2024 Trojan Epic Extended Edition

SING IT Briar Martin ’24 and Rana Saba ’25 lean against a chest during one of their duets April 9. “The music had a more classical feel than the music I’ve sang in other shows, but I fell in love with it,” Saba said.

Photo by Sigrid Rossi

UNLOCKING THE MAGIC MAGIC

Theatre West brought the musical “The Secret Garden” to life at the Arganbright Auditorium April 11-13. Directed by Ann Rocarek and Katy Nahra, the production featured live music from West’s orchestra. Principle actress Amelia Douglas ’24 believed that the plot of “The Secret Garden” resembled the culture of Theatre West by focusing on embracing community. “I feel that’s what theater is, you nd this sense of belonging and place. I feel ‘Secret Garden’ is the whole story about nding your place and nding your family,” Douglas said. The club started preparations for the musical in early January and through several hours of rehearsals and laborious e orts from the crew, they were able to shape a spectacular show. A lot goes on behind the scenes that does not always fall under the spotlight. Co-Head of Light-

Written by Emily Rabe and Annie Dickens

A BLOSSOMING TALE

IMAGINING IRISES Eli Asper ’25 sings “Winter’s On the Wing” as he transitions across the stage April 9. Asper’s character was essential in sparking the main character’s infatuation with the Secret Garden.

Photo

by

Sigrid Rossi

ing, Lexie Vogt ’24, expressed how having a strong crew pulls a show together. “Sometimes [running through acts each night] gets tedious because we [have] to work out all [of] the small little issues, but it always comes together and it’s really beautiful,” Vogt said. The cast and crew spent weeks perfecting the music, lighting, acting, the set, and so much more. Alongside putting on the production, Theatre West participated for the rst time in the Iowa High School Music Awards, which strives to celebrate student achievement in high school musical theater throughout the country. Students with main roles were reviewed by Jimmy Awards critics during the shows. In the end, The Secret Garden’s cast and crew put on four special performances that left a magical mark on Theatre West this spring.

ACTING IT OUT Luke

Reimer ’27 utilizes the props on stage during dialogue with Andreas Warren ’24 who plays Archibald April 9. Reimer played Nevil Crane, Archibald’s jealous but dutiful younger brother.

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by

Sigrid Rossi

1. Senior Tessa Gibson, playing Colin Craven, sings “Round Shouldered Man” in the opening scene of her character April 9. “My character develops from being a hurt boy into someone capable of loving others,” Gibson said.

Photo by Sigrid Rossi

2. Andreas Warren ’24 projects towards the theater while singing the song “Lily’s Eyes,” which re ects his character’s longing for his late wife April 9. “This show has felt very vibrant. It’s about new life and nature and spring,” Warren said.

Photo by Sigrid Rossi

3. Directed at Caroline Seery ’24 and Luke Reimer ’27, Briar Martin ’24, playing the lead Mary Lennox, raises her voice and stomps her foot to embellish her character’s outburst April 9.

Photo by Ceci De Young

4. Ella Vakiner ’25 and Amelia Douglas ’24 sing together as ghosts April 9. “[Doing a musical] is so rigorous, but you can tell how much work you put into it when you get the nal product,” Douglas said.

Photo by Sigrid Rossi

5. Reef Persons ’24, who acts as the keeper of the Secret Garden, talks to Briar Martin ’24 April 9.

Photos by Sigrid Rossi

WATCH US GROW

IN THE

Andreas

’24 dances with Amelia Douglas ’24 who plays the

of Lily

April

“I had met Andreas [through theater] and before I knew it he became my best friend,” Douglas said.

SMELLING THE ROSES Briar Martin ’24, Tessa Gibson ’24 and Eli Asper ’25 sit together as their characters marvel at the Secret Garden in bloom for the rst time April 9. The three actors were in the running to be nominated for the Jimmy Awards.

Photo by Sigrid Rossi

PERFECTION IN THE PROPS Greta Gromacki ’26 points out into the distance as she explains the Craven family to Briar Martin ’24 while Mary Danielle Gross ’25, McKenna Stephens ’24, Maile Kruse ’25 and Caroline Seery ’24 surround their life-size prop carriage April 9.

Photo by Ceci De Young

DANCING

DARK

Warren

ghost

Craven

9.

Photo by Sigrid Rossi

WALK ITOUT WALK IT OUT

Walk It Out is an annual event that showcases the various diverse cultures at West. West students from all over the world represented their culture through food, dance, music and clothing. The leadership team consisted of Africa & Middle East Directors Rawan Babiker ’25 and Wesal Haroun ’24, South Asia Directors Kamakshee Kuchhal ’24 and Vismitha Vuppala ’24, Latin America Director Silvia Martinez ’24 and East Asia Directors Gianna Liu ’25, Anna Song ’25 and Margaret Shin ’24. The responsibilities of student directors included organizing and promoting the event, creating yers, conducting rehearsals and contacting food caterers to name a few. Despite the processes being tedious and challenging, students were always excited to participate. “When I got to high school, I [thought] this is something I de nitely have to take part of. It’s such a meaningful and wonderful experi-

Written by Kiera Crowe, Callie Gao and Sigrid Rossi

ence,” Liu said, “I feel really proud of representing my culture up there and helping others express their identity.” Before the fashion show and performances begin, guests were able to enjoy a multi-ethnic potluck provided by Walk it Out members, parents and local restaurants. This element of the event establishes a strong sense of community and allows for bonding over the cultural similarities. “We’re all connected in some way, shape or form, even if we’re not all friends,” Haroun said, “Walk It Out allows us to share our cultural heritage and values even if we vary in region.” The event was lively and punctuated with load cheering and clapping from the audience. “The energy just cannot be matched,” Vuppala said. The spirited atmosphere of the event was a testament to how appreciative West High is of celebrating culture.

