Ankeny Fanatic

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Archives for August 2023

Hawks return just 5 starters, but Bauer enters season with optimistic outlook

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Although the Ankeny football team lacks experience, the Hawks still boast plenty of talent. Ankeny returns just five starters from last year's squad that posted a 9-2 record, but first-year coach Jeff Bauer isn't concerned about the number of newcomers who will be forced to play. "Nobody is going to talk about Ankeny when you have just five returning … [Read more...] about Hawks return just 5 starters, but Bauer enters season with optimistic outlook

‘We got back to playing like ourselves!’: Jags rebound from loss, sweep Waukee

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One night after Indianola pounded 15 aces in a season-opening win over the Ankeny Centennial volleyball team, the sixth-ranked Jaguars had 11 of their own and bounced back with a sweep over visiting Waukee in their CIML Conference opener on Tuesday. Centennial rolled to a 25-16, 25-12, 25-12 victory to even its overall record at 1-1. It was the season … [Read more...] about ‘We got back to playing like ourselves!’: Jags rebound from loss, sweep Waukee

‘We have a long way to go’: Hawkettes drop opener at No. 2 Dowling in 4 sets

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Coach Liz Baethke knew that the season opener for her Ankeny volleyball team was going to be a tall task. Second-ranked Dowling Catholic, which features one of the state's top hitters in Mackenzie Dean and several other tall players, proved to be as formidable as she feared. The Maroons dropped the opening set on their home court before rallying to … [Read more...] about ‘We have a long way to go’: Hawkettes drop opener at No. 2 Dowling in 4 sets

‘I think we’re a lot better than what we showed’: Jags fall to Indianola in 4 sets

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The Ankeny Centennial volleyball team won't have much time to dissect Monday's season-opening loss to Indianola. The Jaguars will be back on the court Tuesday to host Waukee in their CIML Conference opener after falling to the visiting Indians in four sets. Indianola posted a 25-16, 25-20, 20-25, 25-19 victory in a non-conference matchup between … [Read more...] about ‘I think we’re a lot better than what we showed’: Jags fall to Indianola in 4 sets

Jaguars edge Dowling, tumble to Wolves in triangular meet at Jester Park

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The Ankeny Centennial boys' golf team made a lot of progress over the last week. After shooting a 317 and placing fifth in the Jesse Peck Invitational on Aug. 14 at Briarwood Golf Club, the Jaguars dropped 11 strokes off their score Monday during a CIML Conference triangular meet at Jester Park. The 306 total allowed Centennial to edge Dowling Catholic … [Read more...] about Jaguars edge Dowling, tumble to Wolves in triangular meet at Jester Park

Ankeny golfers fall to Johnston by 3 strokes, but easily defeat Urbandale

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The Ankeny boys' golf team came away with a split on Monday in a CIML Conference triangular meet held in steamy conditions at Beaver Creek. The Hawks posted four scores in the 70s and finished with a 301 total. They lost to Johnston (298) by three strokes, but easily defeated Urbandale (369). "It was really hot, but a good day for the Hawks," said … [Read more...] about Ankeny golfers fall to Johnston by 3 strokes, but easily defeat Urbandale

‘I’d bet the house on it’: Hawk runners look to contend for Class 4A crown

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The expectations are high this season for the Ankeny boys' cross country team. Actually, they're sky high. The Hawks are second in the Class 4A preseason rankings after placing third in last year's state meet with 158 points, which equaled the school's highest finish in the modern era. Only one of the top seven runners from that team … [Read more...] about ‘I’d bet the house on it’: Hawk runners look to contend for Class 4A crown

After Drake coach departs, Centennial’s Peterson decides to play for Iowa Central

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Ankeny Centennial boys' tennis standout Caleb Peterson is heading to Fort Dodge on Monday to begin his college career at Iowa Central Community College. Peterson decided to go the junior college route after previously considering Drake. "I feel like it was somewhat of an easy decision with my other option Drake losing their coach and Iowa Central being … [Read more...] about After Drake coach departs, Centennial’s Peterson decides to play for Iowa Central

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Zach Hoffman, Ankeny Centennial boys’ golf

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Ankeny Centennial senior Zach Hoffman shot a 79 to place 13th in the season-opening Jesse Peck Invitational on Aug. 14 at Briarwood Golf Club. He helped the Jaguars to a fifth-place finish in the eight-team field. Hoffman is the top returning player from a team that posted a 3-5 record in the CIML Conference last year. He played in 11 events and ranked … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Zach Hoffman, Ankeny Centennial boys’ golf

