Photo by Army National Guard
The applause said it all. Three consecutive state championships and a national ranking two out of the last three years. What can
Iowa City West head boys basketball coach Steve Bergman do to top that? The answer: not much.
A large crowd of school officials, parents and student-athletes were on hand at Iowa City West High School on May 28 for an awards program to honor the boys basketball team as one of the nation's top-ranked teams for the 2013-14 season.
Out of 20,000 boys basketball programs, Iowa City West was ranked No. 37 in the country by MaxPreps. The Trojans were one of 10 teams around the country to be formally recognized in the 8th Annual MaxPreps Basketball Tour of Champions presented by the National Guard. Iowa City West was also honored in 2012 when that undefeated team (26-0) was ranked 28th in the country. The Iowa City West girls basketball team was also recognized back in 2012, the first time that both boys and girls teams from the same school received the award in the same year.
Iowa City West finished the season 23-3 and won the Iowa 4A state championship for the third consecutive season. The Trojans defeated West Des Moines Valley in the championship game, 57-45, on March 15 at the Wells Fargo Arena in downtown Des Moines.
During the spring awards assembly, MaxPreps and the Iowa Army National Guard were on hand to present the Trojans with the Army National Guard national ranking trophy and Nationally Ranked Banner. Iowa Army National Guard representatives included Sergeant First Class Eric Less, First Sergeant Jason Farmer, Cindy Raglund and Captain Powell, who made the Minuteman trophy presentation. They posed for pictures and also interacted with parents and students before and after the event.
"I'm just blown away by what this team accomplished," said coach Bergman, now in his 24th season. "To be ranked among the nation's best again in pretty special. I didn't think it would happen again. We are truly honored to accept this wonderful award."
Iowa City West Athletic Director Scott Kibby echoed those sentiments.
"What Coach Bergman and his staff and players have done is quite remarkable. This year's team was a special group that had great chemistry, great work ethic and did what it took to win games with defense and great intensity," Kibby said. "We are very proud of the team and thrilled to accept this award for our school."
Captain Powell said, "To win an award like this, a team must demonstrate great pride, commitment and dedication. We are delighted to present this special award to Iowa City West High School and extend our congratulations to coach Bergman and his squad."
"This is a great honor and I want to thank MaxPreps and the Army National Guard for this wonderful award," senior guard
Wyatt Lohaus said. "To be part of this twice is something I will remember for the rest of my life."
Sergeant First Class Eric Less added, "We were very pleased to be here to present this prestigious award. The Army National Guard salutes Iowa City West High School on being named one of the nation's best teams this season."
The presentation concluded with team pictures and media interviews. Media from KGAN-TV and KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids were in attendance and covered the event on the 10 p.m. local newscasts. The accolades just keep coming for Bergman and company. And so does the applause.
Congratulations to the Trojans of Iowa City West High School! An accomplishment worthy of applause (and then some)!
