In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Legacy Realty of Iowa and Revive Dermatology Clinic and Spa, publisher Dan Holm previews the Drake Relays with senior Ethan Zuber of the Ankeny boys' track team, senior Cael Woods and sophomore Anna Woods of the Ankeny Centennial squads, and junior Charlee Cibula of the Ankeny girls' … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 302
IGHSAU announces State Dual Meet Tourney coming to girls’ wrestling in 2027
The Board of Directors at the Iowa Girls' High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) unanimously approved the implementation of a girls' wrestling state dual tournament for the 2026-27 season. “A state dual meet tournament is something that our wrestling schools have wanted,” said IGHSAU Executive Director Erin Gerlich. “The impressive growth of girls' wrestling … [Read more...] about IGHSAU announces State Dual Meet Tourney coming to girls’ wrestling in 2027
‘The game plan didn’t work’: Mendez, No. 2 Dowling romp past Centennial boys, 7-2
A week ago, the Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer team was mostly successful in containing high-scoring Ankeny forward Landon Benge. The Jaguars weren't as successful on Tuesday defending Dowling Catholic star Jonathan Mendez. Mendez erupted for four goals and two assists to lead the second-ranked Maroons to a 7-2 victory over No. 8 Centennial in a CIML … [Read more...] about ‘The game plan didn’t work’: Mendez, No. 2 Dowling romp past Centennial boys, 7-2
‘We put a lot of pressure on them’: Ankeny girls end drought in 2-0 win at Johnston
The Ankeny girls' soccer team finally found the back of the net. After going scoreless in their last three games, the fourth-ranked Hawkettes got goals from Abby Steinkamp and Izzy Squires to post a 2-0 victory at No. 11 Johnston on Tuesday. "We put a lot of pressure on them," said Ankeny coach Simon Brown. "It's not easy to win on the road, but we … [Read more...] about ‘We put a lot of pressure on them’: Ankeny girls end drought in 2-0 win at Johnston
Passing the torch: Fontana’s ex-assistant Delger to take over Centennial boys’ post
Former assistant coach Matt Delger has been hired to replace longtime Ankeny Centennial boys' basketball coach Bob Fontana, the school announced on Wednesday. We will have more on this developing story later today. … [Read more...] about Passing the torch: Fontana’s ex-assistant Delger to take over Centennial boys’ post
Jaguars finally solve Dowling’s defense, get late goal from freshman for 1-0 win
One goal was all that the Ankeny Centennial girls' soccer team needed on Tuesday night. The third-ranked Jaguars finally got it with just under 10 minutes left to play on their home pitch. Adeline Kroska scored off an assist by Ava Martin, and Centennial went on to beat No. 10 Dowling Catholic, 1-0, in a CIML Conference game. "We felt if we could … [Read more...] about Jaguars finally solve Dowling’s defense, get late goal from freshman for 1-0 win
Centennial boys win 9 events, dominate Jaguar Invite to claim their 4th team title
With the Drake Relays starting on Thursday, the Ankeny Centennial boys' track team could have elected to rest its qualifiers on Tuesday night. Head coach Nate Smith decided not to do that. Instead, Centennial relied on many of its regulars to easily win the Jaguar Invitational for its fourth team title of the season. The Jaguars racked up 156 points in … [Read more...] about Centennial boys win 9 events, dominate Jaguar Invite to claim their 4th team title
TENNIS ROUNDUP: Ankeny, Centennial squads get swept by Johnston, Dowling
Tuesday was a rough night for the Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial tennis teams. All four squads suffered losses in CIML Conference play. At the Prairie Ridge courts, the Ankeny boys' team dropped an 11-0 decision to Johnston while the Centennial girls' squad was blanked by Dowling Catholic, 11-0. It was the fourth consecutive shutout loss for the Jaguars, … [Read more...] about TENNIS ROUNDUP: Ankeny, Centennial squads get swept by Johnston, Dowling
Jaguars place 2nd, Hawkettes finish 5th in Drake Relays tuneup at Weier Invitational
Monday's Larry Weier Invitational at Dowling Catholic served as a final tuneup for the Drake Relays for six girls' track teams, including Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial. The Jaguars placed second overall with 168.5 points. Dowling won the meet for the third straight year, racking up 205.5 points. "The Dowling meet was a nice tuneup for the Drake Relays … [Read more...] about Jaguars place 2nd, Hawkettes finish 5th in Drake Relays tuneup at Weier Invitational
‘We didn’t play quite as well today’: AHS golfers finish 11th at Lamson Invitational
Coming off a season-best score in the Toni Dickey Invitational on Thursday at Otter Creek, the Ankeny girls' golf team was hoping to play just as well in the Lamson Invitational on Monday at Willow Creek. Unfortunately, it didn't happen. The Hawkettes shot a 384 and finished 11th in the 17-team field. "We didn’t play quite as well today," said … [Read more...] about ‘We didn’t play quite as well today’: AHS golfers finish 11th at Lamson Invitational
‘We continue to grow’: Depleted Jags gain experience in losses to Valley, Cedar Falls
