Boys’ track coaches Nick Nelson of Ankeny and Nate Smith of Ankeny Centennial were the guests on the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 133
Archives for April 2021
Ex-Centennial star Robinson earns third-team All-American honors
A record six members of the top-ranked Wisconsin volleyball team--including former Ankeny Centennial star Devyn Robinson--have earned American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-America honors, the organization announced on Wednesday. Robinson was named to the third team. Just the fourth Badger to earn All-America honors as a freshman, Robinson … [Read more...] about Ex-Centennial star Robinson earns third-team All-American honors
‘It isn’t the end of the world’: Urbandale boys snap Hawks’ winning streak
There's no reason for the Ankeny boys' soccer team to panic. But coach Marcus Varnum is hoping that the Hawks can learn from Tuesday's 2-1 loss at Urbandale. "The sky isn't falling. It isn't the end of the world," said Varnum, whose team had its six-game winning streak snapped. "But we can't casually walk away from this one. We're going to see … [Read more...] about ‘It isn’t the end of the world’: Urbandale boys snap Hawks’ winning streak
‘It was a thing of beauty’: Jaguars finish rout with 5 goals in 16 minutes
Even though the Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer team held a 5-0 halftime lead against visiting Ottumwa on Tuesday, the Jaguars weren't clicking on all cylinders. "We missed plenty of chances," said Centennial coach Brian Duax. "We weren't as clinical as I wanted us to be in front of the net." After a pep talk from Duax, the Jaguars responded with five … [Read more...] about ‘It was a thing of beauty’: Jaguars finish rout with 5 goals in 16 minutes
Mackaman’s rally sparks Centennial boys to 6-5 victory over Roughriders
Senior Nic Mackaman fought off several match points to win the No. 3 singles match on Tuesday, sparking the Ankeny Centennial boys' tennis team to a 6-5 victory over visiting Des Moines Roosevelt. Mackaman rallied from a 9-4 deficit in the super-tiebreaker to defeat Alex Russell in three sets, 6-2, 2-6, 13-11. That win proved to be the difference as the … [Read more...] about Mackaman’s rally sparks Centennial boys to 6-5 victory over Roughriders
Jaguars tune up for showdown against Ankeny with 10-1 win at Roosevelt
The Ankeny Centennial girls' tennis team was missing one of its top players on Tuesday. The Jaguars did just fine without her. Centennial rolled to a 10-1 victory at Des Moines Roosevelt in a non-conference meet. "Claudia Guan was ill so we had to experiment with some new (doubles) teams, and the girls responded well," said Centennial coach Armando … [Read more...] about Jaguars tune up for showdown against Ankeny with 10-1 win at Roosevelt
‘The ball was shared around the field’: Jaguars erupt for 11 goals in 40 minutes
After struggling to find the net on Monday, the Ankeny Centennial girls' soccer team didn't have that problem 24 hours later. The Jaguars scored 11 goals in the first half to defeat host Ottumwa, 11-0, in a non-conference game on Tuesday. The contest ended at halftime via the mercy rule. "It was kind of the opposite of our game against Ames (on … [Read more...] about ‘The ball was shared around the field’: Jaguars erupt for 11 goals in 40 minutes
Blimpie Sub of the Week: Avry Olson, Ankeny boys’ soccer
Sophomore forward Avry Olson has helped the Ankeny boys' soccer team to a 6-2 record. He scored the Hawks' only goal in their 2-1 loss at Urbandale on Tuesday. "Avry is an attacking player for us that has played good minutes off the bench," said Ankeny coach Marcus Varnum. "He had a bit of (an injury) on Saturday against Norwalk and wasn't quite ready to … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Avry Olson, Ankeny boys’ soccer
Hawks drop 9-2 decision to Dowling, will play Centennial on Thursday
Dowling Catholic's Daniel Lu is one of the state's top boys' tennis players. The rest of the Maroons' squad is pretty good, too. Lu won both of his matches without dropping a single game and visiting Dowling posted a 9-2 victory over Ankeny on Tuesday at the Prairie Ridge courts. "They're tough," said Ankeny coach Ron Miller. "But we're maybe not as … [Read more...] about Hawks drop 9-2 decision to Dowling, will play Centennial on Thursday
Dowling girls show why Ankeny coach has been voting them No. 1 every week
Ankeny girls' tennis coach Steve Smith has been voting Dowling Catholic No. 1 in the Class 2A rankings every week. The Maroons showed why on Tuesday. Dowling rolled to an 11-0 victory over the visiting Hawkettes in a non-conference meet. "Dowling’s top four (players) are the best 1-4 in the state," Smith said. "I’ve coached all of them either at … [Read more...] about Dowling girls show why Ankeny coach has been voting them No. 1 every week
Overberg’s goal lifts Centennial girls to 1-0 victory over Little Cyclones
