Willie Akers, a WVU Men’s Basketball legend and longtime Logan High School head coach, has died at the age of 89, according to WVU Sports.
Akers left his mark on both WVU and West Virginia high school basketball, building a legacy that eventually earned him induction into multiple halls of fame. Read more: WVU hoops legend, longtime Logan coach Willie Akers dies at 89.
Part of the golden age of Mountaineer hoops
Before becoming one of the state’s most accomplished high school coaches, Akers was part of one of the greatest periods in Mountaineer basketball history. He played for West Virginia from 1958 through 1960, appearing in 93 games while helping the program to an 81-12 record.
The Mountaineers reached the top spot in the national rankings during Akers’ first season. West Virginia jumped from No. 8 to No. 1 after defeating No. 5 Kentucky and top-ranked North Carolina on back-to-back nights at the Kentucky Invitational. The jump remains the largest one-week rise in Associated Press poll history.
Over three seasons in Morgantown, Akers averaged 7.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. His strongest scoring season came as a senior, when he averaged 8.0 points per game and shared team captain duties with Jerry West.
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Akers and the Mountaineers captured three Southern Conference Tournament championships and made three NCAA Tournament appearances during his playing career.
His basketball career began in Wyoming County, playing for Mullens High School. Akers earned All-State honors twice and helped the Rebels win the 1955 state championship.
Following his college career, Akers spent two seasons playing professionally with the Cleveland Pipers in the old American Basketball Association.
Logan High legend
Akers then began his coaching career in Logan, West Virginia, beginning what would become a decades-long run at Logan High School. He guided the Logan Wildcats to four Class AAA state championships in 1964, 1977, 1978, and 1983, while also leading the program to four runner-up finishes in the state.
Akers compiled a 402-116 record during his time as Logan’s head coach.
A Mountain State legacy
His impact in Logan County extended beyond the basketball court. Akers held several administrative positions within the county school system, including serving as assistant superintendent.
Akers’ accomplishments earned him recognition at several levels. He was inducted into the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 1991, the Logan High School Hall of Fame in 1994, and the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.
His legacy remains part of Logan basketball today, with the home court at the historic Logan High School Fieldhouse named in his honor.
Akers was also honored at the 2026 Willie Akers Classic, continuing a tradition of recognizing his lasting impact on Logan basketball and the surrounding community.
