• 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
Owen Aanestad

Owen Aanestad, Online Editor-In-Chief

Owen Aanestad is a senior at West. This is his third year on staff working for the online publication as the online editor-in-chief In addition to playing football and baseball, he enjoys photography.

All content by Owen Aanestad
A woman chants and beats her drum while protesting the military coup in Sudan at the Pentacrest in downtown Iowa City on Oct. 30.

A woman lifts a sign with the Sudanese flag on it into the air while protesting the military coup in Sudan at the Pentacrest in downtown Iowa City on Oct. 30.

A man wears a facemask with the Sudanese flag on it while protesting the military coup in Sudan at the Pentacrest in downtown Iowa City on Oct. 30.

A protester holds up a peace sign while protesting the military coup in Sudan at the Pentacrest in downtown Iowa City on Oct. 30.

A man waves the Sudanese flag while protesting the military coup in Sudan at the Pentacrest in downtown Iowa City on Oct. 30.

A woman chants for justice while protesting the military coup in Sudan at the Pentacrest in downtown Iowa City on Oct. 30.

A man protesting the military coup in Sudan holds the American and Sudanese flag in his hand while addressing the crown at the Pentacrest in downtown Iowa City on Oct. 30.

[Photo] Sudan's fight for democracy

November 9, 2021
Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague adresses the protesters at the Pentacrest in downtown Iowa City on Oct. 30.

A young girl holds up a sign that reads “Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan (chairman of the military council) isn’t going to be Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi (president of Egypt) in Sudan'' as she protests the military coup in Sudan with her family on Oct. 30 at the Pentacrest in downtown Iowa City.

Protesters gather at the Pentacrest in downtown Iowa City on Oct. 30 while protesting the military coup in Sudan.

A young boy holds up a sign while protesting the military coup in Sudan at the Pentacrest in downtown Iowa City on Oct. 30.

A man looks on as the protest against the military coup in Sudan starts to grow at the Pentacrest in downtown Iowa City on Oct. 30.

Bodie Williamson '22 works on a colored pencil drawing during his third period AP Art and Design class on Oct. 20.

[Photo] 8 West High students receive Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

January 28, 2022
One of the two "Oracles of Iowa City" murals is displayed on the side of a parking ramp on East Burlington St. in Downtown Iowa City.

Coloring the community

Owen Aanestad and Maddy Smith
November 5, 2021
Christian Aanestad's third period AP Art and Design class works quietly on Oct. 20.

Dr. Gregg Shoultz and Greg Hughes pose for a photo inside the West High weight room while touring the school on Oct. 26.

Former principal Dr. Shoultz conducts outreach activities for African schools

Owen Aanestad, Online Editor-In-Chief
October 26, 2021
Mayowa Dokun '22 celebrates a kill with Melae' Lacy '24 on Oct. 21 during the regional semifinal against Bettendorf.

Volleyball team sweeps Bettendorf in regional semifinal

Owen Aanestad, Online Editor-In-Chief
October 22, 2021
Emma Stammeyer '24 sets the ball to one of her hitters on Oct. 21 during the regional semifinal against Bettendorf.

Melae' Lacy '24 and Mayowa Dokun '22 watch the ball head out of bounds after attempting a block on Oct. 21 during the regional semifinal against Bettendorf.

According to pediatricians athletes and people in general under the age of 18 should avoid performance-enhancing supplements like creatine.

Fueling the fight

Owen Aanestad, Online Editor-In-Chief
November 18, 2021
The Trojan volleyball team comes together after defeating Bettendorf on Oct. 21 and advancing to the regional final game.

Melae' Lacy '24 and Katherine Kouba '22 hug after playing in their last home game of the season against Bettendorf on Oct. 21 in the regional semifinal.

Sophia Deyak '23 and the rest of her teammates celebrate after defeating Bettendorf on Oct. 21 during the regional semifinal.

Sophia Deyak '23 and Melae' Lacy '24 celebrate the match point on Oct. 21 during the regional semifinal against Bettendorf.

Melae' Lacy '24 picks up a big kill on Oct. 21 during the regional semifinal against Bettendorf.

Emma Dunlap '22 and Alaina Greelee '23 celebrate a Katherine Kouba '22 ace on Oct. 21 during the regional semifinal against Bettendorf.

Emma Dunlap '22 bumps the ball back into play on Oct. 21 during the regional semifinal against Bettendorf.

Head coach Keeley Arnold adresses her players during a timeout on Oct. 21 during the regional semifinal against Bettendorf.

Raina Pfeifer '22 looks to get a kill as she hits the ball over the net on Oct. 21 during the regional semifinal against Bettendorf.