State placewinner Schermerhorn, 3 other varsity regulars are back for Jaguars

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A year ago, Ankeny Centennial's AJ Schermerhorn earned a spot on the awards podium at the Class 4A state cross country meet, placing 12th in the 5k race with a time of 15:59.52. However, Schermerhorn competed in the meet as an individual after the Jaguars failed to qualify as a team. This year, Schermerhorn is hoping to be joined on the Fort Dodge … [Read more...] about State placewinner Schermerhorn, 3 other varsity regulars are back for Jaguars

Jaguars boast 8 girls who have combined for 13 state-meet appearances

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There are 69 runners on the Ankeny Centennial girls' cross country team, and about a dozen of them are battling for the seven varsity positions. The roster includes eight girls who have combined for a total of 13 state-meet appearances. "The practices have been going well," said Centennial coach Eric Cogdill. "The girls are eager to do the work. We've … [Read more...] about Jaguars boast 8 girls who have combined for 13 state-meet appearances

‘We’re going to be a fun, athletic team’: Jaguars to rely heavily on Pratt, Miller

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Despite losing six key players from last year's team, the Ankeny Centennial volleyball squad still has plenty of reasons for optimism. The Jaguars boast two of the state's top juniors in Delaney Miller and Jaeden Pratt. They helped lead the team to a 30-10 record and a trip to the Class 5A semifinals a year ago. "The practices have been going well," … [Read more...] about ‘We’re going to be a fun, athletic team’: Jaguars to rely heavily on Pratt, Miller

Hawkettes enter season with high hopes despite injuries to Roush, Schrader

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It's been a rough start to the 2023 campaign for new head coach Liz Baethke and the Ankeny volleyball team. Baethke, who left Urbandale after 23 years to take over the Hawkettes' program, will begin the season without Ankeny's top two returning players. Senior right-side hitter Tanith Roush suffered a broken leg during the preseason, while senior outside … [Read more...] about Hawkettes enter season with high hopes despite injuries to Roush, Schrader

‘I think we are going to surprise people’: Ankeny swimmers seek top-5 finish

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The Ankeny girls' swimming team won't open its season until later this month, but the squad is already putting in a lot of hard work under first-year coach Dustin Rhoads. There are 46 girls on the roster, including several returning state qualifiers. "The practices are off to a great start!" Rhoads said. "We went right into two-a-day practices from the … [Read more...] about ‘I think we are going to surprise people’: Ankeny swimmers seek top-5 finish

Quick Decision: ACA volleyball star commits to play for Bulldogs

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Ankeny Christian Academy volleyball star Katie Quick will be staying close to home after graduation. The junior has verbally committed to play for Drake, beginning in the fall of 2025. She announced her decision on social media Wednesday. "I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to Drake University to continue my volleyball and academic … [Read more...] about Quick Decision: ACA volleyball star commits to play for Bulldogs

Hawkettes return several varsity regulars, led by 2-time state placewinner Beason

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The goals for the Ankeny girls' cross country team haven't changed this season, even with the addition of a new head coach. Quinn Groff has taken over the program after Eric Klingensmith resigned from the position last fall. Groff was the boys' eighth grade cross country coach at Southview for two years before joining the Hawkettes as an assistant under … [Read more...] about Hawkettes return several varsity regulars, led by 2-time state placewinner Beason

Hawk golfers place 2nd at Peck Invite behind Hensen, while Jaguars finish 5th

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Monday's season-opening Jesse Peck Invitational proved to be a good starting point for both the Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial boys' golf teams. The Hawks placed second with a 314 total at Briarwood Golf Club, finishing seven strokes behind Dallas Center-Grimes. This marked the first time that coach Mike Weddingfeld's team has played in Centennial's home … [Read more...] about Hawk golfers place 2nd at Peck Invite behind Hensen, while Jaguars finish 5th

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Evan Hodapp, Ankeny boys’ golf

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Junior Evan Hodapp is one of five returning varsity regulars for the Ankeny boys' golf team. He placed second on the team last year with a 78.5 average. Hodapp placed sixth in a Class 4A district meet at Bent Tree Golf Club in Council Bluffs, where he shot a 73 to qualify for state as an individual. He then went on to tie for 58th place in Class 4A, … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Evan Hodapp, Ankeny boys’ golf