“Walk it Out allows people to get a glimpse into others’ cultures which helps them to appreciate people better.” - Anjali Matthews ’24

SOUTH ASIA

1.

2.

Kavya Bhatt ’27, Kamakshee Kuchhal ’24 and Anjali Mathews ’24 dance to Bollywood song “Disco Deewane” April 27.

Photo by Sigrid Rossi

2. Ankur Karandikar ’24 dances in the boys dance to “Desi Boys”, a popular Bollywood song April 27.

Photo by Sigrid Rossi

AFRICA AND MIDDLE EAST

EAST ASIA

1. Omnia Ali ’26 shows o her Sudanese toub while wearing a bridal headpiece April 27.

Photo by Sigrid Rossi

2. Noor Sharif ’26 displays the Sudanese ag during her walk April 27.

Photo by Sigrid Rossi

3. Serene Hamzeh ’24, Vera Tanas ’25 and Jinann AbuDagga ’25 dance the Dabke to “Ana Dami Falastini” by Mohammed Assaf April 27.

Photo by Sigrid Rossi

4. Seniors Mohamed Abdalla and Ramy Edris pose in their Sudanese jalabiyas April 27.

by Sigrid Rossi

LATIN AMERICA

1. Margaret Shin ’24, Grace Cheng ’24 and Jessie Li ’25 dance to “Drama” by Aespa. The music lineup also included “WANNABE” by ITZY, “EASY” and “Perfect Night” by LE SSERAFIM, “Seven” by Jungkook and “Super Shy” by NewJeans April 27.

2. Gianna Liu ’25 and Margaret Shin ’24 give a heart to the audience, wearing yukata and qipao respectively April 27.

Photo by Sigrid Rossi

3. Emily Hagiwara ’25 spreads her arms to show o her yukata April 27.

Photo

Photo by Sigrid Rossi

Photo by Zoe Smith

2. Lucas Correa Leibfried ’26 waves the Colombian ag while walking across the stage April 27.

Photo by Josie Schwartz

3. Giselle Rubio ’25 dances with her partner in folklórico dress April 27.

Photo by Ceci De Young

1. Fatima Alvarado ’24 dances in a folklórico dress April 27.

Photo by Sigrid Rossi

CLEARING OBSTACLES Sophia Olivo ’25 glides steadily over hurdles at the Eastern Iowa Track & Field Festival April 13. Olivo ranked 10th in the state overall in the 100 meter hurdles and quali ed for the Drake Relays with a time of 15.40.

Photo by Ceci De Young

JV & VARSITY TEAM

First row: Jena Frank, Aseel Matar, Alyssa McClain, Lucy Gardner, Aarianna Shaw, Lillianna DiBiase, Gabby Moniza, Miracle Stewart, Makiyah Brown, Khamissa Tiea, Faith Flowers, Laila McConaughy, Dede Noupougbe, Ijin Shim, Cindy Wang, Angelina Forte

Second row: Abbi Massey, Adrianna Vargas, Erin Chen, Hannah Geng, Norah Orhon, Karen Liu, Annie Dickens, Kylie Stevens, Damiyah Gladney, Aaliyah Jackson, Zahria Stratton, Kalli Titus, Yaya Orszula, Helen Orszula, Sophia Olivo, Renad Abdelrahim, Ramata Traore

Third row: Tamise Lucas, Mingmei Lumetta, Natalie Steva, Evy Cornish, Erinn Varga, Jaylin Herring, Jeeya Sedhay, Jayonna Stephanys, Ma'Liyah Lawrence, Eriniah Carter, Piedra Stone, Crystal Mukuna, Lydia Evans, Stella Hunter, Jimena Lopez-Civeira, Ivy Hendrickson, Ania Willis, Sidney Tranel

Fourth row: Helen Penning, Ava Bruxvoort, Vanessa Shannon, Lily McConnell, Lindsey Mckane, Hannah Holdaway, Coach Kilburg, Coach McConnell, Coach Stroud, Coach Parker, Coach Davidson, Coach Matteson, Emilia Grueter, Kate Van Waning, Hannah Longmire, Eva Willis, Sophia Austin

Photo used with permission

1. Annie Dickens ’25 sprints her 200 leg of the 1600 meter sprint medley relay at the Forwald Relays April 18. Dickens helped lead the Trojans to a second place nish in the relay and a team best time of 4:34.83.