The depleted Ankeny Centennial girls' tennis team traveled to the Byrnes Park Tennis Center in Waterloo on Monday and lost to a pair of tough opponents at the Cedar Falls Quadrangular. The Jaguars dropped an 11-0 decision to Valley in a CIML Conference meet, then fell to the host Tigers, 9-0, in a non-conference matchup. They are now 0-4 in the league and … [Read more...] about ‘We continue to grow’: Depleted Jags gain experience in losses to Valley, Cedar Falls
High school qualifiers announced for 115th running of Drake Relays
The high school qualifiers for the 115th Drake Relays have been announced. All four of the Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial squads will be well represented. Here are all of the Ankeny and Centennial qualifiers: BOYS 4x100 relay: Ankeny, Centennial 4x200 relay: Centennial 4x400 relay: Ankeny, Centennial 4x800 relay: Ankeny, Centennial Shuttle … [Read more...] about High school qualifiers announced for 115th running of Drake Relays
First boys’ soccer rankings announced: Surging Centennial is eighth in Class 4A
Ankeny Centennial is eighth in Class 4A in the first rankings of the season from the Iowa High School Athletic Association. The rankings for all four classes will be determined through the regular season by official rankings committees, a process utilized in IHSAA football, basketball, and dual team wrestling. Each classification features a top 10 … [Read more...] about First boys’ soccer rankings announced: Surging Centennial is eighth in Class 4A
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Caleb Murray, Ankeny Centennial boys’ soccer
Senior midfielder/defender Caleb Murray has helped the Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer team to a 5-2 record, including a 2-1 mark in the CIML Conference. The Jaguars extended their winning streak to four games with a 2-0 victory over visiting Urbandale on Friday. Murray earned all-conference honorable mention as a junior for Centennial, which will travel … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Caleb Murray, Ankeny Centennial boys’ soccer
Hawks win twice at Valley Invite as Benge, Wahlberg combine for 7 goals, 4 assists
Ankeny boys' soccer coach Trevor Fuccio challenged his players to come away with a pair of wins this weekend. The Hawks responded in a big way. After posting a 3-0 triumph over Linn-Mar (Marion) on Friday at the Valley Invitational, Ankeny capped off the tournament Saturday with a 6-4 victory over previously unbeaten Ames. The Hawks are now 4-3 on the … [Read more...] about Hawks win twice at Valley Invite as Benge, Wahlberg combine for 7 goals, 4 assists
‘UNI was a perfect fit’: Rathjen to wrestle for Panthers, will reunite with Anderson
Former Ankeny wrestling star Caleb Rathjen is heading to Cedar Falls. The two-time state champion announced that he will transfer to Northern Iowa. The ex-Iowa Hawkeye will have one season of eligibility remaining. "I was looking for a place close to home that I felt I fit on with the team and the culture, and UNI was a perfect fit," said … [Read more...] about ‘UNI was a perfect fit’: Rathjen to wrestle for Panthers, will reunite with Anderson
‘We’re just struggling to find the goal’: Hawkettes settle for 0-0 draw vs. Waukee
The scoring drought continues for the Ankeny girls' soccer team. The fourth-ranked Hawkettes hosted No. 5 Waukee on Friday and dominated much of the game, but had to settle for a 0-0 tie. It was the second scoreless draw in the last three games for coach Simon Brown's team, which has not scored a regular goal in its last four contests. "Waukee set up … [Read more...] about ‘We’re just struggling to find the goal’: Hawkettes settle for 0-0 draw vs. Waukee
‘It’s another building block’: Jaguars beat Urbandale, extend their winning streak
The latest victory for the Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer team even impressed some former Jaguars. "With it being Easter weekend, we had a ton of alumni back in town and a lot of them were like, 'You guys can actually play. You guys are stringing some passes together and doing some things that are really good,'" Centennial coach Brian Duax said after his … [Read more...] about ‘It’s another building block’: Jaguars beat Urbandale, extend their winning streak
‘Resilient’ Jags dominate 2nd half for 3-0 victory at Urbandale, post 5th clean sheet
It took awhile, but the Ankeny Centennial girls' soccer team finally solved Urbandale's defense to earn a road victory in CIML Conference play on Friday. The third-ranked Jaguars scored three goals in the second half to post a 3-0 win. They improved to 2-1 in the league and 5-1 overall, while No. 13 Urbandale's records dropped to 0-3 and 3-3-1. It was … [Read more...] about ‘Resilient’ Jags dominate 2nd half for 3-0 victory at Urbandale, post 5th clean sheet
Ankeny girls edge Johnston, Centennial to win team crown at Jaguar Invitational
The 31 seniors on the Ankeny Centennial girls' track team were honored during Thursday's Jaguar Invitational, and at the end of the meet they nearly got to celebrate a team title. However, a strong performance by its crosstown rival prevented Centennial from doing just that. Ankeny racked up 119.5 points to capture the crown, winning a close three-team … [Read more...] about Ankeny girls edge Johnston, Centennial to win team crown at Jaguar Invitational