A rare opportunity to play two top-ranked teams in the same day resulted in a pair of losses on Saturday for the Ankeny Centennial volleyball squad. The seventh-ranked Jaguars hosted a triangular meet against Dowling Catholic and Cedar Rapids Xavier, the No. 1 teams in Class 5A and 4A, respectively. "Overall, we played well," said Centennial coach … [Read more...] about No. 1 teams Dowling, Cedar Rapids Xavier top Centennial volleyball squad
Archives for October 2020
Ankeny Fanatic Preps of the Week: Connor Cunningham and Andrew Poock
Seniors Connor Cunningham and Andrew Poock are enjoying strong seasons for the Ankeny Centennial and Ankeny boys' cross country teams, respectively. Cunningham, who is ranked 15th in Class 4A, placed 12th in the A Division of the Fort Dodge Invitational on Thursday with a time of 16 minutes 55 seconds. He helped the 11th-ranked Jaguars to a fourth-place … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Preps of the Week: Connor Cunningham and Andrew Poock
‘We all struggled on the greens a lot’: Hawk golfers finish 5th in Class 4A
More than a few golfers walked off the course at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club on Saturday shaking their heads. Many of the participants in the boys' Class 4A state meet simply couldn't figure out the greens. "We all struggled on the greens a lot," said Ankeny senior Ty Roghair. "They were pretty fast and had a lot of slopes." Second-ranked … [Read more...] about ‘We all struggled on the greens a lot’: Hawk golfers finish 5th in Class 4A
Jaguars excited about the future after tying for 10th place in Class 4A meet
Ankeny Centennial boys' golf coach Rick Fee preferred to look ahead to the future rather than reflect on his team's performance in the Class 4A state meet over the last two days at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club. The Jaguars will return most of the players who helped the team to tie for 10th place with a two-day total of 675. "We will bring back … [Read more...] about Jaguars excited about the future after tying for 10th place in Class 4A meet
Central Bank Athlete of the Month: Hunter Johnson, Ankeny senior
Hawks, Jaguars receive first-round byes in Class 4A football playoffs
The Ankeny football team was expected to receive a bye in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs. It turns out that Ankeny Centennial will get one, too. Both squads will get a week off before making their postseason debut in the second round of the playoffs on Friday, Oct. 23. The second-ranked Hawks (6-1) and Jaguars (1-5) are among the 28 teams … [Read more...] about Hawks, Jaguars receive first-round byes in Class 4A football playoffs
Explosive plays help No. 2 Hawks to huge victory over Indianola in finale
Big plays were the name of the game on Friday in Ankeny as the second-ranked Hawks squared off with the Indianola Indians (3-4). Even in a blowout 45-14 win for Ankeny, both teams saw big plays throughout the night, especially early on. “We have really good players,” Ankeny coach Rick Nelson said. “Who’s fooling themselves? You’re not going to win if … [Read more...] about Explosive plays help No. 2 Hawks to huge victory over Indianola in finale
Jaguars look ahead to playoffs after ending regular season with loss at Valley
The Ankeny Centennial football team was looking to build some momentum heading into the Class 4A playoffs. The Jaguars finally got some during the second half of Friday's regular-season finale at Valley. It was just a little too late. After Valley jumped out to a 27-0 halftime lead, Centennial outscored the Tigers in the second half, 10-0, to come … [Read more...] about Jaguars look ahead to playoffs after ending regular season with loss at Valley
Hawks, Jaguars look to make up ground during Saturday’s final round at state
If the Ankeny boys' golf team hopes to contend for the Class 4A state title, the Hawks may need a few more shots like the one that ended Hunter Johnson's opening round on Friday. Johnson holed out from 75 yards on No. 18 for an eagle, allowing him to finish with a 4-over-par 76 at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club. He is tied for sixth place heading … [Read more...] about Hawks, Jaguars look to make up ground during Saturday’s final round at state
Hawkettes, Jaguars to host familiar opponents in Class 5A regional semifinals
The Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial volleyball teams will both face familiar foes in postseason play. Both squads will host a Class 5A regional semifinal on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. against an opponent that they just swept on Tuesday. Second-ranked Ankeny (15-2) will meet Marshalltown (7-9) in Region 4, while No. 7 Centennial (12-7) will face Ames (4-11) … [Read more...] about Hawkettes, Jaguars to host familiar opponents in Class 5A regional semifinals
McMahon avenges her only loss, while Ankeny boys claim Fort Dodge crown