Ryan Goodman '23 does the rollercoaster with the student section between sets on Oct. 21 during the regional semifinal against Bettendorf.

Mayowa Dokun '22 and Katherine Kouba '22 celebrate a Melae' Lacy '24 kill on Oct. 21 during the regional semifinal against Bettendorf.

Laney Prelle '23 poses in front of her new school's mascot.

[Photo] A transfer's truth

October 26, 2021
Hope Eldridge '22 takes a breath while swimming in the 400 yard freestyle relay on Oct. 19 during a dual meet against City High.

Trojan Bolts win 50th consecutive regular season dual meet

Owen Aanestad, Online Editor-In-Chief
October 20, 2021
The year 2020 was easy to beat but 2021 truly filled itself with some unforgettable moments for athletes, coaches, parents and fans.

Top 10 sports moments of 2021

Owen Aanestad, Online Editor-In-Chief
December 31, 2021
Karen Liu '24 swims in the 200 yard freestyle on Oct. 19 during a dual meet against City High.

Scarlet Martin '22 dominates the 100 yard freestyle on Oct. 19 during a dual meet against City High.

Nikki Pinter '22 turns to take a breath while swimming in the 400 yard freestyle relay on Oct. 19 during a dual meet against City High.

Jade Roghair '23 swims in the 100 yard backstroke on Oct. 19 during a dual meet against City High.

Carlee Wilkins '24 flies off the wall at the start of the 100 yard backstroke on Oct. 19 during a dual meet against City High.

Hanah Kitamoto '22 and Emma Selby '22 cheer on their teammates from the warmup pool on Oct. 19 during a dual meet against City High.

Olivia Taeger '22 takes a breath while swimming in the 500 yard freestyle on Oct. 19 during a dual meet against City High.

Scarlet Martin '22 gets ready to dive in at the start of the 100 yard freestyle on Oct. 19 during a dual meet against City High.

Ella Hochstetler '22 comes up to take a breath while swimming the 100 yard butterfly on Oct. 19 during a dual meet against City High.

[Photo] Troubled waters

January 20, 2022
Kamila Swanson '25 twists and turns in mid-air while diving in the final round of the night on Oct. 19 during a dual meet against City High.

Laney Prelle '22 poses in front of her new school's mascot.

The West High parking lot sits empty as snow removal crews start to clear the snow on Feb. 7, 2021.

[Photo] The return of snow days

January 7, 2022
Boaz Abramoff '22 looks to serve the country in the coming years after being a part of both the West High football and track and field programs.

[Photo] Committed to serve

October 10, 2021
Frances Haugen '02 (center) appears in the senior section of the 2002 volume of the Trojan Epic yearbook.

West alum Frances Haugen ’02 makes national news as Facebook whistleblower

Owen Aanestad and Audrey Parrish
October 6, 2021
Caroline Found's number nine jersey sits in the spotlight during the retirement ceremony on Oct. 5.

West High volleyball retires Caroline Found’s number 9

Owen Aanestad, Online Editor-In-Chief
October 5, 2021
Emma Stammeyer '24 attempts to hit the ball past two City High blockers during the Battle for the Spike at City High on Sept. 30.

Trojans fall in Battle for the Spike

Owen Aanestad, Online Editor-In-Chief
October 1, 2021
The bench celebrates a Sydney Woods '22 kill during the Battle for the Spike at City High on Sept. 30.

Emma Stammeyer '24 and Carmen Crabtree '22 reach for a block during the Battle for the Spike at City High on Sept. 30.

Melae' Lacy '24 celebrates a point with her teammates during the Battle for the Spike at City High on Sept. 30.

Head Coach Keeley Arnold addresses her players during a timeout during the Battle for the Spike at City High on Sept. 30.

Raina Pfeifer '22 hits the ball over two City High blockers in search of a point during the Battle for the Spike at City High on Sept. 30.

Players, fans and coaches turn towards the flag for the playing of the National Anthem before the Battle for the Spike at City High on Sept. 30.

The fault line is called the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden line, and according to the U.S Geological Survey, it is the same plate that caused both the earthquake in 2010, and the earthquake this year. 

[Photo] Earthquake affects: The emotional magnitude of earthquakes

September 30, 2021
The seniors celebrate their 22-16 win over the juniors during West High's annual powderpuff game on Oct. 3, 2019.

Homecoming traditions turned more inclusive

Owen Aanestad and Camille Gretter
September 22, 2021
Carmen Crabtree '22, Katherine Kouba '22 and Sydney Woods '22 celebrate a Melae' Lacy '24 kill against Waterloo East on Sept. 21.

