Ankeny Fanatic

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Archives for March 2024

Jaguars win 6 events, capture Class A division and overall title at Roth Relays

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The Ankeny Centennial boys' track team won the Class A division and also captured the overall crown in the Steve Roth Relays on Thursday at Washington. The Jaguars racked up 175 points in the large-school division. Mediapolis won the Class B title and placed second overall among 28 teams with 152 points, while Columbus Junction took the Class C crown and … [Read more...] about Jaguars win 6 events, capture Class A division and overall title at Roth Relays

‘The girls know we’re going to work hard’: Hawkettes begin new era under Emke

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Kelley Emke knows all about the history of the Ankeny girls' golf team. The Hawkettes' new head coach is hoping to build on the program's tradition in 2024. She once played for Ankeny under legendary coach Toni Dickey, who was Emke's mother. Now, she is trying to develop some chemistry with the 10 girls on the squad. "The girls have been great," … [Read more...] about ‘The girls know we’re going to work hard’: Hawkettes begin new era under Emke

Ankeny girls return 7 all-CIML players from team that allowed just 3 goals

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After allowing just three goals last season, the Ankeny girls' soccer team will return some of the key parts of its defensive unit. Senior Elizabeth Proctor, junior Sophie Loeffler and sophomore Avery Taylor all started on the back line for a squad that posted a 12-4-1 record and advanced to the Class 3A state tournament. They are among the Hawkettes' … [Read more...] about Ankeny girls return 7 all-CIML players from team that allowed just 3 goals

Ankeny returns loaded roster, including all 4 members of state champ 4×8 relay

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In its first season under coach TJ Jumper, the Ankeny girls' track team was in contention for a state title before eventually finishing fifth in Class 4A with 50 points. This spring, the Hawkettes will be looking to capture a trophy. "We believe if we can stay healthy that we could be a team that could contend for a state title," said Jumper, who was … [Read more...] about Ankeny returns loaded roster, including all 4 members of state champ 4×8 relay

Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Jack Lincoln, Ankeny Centennial junior

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Because of the gap between the winter and spring sports seasons, this seemed like a good week to do something a little different with the Ankeny Fanatic prep of the week feature sponsored by Revive Clinic and Spa. Here's an interview with Special Olympic athlete Jack Lincoln, a junior at Ankeny Centennial: Congratulations on winning two gold medals in … [Read more...] about Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Jack Lincoln, Ankeny Centennial junior

Centennial girls look to build on success following historic campaign in 2023

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A year ago, the Ankeny Centennial girls' tennis team enjoyed an historic season. Now, the Jaguars are looking to build on that success. "I have several goals for this season," said Centennial coach Alli Gustafson. "First, I would love for every player to see improvement on an individual level. I also hope to help my players continue to develop … [Read more...] about Centennial girls look to build on success following historic campaign in 2023

Expectations remain high for Jaguars despite heavy losses from last year

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Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer coach Brian Duax will be relying more than ever on his son Ty. Ty Duax, a senior midfielder, is one of just five returning starters from last year's team that posted a 10-6 record and reached the Class 4A semifinals. The Jaguars graduated several key players and will also have to replace all-state forward Andrew … [Read more...] about Expectations remain high for Jaguars despite heavy losses from last year

Cold-shooting Grand View drops 72-53 decision in first round of NAIA tourney

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A rough shooting night resulted in a season-ending loss for Cleao Murray and the Grand View women's basketball team. The fifth-seeded Vikings shot just 27.5 percent from the field (19-of-69) and dropped a 72-53 decision to No. 12 seed Indiana South Bend in the opening round of the NAIA Championship on Friday at Madison, S.D. Indiana South Bend (31-1) … [Read more...] about Cold-shooting Grand View drops 72-53 decision in first round of NAIA tourney

Niagara falls to Marist in MAAC quarters, but ex-Hawk Bayless plans to return

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The season ended on Thursday for Braxton Bayless and the Niagara men's basketball team. However, Bayless' college career isn't over. The senior guard scored eight points and dished out four assists in the Purple Eagles' 65-59 loss to Marist in the quarterfinal round of the MAAC Championship at Jim Whalen Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. "I do … [Read more...] about Niagara falls to Marist in MAAC quarters, but ex-Hawk Bayless plans to return

With 14 returning state qualifiers, Jaguars seek first top-10 finish in Class 4A

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The Ankeny Centennial girls' track team has never placed in the top 10 at the Class 4A state meet. This could be the year that the Jaguars break through that barrier. "Our No. 1 goal is to have a ton of fun as a team and to continue to build on the great team culture we have," said Centennial coach Tyler Asbe. "With that environment, the level of … [Read more...] about With 14 returning state qualifiers, Jaguars seek first top-10 finish in Class 4A

