In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America, publisher Dan Holm breaks down the Jag-Hawk football game with Ankeny coach Jeff Bauer and junior receiver Evan Irlmeier, one of the stars of the Hawks' 39-38 victory in double overtime. Coldwell Banker realtor Janae Griffith also makes an appearance. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 229
Archives for August 2023
Revive Clinic and Spa Coach of the Month: Liz Baethke, Ankeny volleyball
The first-year coach of the Hawkettes has guided the team to a 5-2 record. … [Read more...] about Revive Clinic and Spa Coach of the Month: Liz Baethke, Ankeny volleyball
‘Takin’ Care of Business’: Miller pounds 18 kills, leads Jaguars to road sweep
Delaney Miller pounded 18 kills and hit .533 for the match as the Ankeny Centennial volleyball team rolled to a 25-8, 25-9, 25-22 victory at Urbandale on Tuesday. The sixth-ranked Jaguars improved to 2-0 in the CIML Conference and 7-2 overall. Urbandale's records dropped to 0-2 and 4-3. "I thought our team did a great job taking care of business," … [Read more...] about ‘Takin’ Care of Business’: Miller pounds 18 kills, leads Jaguars to road sweep
‘We came out with a lot of energy’: AHS racks up 12 aces in sweep over Waukee
Baileigh Carlsen and Reagan Hanfelt each had three aces, their teammates combined for six more, and the Ankeny volleyball squad cruised to a 25-18, 25-15, 25-16 win over visiting Waukee on Tuesday. Carlsen also completed all 13 of her serves for the eighth-ranked Hawkettes, who went 70-of-74 from behind the line (94.6 percent) while raising their records … [Read more...] about ‘We came out with a lot of energy’: AHS racks up 12 aces in sweep over Waukee
Ankeny swimmers roll past Roosevelt, Mason City while setting 8 pool records
The Ankeny girls' swimming team opened its season on Tuesday with a pair of lopsided victories in Mason City. Competing in a non-conference double dual meet, Ankeny rolled to a 140-28 win over Des Moines Roosevelt and a 126-42 triumph over Mason City. "It was a great way to start our season!" said first-year Ankeny coach Dustin Rhoads. "Picking up two … [Read more...] about Ankeny swimmers roll past Roosevelt, Mason City while setting 8 pool records
Central Bank Athlete of the Month: Ethan Zuber, Ankeny junior
The standout distance runner races to a victory in the season-opening Kirk Schmaltz Invitational at Ames. … [Read more...] about Central Bank Athlete of the Month: Ethan Zuber, Ankeny junior
Hawks place 4th, Jaguars finish 5th at Schmaltz Invite; Zuber races to victory
Only seven points separated the top four boys' teams in the Kirk Schmaltz Invitational on Monday at the Iowa State cross country course in Ames. Ninth-ranked Norwalk scored 86 points to defend its title, while No. 5 Valley took second in the 13-team field with 89. No. 11 Waukee Northwest and No. 2 Ankeny both finished with 93 points, but the Wolves placed … [Read more...] about Hawks place 4th, Jaguars finish 5th at Schmaltz Invite; Zuber races to victory
Hawkettes race to team crown in Groff’s first meet, while Jaguars place 2nd
It didn't take long for Quinn Groff to make an impact for the Ankeny girls' cross country program. Groff guided the ninth-ranked Hawkettes to the team title in the Kirk Schmaltz Invitational on Monday in his debut as the team's coach. The meet was held at the Iowa State cross country course in Ames. "The girls ran well!" Groff said. "Our coaching staff … [Read more...] about Hawkettes race to team crown in Groff’s first meet, while Jaguars place 2nd
‘It truly is a dream come true’: Oakie earns spot on 2023 18U National Team
Ankeny Centennial baseball star Joey Oakie calls it a dream come true. The senior pitcher has been named to the 20-man roster for the 2023 18U National Team following the conclusion of the 18U National Team Training Camp in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. The team has already traveled to Taipei, Taiwan to compete in the World Baseball Softball Confederation … [Read more...] about ‘It truly is a dream come true’: Oakie earns spot on 2023 18U National Team
Hensen remains unbeaten, leads Hawk golfers to team crown at Joselyn Invite
Drew Hensen and the Ankeny boys' golf team are on a roll. Hensen carded a 2-under-par 69 to earn medalist honors in the Joselyn Invitational on Monday at the Fort Dodge Country Club, where he led the Hawks to the team title. He has been the medalist at all four meets this season. "I’ve tried to not worry too much about the individual side of things," … [Read more...] about Hensen remains unbeaten, leads Hawk golfers to team crown at Joselyn Invite
‘It just felt like home!’: Centennial’s Stewart to play baseball at Iowa Central