Volleyball team sweeps Waterloo East on senior night

Owen Aanestad, Online Editor-In-Chief
September 22, 2021
Raina Pfeifer '22 picks up a solo block against Waterloo East on Sept. 21.

Front row from left to right: Raina Pfeifer, Emily Shian, Miles Clark, William Chen, Boaz Abramoff, Luke Fasse, Caden Noeller, Miles Davies, Thayer Abu-Hijleh, Nikolas Sung, Jonathan Chen, Luka Chackalackal, Akhil Bharanidhar Back row from left to right: Zoey Guo, Helen Zhang, Theodore Wilbur, Jimin Seo, Anne Wu, Caroline Mascardo, Jack Harris, Liam Edberg, Bivan Shrestha, Aidan Ohl, Andy Luo

24 West High seniors named National Merit Semifinalists

Owen Aanestad, Online Editor-In-Chief
September 21, 2021
Jack Wallace '25 looks to pass for a first down against Davenport North on Sept. 17, 2021.

Rising star: Jack Wallace ’25

Owen Aanestad and Barry Diallo
September 21, 2021
Jack Wallace '25 poses for a photo outside of the varsity locker room after practice on Sept. 16.

The Iowa City Community School District will no longer require masks as of March 1.

[Photo] ICCSD drops mask mandate

March 1, 2022
The Iowa City Community School District will no longer require masks as of March 1.

[Photo] ICCSD implements new mask mandate

Thayer Abu-Hijleh, Entertainment Editor
September 15, 2021
Phi Gamma Delta is a social fraternity with over 100 chapters on college campuses across the country.

[Photo] University of Iowa fraternity sparks protests downtown

September 13, 2021

West High Weekly 9.10.21

Alaina Greenlee, Camille Gretter, Owen Aanestad, and Mohana Sunkara
September 10, 2021
Mayasa Hamid ‘23 is posing for photo. "I wanted to keep my mask on to create a good example for students." Hamid said.

[Photo] Vice President Candidates

September 14, 2021
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Ella Hochstetler '22 swims in the 100 yard backstroke on Sept. 2 in a dual meet against Waterloo at the Coralville Rec Center.

Kolby Reese '24 swims in the 500 yard freestyle on Sept. 2 in a dual meet against Waterloo at the Coralville Rec Center.

Scarlet Martin '22 prepares to swim the 100 yard butterfly on Sept. 2 in a dual meet against Waterloo at the Coralville Rec Center.

Kamila Swanson '25 tumbles in the air while competing in the first round of diving on Sept. 2 in a dual meet against Waterloo at the Coralville Rec Center.

Emma Stammeyer '24 stares down the ball as she attempts to tip it over the net for a point against Xavier on Aug. 31.

Sophomore Malae' Lacy is congratulated by her teammates after a big kill against Xavier on Aug. 31.

[Photo] Trojans edge out Xavier in first home game

September 1, 2021
The student section and volleyball team celebrate on the edge of the court after after defeating Xavier on Aug. 31.

The Theatre West cast and crew poses for a picture after being a part of "Into the Woods" in the West High courtyard on May 13.

[Photo] Audition for Theatre West's fall production "Footloose"

August 26, 2021
Kolby Godbolt '21 reaches for a steal against Pleasant Valley in the state championship game on June 5 in Des Moines.

Trojans come up short in state championship

Owen Aanestad, Online Editor-In-Chief
June 6, 2021
The boys soccer team stands while starters are announced before playing Pleasant Valley in the state championship game on June 5 in Des Moines.

[Photo] Spring sports preview

Zoe Smith, Editor-in-Chief
March 11, 2022
Michael Nelson '23 fights for possession against Pleasant Valley in the state championship game on June 5 in Des Moines.

Amre Ibrahim '23 jumps into the air to head the ball against Pleasant Valley in the state championship game on June 5 in Des Moines.

"Hector" the Trojan poses for a picture in the West Side Story newsroom on June 4.

Behind the mascot: “Hector” the Trojan

Owen Aanestad and Camille Gretter
June 4, 2021
The team gathers in the infield during a timeout in the first game of the doubleheader on June 18.

No Cap Recap: summer sports preview

Owen Aanestad and Camille Gretter
May 23, 2021
Alex McKane '22 leads the pack while running the 3200-meter race at the Class 4A district track and field meet on May 13.

[Photo] Boys and girls track and field qualifies for state in 24 events

Camille Gretter, Online Editor-In-Chief
May 14, 2021
Sam Croco '22 looks off into the distance while preforming in "Into the Woods" in the West High courtyard on May 13.

Theatre West announces 2021-2022 lineup

Owen Aanestad, Online Editor-In-Chief
May 21, 2021
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The student news source of Iowa City West High
Owen Aanestad