kara Wagenknecht
Kolby Greiner '19 stands at the start line during the boys 1,600 meter run on Saturday, April 28.

[Photo] Inaugural track and field festival to be held at West High

April 5, 2019
Alex Carlon '21 leans against a mural downtown Iowa City on Thursday, March 21.

[Photo] Mom jeans, scrunchies and graphic tees: a 2010’s guide to ’90s fashion

Alex Carlon, Online Editor-in-Chief
March 29, 2019
Alex Carlon '21 adjusts her velvet scrunchie around her wrist in front of a mural downtown Iowa City on Thursday, March 21.

Alex Carlon '21 leans against a mural downtown Iowa City on Thursday, March 21.

Matayia Tellis '21 sprints down the track during the JV 100 meter hurdle race on Tuesday, March 26.

Girls track and field hosts first outdoor meet of season

Kara Wagenknecht, Online Editor-in-Chief, Co-Sports Editor
March 27, 2019
Deniz Ince '19 reacts to the gun at the start of the 800 meter run on Tuesday, March 26. Ince won with a time of 2:22.64.

Lucy Westemeyer '21 waits for the JV 800 meter run to start on Tuesday, March 26.

Peyton Steva '19 jumps over the last hurdle of the 100 meter hurdle race. Steva won the race with a time of 15.15.

Matayia Tellis '21 sprints down the track during the JV 100 meter hurdle race on Tuesday, March 26.

Matayia Tellis '21 sprints down the track during the JV 100 meter hurdle race on Tuesday, March 26.

[Photo] No off season

Caroline Chandler and Hanah Kitamoto
October 1, 2019
Celestina Nuro-Gyina '22 runs down the track for the last 100 meters of the 400 meter leg of the distance medley relay race. West placed fourth in a time of 4:50.73.

[Photo] Worst of the worst

February 17, 2020
Emma Kearney '21 runs the second leg of the 4x800 meter relay race on Tuesday, March 26. The relay team won with a time of 9.52.96.

Salima Omari '20 takes her first throw of the night on Tuesday, March 26. Omari placed second in the shot put with a throw of 38-8 1/2.

Camden Zirker '22 competes in the 3,000 meter run on Tuesday, March 26.

Payton DeVena '22 runs down the last 100 meters of the 3,000 meter run on Tuesday, March 26.

Jacob Klein '19 holds back tears as the team is presented with a trophy for making it to state on Wednesday, March 6.

Boys basketball ends season at state quarterfinals

Kara Wagenknecht, Online Editor-in-Chief, Co-Sports Editor
March 7, 2019
The boys basketball team huddles around their trophy for participating in the state tournament on Wednesday, March 6.

Jacob Klein '19 holds back tears as the team is presented with a trophy for making it to state on Wednesday, March 6.

Even Brauns '20 consoles Marcus Morgan '21 after they were defeated by Dubuque Senior 36-39 on Wednesday, March 6.

Patrick McCaffery '19 attempts to make the game winning shot against Dubuque Senior on Wednesday, March 6.

Even Brauns '20 celebrates as the referee grants West possession of the ball during the final minute of the fourth quarter during the state quarterfinals on March 6. “The state tournament definitely has a bigger buzz to it, and you can feel the different energy inside the arena. I play every day the same and approach every game the same, but you can tell a difference at state,” Brauns said. “At state, everyone is one loss away from the end of their season, so there is more intensity to each possession. With that being said, it’s flat out more fun and the energy you feel gets you really pumped up to play.”

Patrick McCaffery '19 jumps to score two points for West during the second half as Dubuque Senior's Nick Timmerman '19 attempts to block him on March 6. After West fell to Dubuque Senior, McCaffery reflected on his time as a Trojan. "Playing for West and playing for coach Bergman and all of those experiences we've had, it's been the best four years of my life so far," McCaffery said.

Brayden Adcock '19 dribbles the ball around to find a fellow Trojan to pass to during the second half on Wednesday, March 6.

The student section and the bench cheer during the fourth quarter on Wednesday, March 6.

Head coach Steve Bergman watches the game during the fourth quarter on Wednesday, March 6. "[Dubuque Senior] is a really hard team to prepare defensively. We just struggled on offense. We took some uncharacteristic bad shots, we missed some easy shots. We've been so good in the last couple of games. They did a lot of good things," said head coach Steve Bergman in an interview after the game. "You just have to finish games like that by taking care of the ball, making free throws and making easy shots."

Patrick McCaffery '19 dribbles the ball away from Dubuque Senior's Nick Timmerman '19 during the first half on Wednesday, March 6.

Marcus Morgan '21 moves up the court with the ball during the first half on Wednesday, March 6.

Tate Crane '20 passes the ball to Marcus Morgan '21 during the first half. Dubuque Senior's Jim Bonifas '21 guards Crane to prevent him from scoring on Wednesday, March 6.