Photo by Rylee DeSaulniers

2. Jaylin Herring ’26 powers to the end of the third leg during the 4x400 meter relay April 13.

Photo by Ceci De Young

3. Gabby Moniza ’24, Lydia Evans ’26, Helen Orszula ’24 and Cindy Wang ’24 gather around their coach to discuss the results of their 4x800 meter relay at the EITFF April 13. The quartet nished fth with a time of 10:31.40.

Photo by Zoe Smith

4. Cindy Wang ’24 nishes the anchor leg of the 4x800 meter relay April 13. Wang used the team atmosphere to fuel her. “I tell myself that not a lot of people get this opportunity, especially with your best friends,” Wang said.

Photo by Zoe Smith

5. Kate Van Waning ’26 runs the 800 meter anchor leg of the 1600 meter sprint medley relay at the Forwald Relays April 18. Van Waning led the team in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:26.30.

Photo by Rylee DeSaulniers

TRACK TRACK STAYING ON

With such a big team it can be hard to foster a supportive dynamic, but not for these girls. Although there are many di erent aspects of track, the girls track team still managed to maintain their unbreakable bond no matter what event they ran. "We don’t just hang out with the group we run the same events with. We are all so close and we know every result of every event, whether its shot put or the 800 meter,” Cindy Wang ’24 said. Not only was it important for them to maintain a tight knit environment, but also vital to stay determined and keep that motivation throughout the whole season. “I stay motivated by reminding myself that this is the last time I will get to run with my best friends, so I really want to make every second count,” Gabby Moniza ’24 said. With that determined mindset, the girls were able to stay concentrated

Written by Sidney Tranel and Gretchen Van Iddekinge

SETTING THE PACE

on their goals for the season. They did this by keeping the idea of growth in the center of all their workouts. This is one thing that the coaches emphasized the most. “Not only is our goal to compete on the highest level we can, but to also see growth and improvement every single practice,” Head Coach Mike Parker said. No di erent than any other season, the team strove to perform to the best of their ability each meet and pushed not only themselves but each other. Although the team may change each year, the goals never do. “Our biggest goal every year is to qualify for as many events as we can at Drake,” Erinn Varga ’24 said. The team's success was showcased as they quali ed for the Drake Relays in late April in the shuttle hurdle relay, 4x400 meter relay, 4x100 meter relay, 100 meter hurdles and 400 meter hurdles.

1. Sophia Austen ’27 strides down the homestretch in the 4x400 meter relay at the Eastern Iowa Track and Field Festival April 13. Austen was on the 4x400 qualifying relay for the Drake relays with a time of 4:05.67.

Photo by Keith Moody

2. Erinn Varga ’24 leaps over hurdle number three in the shuttle hurdle relay at the Hollingsworth Relays April 13. Varga helped lead the shuttle hurdle team to top 10 in the state with a time of 1:04.87 and a third place nish at the Drake Relays.

Photo by Ceci De Young

SETTING THE BAR HIGH Ava Bruxvoort ’25 clears the bar at the Eastern Iowa Track & Field Festival hosted at West April 13.

Photo by Ceci De Young

Photo by Ceci De Young

ON TRACK TO GREATNESS GREATNESS

After a fth place team nish and four relay wins at last year’s state meet, the boys track team began their season with high expectations. Track requires a variety of skill sets to win. “To have a successful team or even relay it requires di erent skill sets, and the closer you are with the relay you run with, you can perform at a much higher level,” Moustafa Tiea ’25 said. With such a large group of athletes, the track and eld team has up to 15 coaches at any point. Each athlete comes with their own set of personal goals but the team goal to win a championship remained the same according to returning individual state champions Izaiah Loveless ’24 and Aidan Jacobsen ’24. The team still had to navigate defending what they achieved last year and the added pressure that comes with it. “I have an understanding of what it

Written by Keith Moody

takes to get there and it makes me have more of a drive because we’re defending our [relay] title,” Daniel Robinson ’24 said. Winning the biggest meet and achieving their goal is impossible without perseverance and staying motivated. “Being motivated to get better, even when it is hard and even when it sometimes leads to perceived failure,” Head Coach TJ Craig said. The boys had a successful weekend at the Drake Relays April 25-27. The weekend highlights started with a win in the 1600 meter sprint medley relay for the second straight year, they then took fourth in the 4x200 meter relay on Friday. The weekend continued with a third place nish in the 4x100 meter relay in which they ran a new school record time of 41.86. To nish Saturday, Jacobsen won the 400 meter hurdles.

