Willie D. Akers, Jr.

Willie D. Akers Jr. was recognized as an Outstanding Alumnus by the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences in 1991.

A native of Mullens, W.Va., Akers was a two-time all-state selection at Mullens High School and helped lead his team to the Class AAA state title in 1955. He enrolled at West Virginia University in 1956 alongside fellow standout Jerry West, with whom he would form one of the most highly regarded duos in state high school basketball history.

Akers was a four-year letterwinner for the Mountaineers from 1958 to 1960. He played a key role on teams that posted an 81-12 record, won two Southern Conference championships, and made three NCAA Tournament appearances. WVU reached the national championship game in 1959, falling by one point to California. Akers served as team captain in 1960 and finished his career averaging 7.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 1960 and completed a master’s degree from WVU in 1968. After two seasons playing professionally with the Cleveland Pipers of the ABA, Akers returned to West Virginia to begin a long and successful career in education and coaching at Logan High School. Over 22 years as head basketball coach, he led the program to four state titles, four runner-up finishes, and three additional state tournament appearances, compiling a 402-116 record. He later served as assistant principal and then assistant superintendent for Logan County Schools.

Akers was named West Virginia Coach of the Year in 1983 and remains one of the most successful AAA basketball coaches in state history. He was inducted into the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Logan High School Hall of Fame in 1994.