Sport brings healthy rewards for local participants

By: Chris C. Nelson, Publisher/Owner

Jacobs honored for achieving 1,000 career assists

By Greg Bates Contributing writer

When Robyn Van Eldik was coaching AAU volleyball for seventh- and eighth-graders a few years ago, she had a young setter on the squad named Josie Jacobs.

With so much raw talent, Van Eldik knew Jacobs was going to be a star for the Akron-Westfield volleyball program.

Westerner boys place 12th at invite

By Greg Bates Contributing writer

The Akron-Westfield cross country teams were back on the course on Sept. 7, competing in the Sibley-Ocheyedan meet at the Sibley Golf Course.

The boys’ squad came in 12th place out of 14 schools. The girls had their two runners on the team compete as individuals.

By Greg Bates, Contributing writer 

The Akron-Westfield volleyball team got back in the win column after five consecutive losses. 

By Jennifer Wendel

Akron-Westfield High School is embarking on a transformative journey within its athletic program as Nick Jacobs takes on the role of the new Strength and Conditioning Coach. This addition is set to redefine the athletic landscape by helping the student-athlete performance and overall fitness. Jacobs' insights provide a glimpse into this significant development.

Westerners put up 28 unanswered points to beat Sibley-Ocheyedan

By Greg Bates Contributing writer

One week after its offense sputtered, the Akron-Westfield football team rebounded in a big way.

The Westerners racked up 391 yards and their defense created four turnovers and a touchdown as they took down visiting Sibley-Ocheyedan, 45-18, on Sept. 2.

After trailing late in the second quarter, Akron-Westfield scored the game’s final 28 points.

Westerners drop four matches on the week

By Greg Bates, Contributing writer

It was a tough three-day stretch for the Akron-Westfield volleyball team.

The Westerners dropped a four-set match to Remsen St. Mary’s on Aug. 29 and then lost all three of its matches in the Boyden-Hull Tournament on Aug. 31.

Akron-Westfield is now 1-5 on the young season as it gets into the heart of its War Eagle Conference schedule.

Boie is top finisher for boys

By Greg Bates, Contributing writer

The Akron-Westfield cross country teams kicked off their season on Aug. 29 at the BHRV meet at the Rolling Hills Country Club.

The boys placed fifth, while the girls had just one runner compete. 

“Great first meet of the year,” Westerners coach Jerod Bruget said. 

A-K cross country coach battles elements in Booneville Backroads Ultra

By Greg Bates, Contributing writer 

It was like nothing Jerod Bruget had ever experienced.

The former U.S. Marine has six marathons under his belt, but those didn’t prepare him for the ultimate event. 

A-W falls in opener

By Hank Krause

Experienced group back on gridiron, Westerner football trying to qualify for playoffs for first time since 2018

By Greg Bates, Contributing writer

The seniors on this year’s Akron-Westfield football team have never experienced a winning season or qualified for playoffs during their high school tenure.

Coming off a disappointing 2-7 campaign a year ago, the Westerners return a solid group of guys who are ready to win.

Solid junior class paces volleyball team; Westerners start year playing really well, in ‘midseason form’

By Greg Bates, Contributing writer

After the Akron-Westfield volleyball team played its season-opening matches on Aug. 22, Robyn Van Eldik made a bold statement to her players.

The sixth-year head coach was thrilled with the way they played and even went as far as saying her team is in midseason form.

Boys’ cross country returns six of its top runners; Girls’ team consists of just two athletes

By Greg Bates, Contributing writer

Four years ago when Jerod Bruget helped start up the Akron-Westfield cross country program, he didn’t know how long it would take to get established.

Young runners joined the boys’ and girls’ teams, and, for the most part, they’ve stayed with the program throughout their entire high school careers.

Senior is a four-year starter on gridiron for Westerners

By Greg Bates, Contributing writer 

In his first three years as a starter on the Akron-Westfield football team, Jack Terpstra was a steady, trusted player.Now as a senior, he takes the leadership torch and is spreading his vast knowledge to the younger players on this year’s squad. Terpstra has become a leader on both sides of the ball as a wide receiver and free safety.

By Hank Krause