JV & VARSITY TEAM

Kangni, Paul Padath, Todd Rent, Spencer Wu

Second row: Maxwell Bruss, Bruce Cantua, Jaxx Redmond, Bernoli Luvandu, Henry Timmer-Hackert, Lars Pressler, Carver Grifhorst, Jayveon Benjamin, Markess Craig, Lucas Leiva-Benitez, Evan Merrill

Third row: Kingston Ross, Adrian Westergaard, Andrew Dong, Kevin Mendoza, Zion Shaw, Jacob Watkinson, Aidan Wohlers, Ivan Bryson, Daniel Tirgardoun, Tommy Tong, Praneel Rastogi

Fourth row: Casandro Chan, Jeremy Makenda, Jonathan Curtin-Delara, Micheal Moody, Noah Mcgrath, Neil James, Campbell Janis, Moayad Mohamedalii, Carter Spark, Levi Hodge

Fifth row: Vincent Belcher, AJ Hodge, La'Marrie Carter, Karston Pietrzak, Brady Olson, Cade Benson, Tyler Shane, Ely Smock, Quinn Abbott, Izaiah Loveless, Cade Towler

Sixth row: Siddharth Venkatesan, Aiden Zhang, Gabriel Pena, Ben Vogel, Izayah Adamss, Jackson Seering, Bryce Wahe, Sidney Westgard, Jalyn Graham, Santana Miller

Seventh row: Je ery Carr, Jacob Beneke, Aidan Nelson, Jordi Zioka, Robert Stong, Tobias Harris, Ryder Gorsh, Ashton Honore, Le’shawn Ko ron, Miles Richardson, Andrew Benson

Eighth row: Jack Law, Ethan Headings, Lucas Elizalde, Elite Mbulekoya, Logan Jacobsen, Zachariah Bruzek, Colin Wehrle, Oluwadara Olaleye, MacBain Stephens, Graham Towler

Ninth row: Jesus Marungo-Murillo, Dillon Croco, Lowden VanDaele, Lincoln Bopp, Lockhart Stephens, Sam Showers, Aidan Jacobson, Moustafa Tiea, Steven Flowers

Tenth row: Mason Middleton, Kendall Woodson, Daniel Robinson, Winner Ndjibu, Scott Matsen, Julian Manson, Colin Whitters, Jack Wallace, Owen Harms, Mason Woods

Eleventh row: Coach Sara Murphy, Coach Nick Matsen, Coach Demetrius Harper, Coach Stephen Breitbach, Coach Ty Haren, Coach Josh Kidman, Coach TJ Craig, Coach Tyler Meade, Coach Kenny Stellish, Coach Corderol Campbell, Coach Austin West, Coach Famiek Cook, Coach Anthony Forte

Photo used with permission

GET SET Izaiah Loveless ’24 closes in on the nish line during the 4x200 meter relay at the Hollingsworth Relays April 6. West won the relay and nished with the second best time in the state.

First row: Igor Kitenge, Kellen Craig, Titan Ross, Gavin Abellana, Rial Shriver, Corey Davis, Gabriel Conrad, Je ery Potter, Joshua

1. Moustafa Tiea ’25 enters the nal 100 meters of his 400 meter dash at the Hollingsworth Relays April 6. Tiea took rst place with a time of 49.50. Tiea also won the open 800 meter dash later that day.

Photo by Ceci De Young

2. Aidan Jacobsen ’24 bounds over hurdle number eight in the shuttle hurdle relay April 6. Jacobsen is a jack of all trades but has a certain passion for one event. “My favorite event is the 400 meter hurdles because I think it’s the event that takes the most diverse skill set to be good at,” Jacobsen said.

Photo by Ceci De Young

3. Damari Lacy ’26 runs the second 200 meter leg of the 1600 meter sprint medley relay at the Eastern Iowa Track and Field Festival April 13.

Photo by Keith Moody

4. Julian Manson ’26 sprints down lane one as he nishes his leg of the 4x400 meter relay April 13. While Manson participates in various events, he has a soft spot for one that many hate. “My favorite event is the 400 meter dash because it’s not an event many like to run and it hurts a lot, but it separates the people who are willing to deal with the pain,” Manson said.

Photo by Keith Moody

5. Daniel Robinson ’24 leaps and bends over the high jump bar at the Hollingsworth Relays clearing 6’0 April 6. Robinson spent the o -season recovering from an ACL tear and bounced back strong this season.

Photo by Ceci De Young

6. Todd Rent ’24 gets out of the blocks in the rst leg of the 4x200 meter relay April 6.

Photo by Ceci De Young

POWER IN MOTION

LAUNCH Colin Whitters ’26 begins to heave the shot put during the Hollingsworth Relays April 6. In Iowa, there are two throwing events: the shot put and the discus, each with a very di erent technique and set of challenges. Often the throwers can be overlooked but they work just as hard as the runners to get to the highest level of success in the sport. Whitters entered his sophomore year much bigger and stronger with hopes of competing in the state meet.

Photo by Keith Moody

1. Mid elder Paz Martinez ’25 runs to meet a pass from her teammate in the attacking half April 8.

Photo by Taelim Yoon

2. Alyson Skala ’24 gets a hold of the ball and scans the pitch against Liberty High school during the third quarter of the game, where both schools were held at a score of 0-0 April 8.

Photo by Taelim Yoon

3. Sophia Oulman ’25 steals the ball before opponents could approach to shoot during the rst half of the game against Liberty High April 8.

Photo by Taelim Yoon

4. West High’s varsity team huddles up before their home game against Urbandale April 5. West won 2-1.

by Leah Butcher

5. Defensive mid elder Diana Tivanskaya ’25 steals the ball from Liberty High player before continuing the attack April 8.

