Waterloo West High School
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| Established | 1955 |
|---|---|
| Type | Secondary High School |
| Affiliation | Mississippi Valley Conference |
| Principal | Dr. Gail Moon |
| Students | 1735 |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Location | 425 East Ridgeway Avenue, Waterloo, Iowa, United States of America |
| Colors | Old Rose and Black |
| Mascot | Wahawk |
| Website | westhigh.waterloo.k12.ia.us/ |
Waterloo West High School is a high school located at the intersection of E Ridgeway Ave. and Baltimore Ave. in Waterloo, Iowa. It enjoys a rich and successful history especially in the music and sports departments. The West High band, choir, and orchestra programs have remained near the number one spot in the state of Iowa for the past 20 years, winning numerous awards in all fields of music. [1]
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[edit] Music Department
The marching band (headed by Director Steve Citta) has come in the top two in the state for the past four years, competing in competitions from Iowa to Minnesota. The marching band's repertoire for the past few years has consisted of: Danny Elfman's: Music For a Darkened Theater vol. II (1994), The Wizard of Oz (film) (1995), The Magical Mystery Tour (1996), Danny Elfman's: Music For a Darkened Theater vol. III]] (1997), Miss Saigon (1998), Tommy (1999), Danny Elfman's: Music For a Darkened Theater vol. IV (2000) Fantasmic (2001), Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (film) (2002), Waterworld (2003), Miss Saigon (2004), and Danny Elfman's: Music For A Darkened Theater Vol. V(2005) ,"Cirque du Soleil" (2006), and Doctor Who (2007). The marching band has received Division 1 ratings for 18 consecutive years.
The concert bands, wind symphony and symphonic band, are headed by Director Steve Citta and Assistant Director Nicholas Mixdorf. Over the past 9 years the band has taken a trip to the Heritage Festival three different times, each time earning 1st place in all categories. The Wind Symphony has received Division 1 ratings for 16 consecutive years. In the 06' season, the Jazz Band came in 4th place for all 4A schools at the Iowa Jazz Championships. In the 1980 Season, the Jazz Band, under the direction of Robert Schaefer, came in 1st place at the Iowa Jazz Championships.
The choir is directed by Kathrine Ruegg. The Concert Choir has competed in the Heritage Festivals in Chicago four times over twelve years, each time taking 1st in all of its categories. The Concert Choir has received Division 1 ratings for 20 consecutive years.
The Symphony is directed by Erin Gaherty. The ensemble sends several players each year to compete for chair placement at All State in Ames, Iowa. Many members of the ensemble regularly travel to the Dorian Music Festival located at Luther College each year.
[edit] Mascot
The school mascot is the Wahawk. The name "Wahawk" is a portmanteau of the city name (Waterloo) and the county name (Black Hawk). Much controversy has surrounded the mascot, which was once an Indian chief thought to be politically incorrect. It is currently the "Flying W," a capital "W" with a feather hanging off of it. This is also the only school in the United States with "Old Rose" as it's school color.
[edit] Current Developments
Currently, the Dan Gable wrestling facility is being added on to the North side of the Robert S. Siddens Gymnasium. The facility is set to open for students and classes in the Fall of 2007.
[edit] Notable alumni
- 1966 - Dan Gable, Olympic champion wrestler and collegiate coach.
- Bob Bowlsby, Athletic Director Stanford University (2006- ) University of Iowa (1991-2005)
- Matthew Kohls, Owner and founder of the department store formally known as Kohl's
- Don Perkins, running back for the Dallas Cowboys.
- Emily West, country music singer-songwriter signed with Capitol Records.