Elizabeth Overberg was trying to set up one of her Ankeny Centennial girls' soccer teammates for a go-ahead goal. She ended up scoring the goal herself. The senior midfielder found the net for her team-leading fourth goal of the season to give the Jaguars a 1-0 victory over visiting Ames on Monday. "I saw my outside forward creeping in, so I knew … [Read more...] about Overberg’s goal lifts Centennial girls to 1-0 victory over Little Cyclones
‘It was a big day for us’: Ankeny boys win shootouts against Norwalk, Valley
You don't want to get into a shootout with the Ankeny boys' soccer team. The Hawks showed again on Saturday that they know how to prevail in penalty kicks, winning a pair of shootouts at the Valley Invitational. They posted back-to-back 3-2 victories over Norwalk and Valley, winning both shootouts by a 4-3 margin. "It was a big day for us," said Ankeny … [Read more...] about ‘It was a big day for us’: Ankeny boys win shootouts against Norwalk, Valley
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Megan Sommerfeld, Ankeny girls’ tennis
Senior Megan Sommerfeld is the No. 1 player for the Ankeny girls' tennis team. She has helped the Hawkettes to a 2-1 record. Sommerfeld has posted a 2-1 mark in singles. She has also teamed up with Abby Johnson for a 4-2 record at No. 1 doubles. Here is some inside info on Sommerfeld: How is the season going thus far? I feel like the season has … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Megan Sommerfeld, Ankeny girls’ tennis
‘A recipe for disaster’: Ankeny’s offensive woes continue in OT loss to Spartans
A second shutout loss in three days has left the Ankeny girls' soccer team searching for answers. The Hawkettes battled Pleasant Valley into overtime before dropping a 1-0 decision on Saturday at the Bettendorf Invitational. The loss followed a similar 1-0 setback at Dowling Catholic on Thursday. "Scoring goals has obviously been a problem the last two … [Read more...] about ‘A recipe for disaster’: Ankeny’s offensive woes continue in OT loss to Spartans
Jaguars drop 6-3 decision to Cedar Falls, then roll to 9-0 win over Bettendorf
A long road trip to Bettendorf ended the same way it began for the Ankeny Centennial boys' tennis team--with a .500 record. The Jaguars entered Saturday with a 2-2 record, and they returned home with a 3-3 mark. After dropping a 6-3 decision to Cedar Falls, Centennial bounced back with a 9-0 victory over Bettendorf. "It was a great day of team building … [Read more...] about Jaguars drop 6-3 decision to Cedar Falls, then roll to 9-0 win over Bettendorf
Ankeny, Centennial teams to be well represented at Drake Relays
The 111th Drake Relays will be held Thursday through Saturday at Drake Stadium. All of the high schools events will be held on Thursday before limited fans. Several athletes from Ankeny have qualified in multiple individual events. They are Lauren McMahon and Shelby Romig of Ankeny and Kathryn Vortherms and Rondi Quass of Ankeny Centennial in the girls' … [Read more...] about Ankeny, Centennial teams to be well represented at Drake Relays
Centennial’s Fisher commits to Mustangs, will reunite with ex-teammate Jones
Another Ankeny Centennial softball pitcher has made her college plans. This one will be reuniting with a former teammate. Maggie Fisher has committed to play for Morningside University in Sioux City. She announced her decision via Twitter on Friday. "I'm so excited and so blessed to announce my commitment to further my academic and softball careers … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Fisher commits to Mustangs, will reunite with ex-teammate Jones
Heckenliable brothers spark Centennial boys to 3-1 victory at Urbandale
Senior Jack Heckenliable was expected to be one of the leaders this season for the Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer team. His younger brother, Andrew, has emerged as a key player, too. Both Jack and Andrew scored goals late in the second half to give the Jaguars a 3-1 victory at Urbandale in a non-conference game on Friday. "The Heckenliable boys are … [Read more...] about Heckenliable brothers spark Centennial boys to 3-1 victory at Urbandale
‘The girls ended up taking care of business’: Jaguars win via mercy rule
After playing three consecutive games that went down to the wire, the Ankeny Centennial girls' soccer team needed a breather. The Jaguars got one on Friday night. Centennial traveled to Marshalltown for its CIML Iowa Conference opener and rolled to a 10-0 victory over the Bobcats. The game ended early via the 10-goal mercy rule when Macie Langstraat … [Read more...] about ‘The girls ended up taking care of business’: Jaguars win via mercy rule
Centennial’s Jensen to play basketball at Simpson College
Ankeny Centennial senior Brock Jensen has committed to play basketball at Simpson College. Jensen, a forward, picked the Storm over several other schools. "I looked at Simpson, Grand View, Central, Morningside, Coe, Midland and Wartburg," said Jensen. "I liked the coach and their staff; their players are awesome to be around, and the atmosphere of the … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Jensen to play basketball at Simpson College