Photo by Taelim Yoon

6. Mid elder Rachel Schafbuch ’25 chases after the ball against Liberty High defensive mid elder April 8.

Photo by Taelim Yoon

VARSITY TEAM

First row: Emma Pottho , Sadie Abbas, Serene Hamzeh, Sophia Oulman, Paz Martinez, Yuning Shao, Amaia Martinez, Ava Garcia Van Auken

Second row: Vera Tanas, Rachel Schafbuch, Raya Gupta, Taleen Rahhal, Alexandria Held, Emily Cupp, Anna Goska, Lila Eastvold, Alyson Skala

Third row: Diana Tivanskaya, Lauryn Hynek, Coach Brianna Montross, Coach Zach Serovy, Coach Macy Enneking, Coach Carlin Morsch, Andrea Smith-Davis, Maya Mozena

Photo used with permission

JUNIOR VARSITY TEAM

First row: Matab Yagoub, Omnia Ali, Lamar Mohammad, Diana Mendez Perez, Abeer Guama, Rayan Saad, Omnia Ahmed

Second row: Ayah Salah, Susanna Olson, Emily Stong, Fortunate Mindja, Tasabeeh Mursal, Allison Asay, Fenan Boru, Razan Galal

Third row: Coach Macy Enneking, Mintallah Ahmed, Minna Abdalla, Lillian Polgreen, Noor Sharif, Katherine Nims, Kemberly Valencia, Coach Carlin Morsch

Photo used with permission

Photo

GOAL BOUND BOUND

After facing new changes to the team’s framework, the West High girls soccer team came together to create a remarkable season. The new addition of Head Coach Zach Serovy was one such change, shifting the team’s agenda from defense to o ense. “We were going [for] a very speci c defensive formation this year, [...] so the team has adjusted a lot from a stronger defensive team to now more offense,” Maya Mozena ’24 said. The team also strove to make the postseason and win a state title. With a new level of support, it is safe to say the excitement surrounding women’s sports doesn’t stop at West. “I am hoping I can help the growth [of women’s sports] locally, speci cally in soccer. We have an extremely talented group, not only on the eld, but in other areas as well. [...] They continue to amaze me every day and I’m very excited to see what this group can accomplish,” Serovy said. The team’s season started o strong with their show stopping performance against Western Dubuque with their winning score of 10-0. The team continues on their journey with hopes of making it to regionals.

Written by Leah Butcher and Taelim Yoon

FORWARD FOCUS

and

“The team has adjusted a lot from a stronger defensive team to now more o ense.”

- Maya Mozena ’24

GOAL Senior Maya Mozena runs to take the ball before opponents April 8. “I feel like [the team is] just so close knit

some of my best friends are on that team,” Mozena said.

Photo by Taelim Yoon

DRIVE Junior Diana Tivanskaya gears up to pass the ball to her teammate April 5.

Photo by Leah Butcher

KICKOFF Striker Taleen Rahhal ’27 steals the ball from incoming opponents and passes to her teammate April 8. West won 1-0.

Photo by Taelim Yoon

KICKIN’ IT TO THE TOP THE TOP

The boys soccer team built their foundation on cohesion and trust to lead them to success this season. “You can only do so much by yourself. You have to rely on your team to back you up,” captain Nate Heenan ’24 said. The most crucial aspect of a team is their environment, and the team found those best set up for success will achieve their goals. “We can go at it at practice, then be cool after, it’s a good competitive environment,” team captain Haider Nasr ’24 said. This year, the upperclassmen on the team were experienced in playing both school and club soccer. “Since we have matured together we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” Heenan said. Learning to work with one another the past few years came with its ups and downs, but

Written by Ava Bruxvoort

the team made no excuses and pulled out a victory to commence the season. The boys continued to earn the recognition and respect they deserved. “Losses are bene cial for our team to show we still need to prove ourselves this year,” Heenan said. Turning losses into lessons helped hold their attitudes high through the challenges of this season. After a tough loss in their second game of the season, the boys took that and turned it into an impressive winning streak. Nothing could stop them as long as they worked together. Trusting in one another and the coaches was key to a triumphant season. “Trust in your coaches and teammates, in the long run you’ll appreciate why they did so and appreciate it,” Nasr said.

VARSITY TEAM

First Row: Andrew Gambrall, Butali Butali, Delmer Medina, Meshaal Mohamed, Baraka Madumba, Liam Teghanemt, Daniel Fuentes, Zein Abu-Hijleh

Second Row: Tiago Gonzalez, Steven Rodriguez, Henry Lu, Nate Heenan, Daniel Kwak, Nicholas Zhang, Kaleab Wendy, Christian Kim, Zeid Alwahdani

Third Row: Coach Stiles, Erwann Charles, Caden Crabtree, Adam Salem, Richard Wu, Jacob Gilliam, Azaam Guama, Haider Nasr, Ismail Mohamed, Coach She eld

Photo used with permission

AIM FOR THE GOAL Haider Nasr ’24 loads up to launch the ball down the eld to his teammates April 18. West defeated Prairie 2-1 that night.