Brayden Adcock '19 looks to shoot a basket as Dubuque Senior's Nick Timmerman '19 throws his hands up in order to block the shot on Wednesday, March 6.

Marcus Morgan '21 makes two free throws during the first half on Wednesday, March 6.

Nick Pepin '20 high fives the rest of the team as he walks up to shake hands with Dubuque Senior on Wednesday, March 6.

Members of the Iowa City West High dance team stand together. Design Maddy Ephraim.

[Photo] Walking into a reputation

March 4, 2019
Even Brauns '20 celebrates with the rest of the basketball team and the student section after they defeated Davenport Central 72-46 to advance to the quarterfinal round of the Iowa High School State Basketball Tournament on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

[Photo] Boys basketball moves onto state tournament

February 27, 2019
Even Brauns '20 celebrates with the rest of the basketball team and the student section after they defeated Davenport Central 72-46 to advance to the quarterfinal round of the Iowa High School State Basketball Tournament on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

Even Brauns '20 hugs Patrick McCaffery '19 after they secured their win against Davenport Central on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

Brayden Adcock '19 whispers to head coach Steve Bergman during two free throws in the second half of the game on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

Charlie Moreland '20, Ben Vander Leest '20, Joe Goodman '20 and Jacob Klein '19 erupt in cheers after Marcus Morgan '21 dunked the ball while getting fouled on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

Marcus Morgan '21 dribbles the ball towards the hoop as Davenport Central's Keshawn Pegues '19 guards him during the second half on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

Brayden Adcock '19 looks to pass the ball across the court as Davenport Central's Kaiden Phillips '20 inches closer to him to try to steal the ball on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

The student section cheers during the second half of the game on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

Even Brauns '20 looks for help during the first half on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

Patrick McCaffery '19 dunks the ball during the second quarter on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

Nick Pepin '20 holds out his hand to keep a Davenport Central defender away during the first half on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

Patrick McCaffery '19 jumps to make a two-point shot as he gets fouled on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

Even Brauns '20 celebrates with the rest of the basketball team and the student section after they defeated Davenport Central 72-46 to advance to the quarterfinal round of the Iowa High School State Basketball Tournament on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

Boys basketball moves onto state tournament

Kara Wagenknecht, Online Editor-in-Chief, Co-Sports Editor
February 27, 2019
The student section cheers during the first round of regionals for the boys basketball team on Friday, Feb. 22.

The student section cheers during the first round of regionals for the boys basketball team on Friday, Feb. 22.

[Photo] Attending athletics

February 26, 2019
Hunter Garvin ’22 raises his hand victoriously in the air after defeating Dubuque Wahlert’s Colton Kisting ’22 on Jan. 17, 2019. Garvin wrestled at 120 pounds last season, but is making the jump up to 132 pounds this year.

Rising Star: Hunter Garvin ’22

Kara Wagenknecht, Online Editor-in-Chief, Co-Sports Editor
February 23, 2019
Hunter Garvin ’22 raises his hand victoriously in the air after defeating Dubuque Wahlert’s Colton Kisting ’22 on Jan. 17, 2019. Garvin wrestled at 120 pounds last season, but is making the jump up to 132 pounds this year.

[Photo] Mind over matter

Joe Goodman, Sports Editor
November 17, 2019
Emma Koch '19 sheds tears as she walks down the court with Audrey Koch '21 and Rylee Goodfellow '21 during the senior recognition after the game on Saturday, Feb. 16.

Girls basketball celebrates regional win and senior night

Kara Wagenknecht, Online Editor-in-Chief, Co-Sports Editor
February 17, 2019
Emma Koch '19 sheds tears as she walks down the court with Audrey Koch '21 and Rylee Goodfellow '21 during the senior recognition after the game on Saturday, Feb. 16.

Linnea Rietz '22 tries to get around Linn-Mar's Taylor Weber '22 during the second half after West's Katelynn Hillberry '20 shot a free throw on Saturday, Feb. 16.

Emma Koch '19 hugs her sister Audrey Koch '21 after being able to get in the game for a play on Saturday, Feb. 16.

Matayia Tellis '21 high-fives her fellow teammates as she takes a seat on the bench during the second half on Saturday, Feb. 16.

Lauren Zacharias '19 jumps up to make a layup during the second half. Zacharias scored seven points during the game on Saturday, Feb. 16.

After stealing the ball, Lauren Zacharias '19 dribbles down the court during a fast break as Linn-Mar's Emma Casebolt '21 attempts to stop her on Saturday, Feb. 16.

Cailyn Morgan '19 looks to shoot the ball during the first half. Morgan ended up passing the ball to a fellow teammate.

Emma Ingersoll Weng '22 drives towards the basket during the first half on Saturday, Feb. 16.

Head coach BJ Mayer claps during the first half of the game after West forced a turnover on Saturday, Feb. 16.

Audrey Koch '21 makes a layup at the beginning of the game on Saturday, Feb. 16. Koch lead the Women of Troy with 24 points.

