Over the Blue oval

Matthew Dickinson/West Branch Times West Branch senior Alyssa Pierce uncorks her first throw during the high school girls’ shot put Friday morning at the Drake Relays held at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.

The West Branch boys’ soccer team kept a scrappy Bellevue squad at bay, using improved passing and a stingy defensive effort to claim a 3-0 victory over the Comets Friday night at home.

With three medalists, Bears finish second at WL tourney
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · May 07, 2025
The West Branch boys’ golf team had three medalists and took second with 314 strokes at the highly competitive West Liberty Invitational held April 29 at West Liberty Golf and Country Club.

Golfers collect best tourney score at Saddleback Ridge
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · May 07, 2025
Facing a slew of teams from larger classes, the West Branch girls’ golf team shot a tournament season-best 402 to place sixth April 29 at Saddleback Ridge Golf Ridge in Solon.

Pierce, Hamann fuel Bears’ three wins
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · May 07, 2025
The West Branch girls’ track team had three event wins and 55 team points as the Bears took sixth at the April 29 Xavier Co-Ed Invitational held April 29 at Cedar Rapids Xavier.

Bellevue racks up five goals to beat Bears
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · May 07, 2025
The West Branch girls’ soccer team could not overcome a three-goal deficit after the first half in a 5-1 home River Valley Conference setback to Bellevue Friday night.

Boys 5th against pool with bigger schools
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · May 07, 2025
The West Branch boys’ track team did some lineup experimenting and had some strong results against tough competition amid a fifth-place finish with 48 points April 29 at Cedar Rapids Xavier.

Bears atop 10-team field in boys’ golf tournament
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · April 30, 2025
With a steady but stellar effort from McGavin Smith and solid scores all around, the West Branch boys’ golf team won its April 22 tournament in Durant with 325 strokes.

Bears dismantle Northeast Rebels, 6-0
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · April 30, 2025
West Branch’s girls’ soccer team used a fast start and consistent play to easily down Northeast 6-0 Monday night at home.

Prince of Peace push comes too late
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · April 30, 2025
Despite a late Prince of Peace comeback, the West Branch boys’ soccer team held on to claim a 4-3 home victory over the Irish Monday night.

Pedersen just 0.15 second off from finals
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · April 30, 2025
Four members of the West Branch boys’ track team gained valuable experience against the state’s best during two events at the prestigious Drake Relays last weekend in Des Moines.

Pierce 12th in shot put at Drake Relays
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · April 30, 2025
Representing the West Branch girls’ track team, senior Alyssa Pierce used consistency and experience to take 12th place in the Drake Relays high school girls’ shot put with a solid 38 feet, 3 inch toss.

In first 18-hole tournament, West Branch finishes sixth
by Matthew Dickinson, sports editor · Sports · April 30, 2025
The West Branch girls’ team had its first taste of tournament action April 24 at Kalona Golf Course, taking sixth with 425 strokes against some solid competition.