Ankeny Centennial senior Sean Stewart has made his college plans. "I am blessed to announce my commitment to play baseball at Iowa Central!" Stewart tweeted on Monday. "Thank you to all my teammates and coaches who helped me along the way. Go Tritons" Stewart said he looked at several other junior colleges around Iowa and the bordering states before … [Read more...] about ‘It just felt like home!’: Centennial’s Stewart to play baseball at Iowa Central
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Devon Akers, Ankeny football
Senior receiver Devon Akers helped the Ankeny football team to a 39-38 victory over Ankeny Centennial in double overtime on Friday at Ankeny Stadium. Akers caught a pass from Luke Anderson for the game-winning two-point conversion. He finished with three receptions for 90 yards. Here is some inside info on Akers: Congratulations on the win. Did you … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Devon Akers, Ankeny football
‘I’m so blessed to have this opportunity!’: Macke to play soccer for Hawkeyes
Ankeny girls' soccer standout Alli Macke has verbally committed to play for Iowa, beginning in 2025. Macke announced her decision via social media on Sunday. "I am so excited to announce my commitment to play soccer at the University of Iowa!!" Macke tweeted. "A huge thank you to my family, coaches, and teammates for all the amazing support! I’m so … [Read more...] about ‘I’m so blessed to have this opportunity!’: Macke to play soccer for Hawkeyes
Jaguars top Ankeny in semifinals, earn runner-up finish at Centennial Invite
Saturday's Ankeny Centennial Invitational featured many of the state's top volleyball teams. Sixth-ranked Centennial defeated four ranked opponents, including No. 8 Ankeny, on its way to the championship match. Then, in the finals, the Jaguars dropped a 25-21, 25-17 decision to Dike-New Hartford--the No. 1 team in Class 2A. "It was an incredible day … [Read more...] about Jaguars top Ankeny in semifinals, earn runner-up finish at Centennial Invite
SOUTHSIDE PRIDE: Hawks erase 17-point deficit, knock off Jaguars in double OT
With the game on the line, the Ankeny football team didn't run the play that was called in the huddle. It worked out for the Hawks anyway. Devon Akers caught a two-point pass from Luke Anderson to give the Hawks a thrilling 39-38 victory over rival Ankeny Centennial in double overtime on Friday at Ankeny Stadium. "We actually messed up the play," … [Read more...] about SOUTHSIDE PRIDE: Hawks erase 17-point deficit, knock off Jaguars in double OT
Ankeny Christian Academy pitcher Christensen to play baseball at DMACC
Ankeny Christian Academy baseball standout Eli Christensen has verbally committed to play for Des Moines Area Community College in Boone. Christensen announced his decision via social media on Friday. "Excited to announce my commitment to @DMACCBaseball to continue my academic and baseball career!" he tweeted. "Blessed that God has given me this … [Read more...] about Ankeny Christian Academy pitcher Christensen to play baseball at DMACC
Ankeny Little League honored for commitment to safety of its players
The Ankeny Little League has been honored for its commitment to the safety and well-being of its players. Ankeny is one of 10 communities from across the nation that was recognized. The safety and well-being of all participants in the Little League Program has always been a top priority, and since 1995, Little League and Musco Lighting have … [Read more...] about Ankeny Little League honored for commitment to safety of its players
Jag-Hawk rivalry resumes on Friday night to kick off 2023 football season
Ankeny's crosstown rivals will collide on the gridiron for the 12th time on Friday at Ankeny Stadium to kick off the 2023 high school football season. Ankeny Centennial leads the all-time series, 8-3, but Ankeny has won two of the last three meetings--including a 17-10 victory by the Hawks in 2022. "Ankeny's had a very nice run the last few years," … [Read more...] about Jag-Hawk rivalry resumes on Friday night to kick off 2023 football season
Hensen again earns medalist honors as Hawks top Centennial at triangular meet
As the temperatures soared this week, the scores for Drew Hensen and the Ankeny boys' golf team have gone down. Hensen carded a 2-under-par 69 to earn medalist honors on Thursday while leading the Hawks to a second-place finish in a CIML Conference triangular meet at Copper Creek. He finished one stroke ahead of runner-up Sam Wahman of Southeast Polk in … [Read more...] about Hensen again earns medalist honors as Hawks top Centennial at triangular meet
‘We’ve got a great group of kids’: Jaguars return wealth of offensive weapons
There's a lot of experience on the Ankeny Centennial football team. Co-head coach Ryan Pezzetti is hoping that the return of 12 players who had significant roles on last year's squad that posted a 5-5 record will produce an even better season in 2023. "We've got a great group of kids," said Pezzetti. "We've got quite a few players back on offense and a … [Read more...] about ‘We’ve got a great group of kids’: Jaguars return wealth of offensive weapons