"Black kinda shows I’m powerful," Rawan Guzouli '22 said, referring to her favorite color scheme to wear, "and I like purple because it was my grandma's favorite color."

"I'll buy cute jackets ... and cute boots and for shirts, it doesn't really matter if I'm going somewhere that I'm not going to take my jacket off," Rawan Guzouli '22 said. "If I'm going to go to school, I'll wear my casual things inside, but wear a cute jacket and boots."

"I buy my [winter] jackets from Cedar Rapids. There's a place called Star, they have a lot of cute winter things there," Rawan Guzouli '22 said.

"[My favorite season to dress for is] summer because you have more options to dress how you want," Rawan Guzouli '22 said. "You don't have a big coat on you in the winter, so I'd rather dress for summer."

Rawan Guzouli '22 holds her hood during a cold winter day on Sunday, Feb. 10.

"I’m not really a shopping girl, so I’ll really only go out if I need something. ... I just buy things when I need them," Rawan Guzouli '22 said.

Rawan Guzouli '22 shows off her grey dress accompanied with matching shoes on Sunday, Feb. 10.

Rawan Guzouli '22 models some of her favorite fashions at the Voxman music building downtown Iowa City on Feb. 10. "I like to shop at Marshalls and Forever 21," Guzouli said. "Marshalls has really comfortable clothes and Forever 21 has really cute clothes."

Rawan Guzouli '22 sits on the floor at the Voxman building for a photo on Sunday, Feb. 10.

"Black kinda shows I’m powerful," Rawan Guzouli '22 said, referring to her favorite color scheme to wear, "and I like purple because it was my grandma's favorite color."

Rawan Guzouli '22 poses against a wall in the Voxman building on Sunday, Feb. 10.

Photo Editor Maddi Shinall '19 poses for a photo as she displays her feminist slogan sweatshirt on Friday, Feb. 15.

[Photo] A woman's place is in charge

February 17, 2019
Sophie Stephens '19 poses as she writes a letter on Wednesday, Feb. 13.

[Photo] Interrupted tradition

May 11, 2020
Head coach Steve Bergman talks to Brayden Adcock '19 during the second half on Tuesday, Jan. 15.

Regional pairings released for boys basketball

Kara Wagenknecht, Online Editor-in-Chief, Co-Sports Editor
February 12, 2019
The girls basketball team cheers after Lauren Zacharias '19 scored the game-winning shot against Prairie on Friday, Nov. 30.

Girls basketball regional pairings

Kara Wagenknecht, Online Editor-in-Chief, Co-Sports Editor
February 11, 2019
Will Hoeft '20 tries to keep City High's Joe Ring '19 from escaping on Thursday, Jan. 3. Hoeft pinned Ring in 45 seconds.

Six wrestlers qualify for state

Kara Wagenknecht, Online Editor-in-Chief, Co-Sports Editor
February 9, 2019
Online Editor-in-Chief and Co-Sports Editor Kara Wagenknecht '19 shoots a photo while covering a basketball doubleheader at West High on Saturday, Jan. 5.

A race to be picture perfect

Kara Wagenknecht, Online Editor-in-Chief, Co-Sports Editor
February 8, 2019
Online Managing Editor Sophie Stephens '19 talks about the the issue of owing people explanations.

[Photo] I owe you nothing

February 5, 2019
Cailyn Morgan '19 tries to steal the ball as Liberty's Sam McPherson '20 protects it during the first quarter on Friday, Jan. 25.

Basketball teams play Liberty

Kara Wagenknecht, Online Editor-in-Chief, Co-Sports Editor
January 26, 2019
Tate Crane '20 focuses as he stands at the free throw line before he takes two shots in the fourth quarter on Friday, Jan. 25.

Nick Pepin '20 drives towards the basket as he looks for a teammate to pass the ball to during the second half on Friday, Jan. 25.

Patrick McCaffery '19 saves the ball from going out of bounds during the second half on Friday, Jan. 25.

Brayden Adcock '19 dribbles the ball down the court to start off the fourth quarter on Friday, Jan. 25.

Head coach Steve Bergman talks to Marcus Morgan '21, Even Brauns '20, Patrick McCaffery '19, Nick Pepin '20 and Brayden Adcock '19 in between the third and fourth quarters on Friday, Jan. 25.

Audrey Koch '21 jumps up for a layup during the first half on Friday, Jan. 25.

Emma Ingersoll Weng '22 drives towards the basket. In the process, she drew a foul and went on to make two free throws during the first half on Friday, Jan. 25, 2019.

[Photo] Summer after freshman year: The first tear

March 2, 2022
Matayia Tellis '21 passes the ball up the court to Emma Ingersoll Weng '22 during the first half on Friday, Jan. 25.

Lauren Zacharias '19 dribbles the ball at the top of the three point line as she looks for a fellow Women of Troy teammate to pass to during the first half on Friday, Jan. 25.

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The student news source of Iowa City West High
Kara Wagenknecht