Photo by Ceci De Young

1. Ismail Mohamed ’24 jumps up and above his defender to get the ball going their way April 18.

Photo by Ceci De Young

2. Christian Kim ’25 prepares to take a shot on goal against Ankeny Centennial March 30.

Photo by Ceci De Young

3. The team huddles up while captains Haider Nasr ’24 and Nate Heenan ’24 motivate the team March 30.

Photo by Ceci De Young

4. Daniel Fuentes ’25 scans the eld while making a break for the goal April 18. Fuentes scored the rst goal of the night against Prairie.

Photo by Ceci De Young

5. Kaleab Wendy ’24 receives the pass from his teammate and processes the defenders before making his next move April 18.

Photo by Ceci De Young

6. Nate Heenan ’24 dribbles the ball up the eld versus Prairie April 18.

Photo by Ceci De Young

JUNIOR VARSITY TEAM

First Row: Jorge Martinez, Caled Medina, Elias Ortiz, Declan Nabhan-Warren, Aimar Chinchilla, Winston Fender, Leon Wu, Maximilian Schebel, Owen Hughes

Second Row: James Sapo, Venelin Kotev, Jack Eastvold, Neil Houston, Alex Montes De Oca Silis, Asif Ali, Taylor Ajax, Jose Tshikaya

Third Row: Coach Stiles, Carlos Ramos, Sam Abdel-Malek, Andres Sanchez, Chris Mayambu, Caleb Hynek, Yazan Elsheikh, Aaron Lawler, Ali Mustafa, Coach Sanchez

Photo used with permission

VARSITY TEAM

JUNIOR VARSITY TEAM

First row: Sawsan Adam, Hoazin Bukhary, Lamar Eltayeb, Mrudani Ramkumar, Maab Mohammed, Fiona Graber, Momoka Shinozaki, Ciram Shargawi, Isun Shim

Second row: Lea Abou Alaiwa, Anjali Lodh, Josie Schwartz, Taelim Yoon, Wesal Haroun, Iman Alnour, Averi Bartlett, Allison Reed, Ines Rahmouni, Mackenzie Oberbroeckling, Emily Hagiwara

Third row: Tia Rahmatalla, Deeksha Raghavan, Lucinda Maxwell, Gianna Liu, Lucybelle Gerlieb, Coach Susanna Gianola, Somtochukwu Anyaoha, Gracie Liu, Brooklynne Nock, Elena Kollasch, Ayaat Ibrahim

Photo used with permission

1. Marie Stier ’25 hits a backhand shot during her rst set against Cedar Rapids Washington April 25. Stier won 6-2, 6-2.

Photo by Ivy Hendrickson

2. Team Captain Margaret Shin ’24 prepares to return a serve with a backhand shot April 25. This season, Shin hoped to qualify for individuals at state and looked forward to “seeing how far [the team] can get during state."

Photo by Taelim Yoon

3. Grace Wang ’27 gears up for a forehand shot while warming up before her match April 25.

Photo by Ivy Hendrickson

4. Delmira Jara ’24 winds up to hit a backhand shot during the second set of the match April 25. Jara nished with a 6-0, 6-1 victory.

Photo by Taelim Yoon

5. Senior Anna Vasi prepares to hit a volley during her rst set. Vasi had a triumphant 6-0, 6-1 win against Cedar Rapids Washington April 25.

Photo by Taelim Yoon

First row: Vismitha Vuppala, Claire Hahn, Margaret Shin, Grace Wang, Sophia Singh, Anna Vasi, Marie Stier, Elsie Gross

Second row: Delmira Jara, Manager Iman Alnour, Coach Gavin Young, Coach Brenda Guan, Coach Ann Burnett, Manager Wesal Haroun, Audrey Crawford

Photo used with permission

Sophia Singh ’27 serves to her opponent during the rst set of her match April 25. Singh won 6-0, 6-0 against her Cedar Rapids Washington opponent. The Trojans won the meet with an 8-1 victory over the Warriors.

GAME, SET,

MATCH MATCH

The girls tennis team aimed for victory this season with determination. With a sweeping victory against Western Dubuque, the rst meet resulted in a 9-0 win for the Trojans, starting the season strong. The tennis season began after spring break, although training began in the summer for the varsity team. The girls were determined to focus on their goals this season with hopes to bring home rst place at the state tournament. “When it comes to the end of the season, it’s all mental. We spend a lot of time during our season on mental training and visualization,” Head Coach Brenda Guan said. With several new members this year, the team had a lot to learn and adjust to. However, they were able to progress quickly and bring home the win in a meet against Cedar Rapids Kennedy with a score of 9-0. The team’s positive atmosphere,

Written by Ivy Hendrickson and Taelim Yoon

persistent nature and drive to win resulted in a hardworking team environment, with athletes who were willing to give their all every day at practice. “West High students are driven to be excellent in all that they do. I ask a lot of my team and my players are willing to put in the work,” Guan said when asked about the girls tennis team. As the team moved forward with their season, they hoped their success and dedication would bring them to the state tournament. With this being one of their main goals for the season, the players put extra e ort into preparing themselves for state. With the combination of determination to win and a positive team environment, the team was led to a successful season that allowed them to grow and improve their skills.

