West Virginia

Decades of friendship: Willie Akers remembers Jerry West

Published

2 years ago

June 12, 2024

Decades of friendship: Willie Akers remembers Jerry West

WEST VIRGINIA (WOWK) – Basketball legend and West Virginia native Jerry West knew thousands of people, and millions knew him, but it’s safe to say one person who knew him best lives in Logan County, West Virginia.

Willie Akers has been able to call Jerry West his friend for nearly 70 years. The pair met at the leadership academy, Mountaineer Boys State, in 1955 and the rest is history. The news of West’s passing has made Wednesday a tough day for Akers. The last time the two spoke was just Tuesday.

The duo agreed to play at WVU together and did everything they could by each other’s side while they were in Morgantown.

“We were there from that time on. It was just a dream because we studied together, took classes together – everywhere we went was together,” Akers said. “And sometimes people thought there was something wrong with us ’cause we were playing ball and that was it. But we had a wonderful life and friendship from that time up until the very last minute.”

But when they were in high school, they competed against one another. When asked if he preferred playing with or against West, Akers knew his answer without hesitation.

“With him. He was too good to play against, but he was just a certain kinda guy that everybody liked him and they appreciated what he did,” Akers said.

The pair of friends both played in the inaugural game at the Logan Field House in 1958, which is now called the Willie Akers Arena. In that game, West Virginia University played William and Mary College, with WVU taking home the win.

Akers remembers his dear friend as a humble man who was more than just his legendary basketball career. Akers says becoming “The Logo” didn’t change that.

“He didn’t think he was worthy of it,” Akers said. “It’s the truth! I know he’s proud of it but he said that ‘I don’t know, it’s okay.’ But that’s the way he is. He has all of these trophies and whatnot in the Greenbrier where he owns the restaurant with Jim Justice. And all that stuff means nothing to him.”

Akers tells WOWK 13 News West was far more charitable than anyone really knows because he didn’t make a big deal of his actions.

“Jerry West was a person that didn’t want people to know what he had done. He liked to be in the background of it, but he didn’t want anybody giving him any publicity for it. I could name you many things that he has done for the university, but I’m not going to get into that because he didn’t want me to,” Akers said.

Beyond the public moments, there were also some very private ones. Over the years, Jerry West has spoken of his struggles with depression, and Akers was one of the people who helped him pull through some of the darkest times.

The two have shared milestones in their lives and their families’ lives throughout their decades of friendship, and now Akers and their families are mourning this monumental loss together.

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West Virginia

West Virginia linebacker Ben Bogle signs with Arkansas football | Whole Hog Sports

Published

8 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Press Room

West Virginia linebacker Ben Bogle signs with Arkansas football | Whole Hog Sports

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West Virginia

West Virginia Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Lotto America on Jan. 10, 2026

Published

20 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Press Room

Are you looking to win big? The West Virginia Lottery offers a variety of games if you think it’s your lucky day.

Lottery players in West Virginia can choose from popular national games like the Powerball and Mega Millions, which are available in the vast majority of states. Other games include Lotto America, Daily 3, Daily 4 and Cash 25.

Big lottery wins around the U.S. include a lucky lottery ticketholder in California who won a $1.27 billion Mega Millions jackpot in December 2024. See more big winners here. And if you do end up cashing a jackpot, here’s what experts say to do first.

Here’s a look at Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 10 drawing

05-19-21-28-64, Powerball: 14, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Jan. 10 drawing

06-15-20-22-25, Star Ball: 10, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 3 numbers from Jan. 10 drawing

6-3-7

Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 4 numbers from Jan. 10 drawing

3-0-6-8

Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the West Virginia Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 11 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10:59 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
Lotto America: 10:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Daily 3, 4: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday.
Cash 25: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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West Virginia

West Virginia Lottery results: See winning numbers for Mega Millions, Daily 3 on Jan. 9, 2026

Published

2 days ago

January 10, 2026

Press Room

Are you looking to win big? The West Virginia Lottery offers a variety of games if you think it’s your lucky day.

Here’s a look at Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Jan. 9 drawing

12-30-36-42-47, Mega Ball: 16

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 3 numbers from Jan. 9 drawing

5-4-4

Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 4 numbers from Jan. 9 drawing

3-0-4-6

Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 25 numbers from Jan. 9 drawing

01-05-06-07-12-13

Check Cash 25 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the West Virginia Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 11 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10:59 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
Lotto America: 10:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Daily 3, 4: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday.
Cash 25: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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