Thursday was a good night for Lauren McMahon and the Ankeny girls' cross country team. The Ankeny boys' squad, and both Ankeny Centennial teams, also had some good performances at the Fort Dodge Invitational. The meet consisted of two separate pods so Ankeny's crosstown rivals did not race against each other. The top-ranked McMahon avenged her only … [Read more...] about McMahon avenges her only loss, while Ankeny boys claim Fort Dodge crown
Ankeny golfers seek their first state title, while Centennial looks to pull off surprise
The Ankeny boys' golf team is looking to make some history this weekend. Ankeny Centennial could pull off a surprise and make some of its own. Both squads will be competing in the Class 4A state meet together for the first time ever. The meet will be held on Friday and Saturday at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club. Second-ranked Ankeny is one of … [Read more...] about Ankeny golfers seek their first state title, while Centennial looks to pull off surprise
Centennial snaps out of recent funk, hits .328 en route to sweep at Ames
The Ankeny Centennial volleyball team got a much-needed victory on Tuesday at Ames. The fifth-ranked Jaguars posted a 25-15, 25-15, 25-17 triumph to snap out of a recent funk. They improved to 3-1 in the CIML Iowa Conference and 12-7 overall, while Ames' records dropped to 0-3 and 4-11. Centennial was coming off a difficult week that began with a … [Read more...] about Centennial snaps out of recent funk, hits .328 en route to sweep at Ames
Hawkettes sweep Marshalltown, clinch at least a share of Iowa Conference title
On a night when the Ankeny volleyball team clinched at least a share of the CIML Iowa Conference title, the Hawkettes had a lot of other things on their minds. Second-ranked Ankeny rolled to a 25-11, 25-10, 25-15 victory over visiting Marshalltown on Tuesday, but the match was only part of the evening's festivities. "It was a full night," said Ankeny … [Read more...] about Hawkettes sweep Marshalltown, clinch at least a share of Iowa Conference title
Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 109
Check out the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America. Ankeny Fanatic publisher Dan Holm interviews boys' cross country standouts Cael Cox of Ankeny and Gabriel Vicker of Ankeny Centennial about the progress of their teams and looks ahead to the last few weeks of the season. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 109
Stout proud of Ankeny swimmers’ effort, passion and energy in loss to No. 4 Ames
The Ames girls' swimming team is still a powerhouse--even without its longtime coach. The fourth-ranked Little Cyclones handed No. 7 Ankeny its first loss of the season on Tuesday at Trail Point Aquatics Center. They posted a 119-67 victory in the CIML Iowa Conference dual meet. The Ames swimmers have dedicated their season to Dan Flannery, who died of … [Read more...] about Stout proud of Ankeny swimmers’ effort, passion and energy in loss to No. 4 Ames
Blimpie Sub of the Week: Reid Johnson, Ankeny football
Sophomore Reid Johnson is a member of the second-ranked Ankeny football team. He has helped the Hawks to a 5-1 record. On Sept. 11, Johnson started at running back in place of injured teammate Colin Kadolph and helped Ankeny to a 52-18 victory at Fort Dodge. He ran 31 times for 149 yards and one touchdown. "Reid has been a varsity player on special … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Reid Johnson, Ankeny football
‘It just seemed like I would fit right in’: Centennial’s McAleer to play for Midland
Ankeny Centennial senior Colin McAleer will continue his basketball career at the NAIA level. The sharpshooting guard has announced his verbal commitment to Midland University in Fremont, Neb. "I loved the coaching staff and the players," said McAleer. "I love what coach Oliver (Drake) is about. I was at Midland for my second time last weekend to watch … [Read more...] about ‘It just seemed like I would fit right in’: Centennial’s McAleer to play for Midland
Ankeny, Centennial golfers advance to state in same year for first time ever
The Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial boys' golf teams are both headed to the Class 4A state meet later this week. Both squads placed second in their respective district meets on Monday in similar fashion. The second-ranked Hawks and No. 6 Jaguars both tied for first place, but lost a tiebreaker for the district crown. This marks the first time that Ankeny … [Read more...] about Ankeny, Centennial golfers advance to state in same year for first time ever
Ankeny outfielder Boyd commits to play baseball at Iowa Central
Ankeny senior Cael Boyd has been a standout in three sports throughout his high school career. Despite his success on the football field and on the track, Boyd always knew that he wanted to play baseball at the next level. "I feel like baseball has always been my passion," said Boyd, who elected to give up football this fall due to a history of … [Read more...] about Ankeny outfielder Boyd commits to play baseball at Iowa Central