1. Audrey Crawford ’26 moves up from the baseline to reach for the ball and hit a backhand shot during the meet against Liberty High April 22.

2. Marie Stier ’25 and Claire Hahn ’25 celebrate together during their doubles match against Liberty High April 22. “We’re always cheering for each other during our matches and I think it shows how much we support and care about each other, ” Stier said.

Photo by Charlotte Stephens

Photo by Charlotte Stephens

SERVE

Photo by Ivy Hendrickson

1. Anthony Medina ’25 celebrates after winning his rst set 6-3 against his Linn-Mar opponent April 15.

2. Aaron Kang ’27 serves to his Western Dubuque opponent April 5. Kang won the point and went on to win the match 6-0, 6-0.

by Ceci De Young

3. Samir Singh ’24 steps forward in preparation to hit a backhand April 5. Singh won his match 6-0, 6-2.

4. Patrick Selby ’24 gets to the ball to return to his opponent April 5.

by Ceci De Young

5. Ankur Karandikar ’24 serves the ball to commence his singles match April 5.

by Ceci De Young

6. Junze Sun ’25 eyes the ball and prepares to return with a forehand April 15.

VARSITY TEAM

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

boys tennis team

up to discuss strategy prior to starting their doubles matches against Western Dubuque April 5. The boys won the home opener 9-0, starting their season o strong. The boys went on to win their rst four games of the season hoping to make their return to the state tournament.

Photo by Ceci De Young

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Photo by Ceci De Young

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Photo by Ceci De Young

First row: Anthony Medina, Aaron Kang, Derek Hua, Junze Sun Second row: Ankur Karandikar, Samir Singh, Coach Marshal Moellers, Ishan Harwani, Patrick Selby Photo used with permission

The

huddles

Photo by Ceci De Young

RALLYING FOR THE WIN THE WIN

With new highlights, goals and challenges, the boys tennis team began their season with strong aspirations. After winning the state championship for two consecutive years, the team put in extra e ort into their training with hopes to win at state for the third year in a row. One way of ensuring their success was by training for the season year-round with practices beginning in the summer. “[The next season] starts basically as soon as one season ends,” Coach Marshal Moellers said. By training and conditioning throughout the year, the athletes were able to focus on their technical skills during the season, allowing them to improve for matches. The team owed their performance and constructive environment to the unique atmosphere. “I think what is special about this team is the family aspect,” senior Ankur Karandikar said. “We are a smaller group, so [we’ll] goof around and all, but we always come back strong.” In addition to their extensive training, the team also fostered a strong environment, which was displayed in their performance throughout the season.

Written by Ivy Hendrickson

“We are a smaller group, so [we’ll] goof around and all, but we always come back strong.”

- Ankur Karandikar ’24

CELEBRATE Seniors

Patrick Selby and Samir Singh pump each other up during their

SLICING During his match against LinnMar, Samir Singh ’24 returns the ball back to his opponent during an intense rally April 15.

Photo by Ceci De Young

DEUCE Anthony Medina ’25 shifts to set himself up for a forehand April 5. Medina won 6-0, 6-0 to help lead West to a 9-0 win over Western Dubuque.

Photo by Ceci De Young

match against Linn-Mar April 15.

Photo by Ceci De Young

VARSITY & JV TEAM

BIRDIES & BONDS

FAIRWAY PURSUITS Rylee DeSaulniers ’25 nishes her follow through on the tee box April 22. With fairly new golfers, the West High girls golf team have all come very far from where they started. “Because most of the team is new to golf, it’s a judgment free zone. We all are getting better and support each other. The team is very close, we all hang out outside of golf which helps our team a lot,” DeSaulniers said when asked about the team dynamic.

1. Gretchen Van Iddekinge ’25 starts o her hole with a 200 yard drive. Van Iddekinge nished the meet with a score of 102 April 22.

2. Junior Rylee DeSaulniers lines up her putt on the green. DeSaulniers putts in and nishes the hole with one over April 22.

3. Sophie Bodin ’25 chips her ball out of a bunker onto the green. She ended the 18 hole meet with a score of 106 April 22.

4. Whitney Noeller ’24 pulls out her diver preparing to tee o on her rst hole April 22. “Even though this is my rst year, I’ve learned so much,” Noeller said.

5. Rylee DeSaulniers ’25 putts in her ball, ending the hole with a bogey April 22. “I try to block out all the outside noise when I’m putting, I need ultimate focus so that I can preform the best,” DeSaulniers said.

Photos by Charlotte Stephens

First row: Lily Collier, Rylee DeSaulniers, Maryssa Barnes, Callie Gao, Kristy Kakizawa, Lily Schmid, Laney Robb

Second Row: Gretchen Van Iddekinge, Addi Sedenka, Coach Don Bristow, Coach Mary Goodfellow, Whitney Noeller, Sophia Bodin

Photo used with permission

Photo by Charlotte Stephens

DOWN TO

A TEE A TEE

The girls golf team had a season lled with determination, improvement and teamwork. Coach Mary Goodfellow’s main goals for the season were “for [the] girls to have their personal best [and] more girls to shoot in the 40s.” The girls accomplished this by working hard in practice and growing with every meet. From the start of the season, Goodfellow saw improvements. “Our team average [is] coming down, meaning more girls shooting in the 50s and 40s,” Goodfellow said. These growths wouldn’t have been possible without the support of their coach. “Coach Mary helps us stay motivated and driven while also making it fun, which I think made a lot of us love golf,” Gretchen Van Iddekinge ’25 said. Her encouragement motivated the girls to achieve their goals. The team was composed of hardworking teammates

Written by Charlotte Stephens

who were also great friends. “I love the team aspect of our golf team, we are all so close [...] I’m excited to play another season with them and get better every meet,” Van Iddekinge said. This nurturing environment allowed the team to improve together and create a judgment-free zone. “Even though golf is somewhat individual, one person’s improvement can impact the whole team,” Van Iddekinge said. Everyone on the team encouraged each other, which allowed each player to have the ability to reach their goals. “I love my teammates, they are very supportive. We all are so proud of each other and work hard to get better,” Rylee DeSaulniers ’25 said. This environment created a space where the girls felt supported as individuals and grew as a team to reach their common goals together.

1. Sophie Bodin ’25 hits her driver on hole one during the meet against City and Liberty April 22. Her favorite part of being on the team is, “how much time I spend with friends [and] the van rides back are honestly the best part. I [also] love walking and talking on the course with all of them.”

2. Sophomore Lily Collier puts her driver away after teeing o on her sixth hole April 22. “My main goal this season is to lower my score and break 45,” Collier said.

Photos by Charlotte Stephens

DRIVE AWAY Lily Collier ’26 follows through on her drive at the Trojans home meet at Finkbine April 22. Collier’s strong drive helped her end the hole with par.

Photo by Charlotte Stephens

HOME RUN HEROES

HOME RUN HEROES

at ve years old. After such a long time playing a sport, some people struggle with their motivation to continue working, but not Logsdon. “Staying motivated is so easy when you’re having fun every day. It’s a kids game and when you think about it that way it becomes easy,” Logsdon said. Logsdon has been playing baseball with the same group of guys since elementary school. As he enters his senior season he looks forward to the supportive team dynamic. “Everyone genuinely likes being together and that’s a great feeling,” Logsdon said.

After facing the challenge of multiple injuries, Senior Gerik Fish’s main goal for the season is to fall in love with the sport again. “As someone who has struggled with injuries and falling out of love with the sport, my main goal is to be able to look back on this season and be happy with my decision to go out my senior season,” Fish said. Baseball has taught Fish many life lessons, including when to walk away. “There will always be another opportunity for you. And it’s about how you handle your next opportunity,” Fish said.

3. Jacob Koch ’24 started baseball as soon he could swing a bat and has never looked back. Baseball has helped Koch nd many friendships and deal with setbacks he’s faced in life. “Don’t let one bad play a ect the rest of your game. Nobody will be perfect but the best can come back and act like nothing happened,” Koch said. Koch has been a two-sport athlete during his time at West playing four years of varsity basketball. While he was constantly involved in athletics, Koch never let that a ect his academics earning all-state academic honors multiple times.

Written by Leah Butcher, Keith Moody and Gretchen Van Iddekinge

Photos by Leah Butcher and Taelim Yoon Design by Sigrid Rossi

QR CODE Scan the code or visit linktr. ee/trojanepic for summer coverage of the 2024 baseball season. The gallery will continue to be updated throughout the season.

4. Senior Cole Collier’s goal for his baseball career is to have fun. Collier’s pre-game rituals consist of keeping the energy of the team light. “It’s nice to keep it light and mess around a little up until we need to lock in,” Collier said. While spending the summer with his team, he learned the importance of team bonding. “We are all choosing to spend our precious free time during the summer together, so I think that it is really important that we get along well and can have fun,” Collier said.

5.

UP TO BAT Step up to the plate, wait for the pitcher and swing. This feeling is second nature to the seniors of West High’s baseball team. With the pre-season in full swing, the seniors prepared for their last season with their teammates. They took the time to re ect on their past season and the accomplishments they made.

Written by Leah Butcher

5. For Luke Ernst ’24, baseball has always been a part of his life. Playing with the same people since he was little, Ernst has been able to grow as an athlete through the sport alongside his best friends. “It’s just a great group to be around and it’s more fun to play baseball with your friends,” Ernst said. Baseball in particular has helped him stay focused on the next play and only try to control what he can control. As he goes into his last season, Ernst hopes to keep that same focus and cherish the last moments with his team.

6. Braden Doyle’s senior season at West marks his 13th year being a part of the baseball world. “My goal for the team this season is to make state,” Doyle said, while thinking of the season ahead. It may be di cult to stay focused on the goals ahead, but instead of being overwhelmed by the possibility, Doyle stays positive going into the season. “I stay motivated during the season by thinking about the end goal, and focusing on getting a little bit better every day,” Doyle said.

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