Runchey scores 12 points, but Wartburg falls to Smith College in OT at Final 4

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The final game of Taylor Runchey's college basketball career resulted in some bittersweet feelings. The former Ankeny Centennial standout scored a season-high 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting, but the Wartburg College women's team dropped a 61-54 decision to Smith College in overtime in the NCAA Division III Final Four on Thursday at Bexley, Ohio. The … [Read more...] about Runchey scores 12 points, but Wartburg falls to Smith College in OT at Final 4

Centennial boys return 16 state qualifiers, led by deep group of sprinters

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Due to some balmy spring weather, the season is already off to a good start for the Ankeny Centennial boys' track team. "This has been the most the team has been able to train outdoors this early," said Centennial coach Nate Smith. "The coaches and athletes have taken advantage of it." The Jaguars tied for 25th place in last year's Class 4A state meet … [Read more...] about Centennial boys return 16 state qualifiers, led by deep group of sprinters

‘I’m sure I’ve made the right choice’: Peiffer to wrestle at Northwestern

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Ankeny senior Teagen Peiffer has committed to wrestle next year at Northwestern College in Orange City. Peiffer said it took him awhile to find the right school. "I visited a lot of schools, but in the end there were only a few I was seriously considering," said Peiffer. "It definitely wasn’t an easy decision. There were a lot of factors I needed to … [Read more...] about ‘I’m sure I’ve made the right choice’: Peiffer to wrestle at Northwestern

Aguirre, Vaske earn academic all-state boys’ basketball honors from IBCA

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Seniors Lio Aguirre of Ankeny and Nick Vaske of Ankeny Centennial have been named to the academic all-state boys' basketball team by the Iowa Basketball Coaches Association. The 23-player team was selected by an IBCA panel from more than 136 applicants. The 2024 squad has the following averages: An ACT composite score of 26.5, a scoring average of 16.9 … [Read more...] about Aguirre, Vaske earn academic all-state boys’ basketball honors from IBCA

Ankeny boys look to ‘raise the standard’ in first season under new coach Fuccio

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Although the Ankeny boys' soccer team boasts a new head coach in Trevor Fuccio, the Hawks may look a lot like last year's squad. Most of the starters are back from a year ago, when Fuccio was an assistant under former coach Marcus Varnum. "The practices have been going well so far," said Fuccio. "The boys are adjusting well to some of the new ideas, … [Read more...] about Ankeny boys look to ‘raise the standard’ in first season under new coach Fuccio

‘Our focus will be improving each day’: Hawkettes return 5 varsity regulars

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When the Ankeny girls' tennis team opens its season on April 4 at Waukee, the Hawkettes' lineup will feature a new No. 1 player. Kira Smith, a two-time state qualifier and the daughter of coach Steve Smith, is not on the team's roster. "Kira is training in Florida, and I’m preparing for the season as if she won’t be playing," said coach Smith. It … [Read more...] about ‘Our focus will be improving each day’: Hawkettes return 5 varsity regulars

Hungry, humble Hawks off to good start in quest for Class 4A state championship

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After nearly winning a state championship last year, the Ankeny boys' track team is looking to capture the Class 4A crown in 2024. The Hawks battled CIML Conference rival Johnston down to the wire a year ago before the Dragons edged Ankeny in the final two events to win the title with 84 points. Coach Jordan Mullen's squad took second with 80 points, the … [Read more...] about Hungry, humble Hawks off to good start in quest for Class 4A state championship

Winkel, Johnson earn first-team all-state honors in Class 4A from IPSWA

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Ankeny Centennial boys' basketball standout Luke Winkel has been named to the Class 4A all-state first team by the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association for the second straight year. Winkel was joined on the first team by Ankeny star Carson Johnson, who was a second-team pick a year ago. Both players surpassed the 1,000-point career mark this … [Read more...] about Winkel, Johnson earn first-team all-state honors in Class 4A from IPSWA

Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Cade Pederson, Ankeny boys’ basketball

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Senior forward Cade Pederson helped the Ankeny boys' basketball team to an 18-7 record and a trip to the Class 4A semifinals. He averaged 4.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while leading the Hawks with 23 blocks. Pederson had eight points and eight rebounds in Ankeny's 60-47 win over Dubuque Senior in the Class 4A quarterfinals on Wednesday at Wells … [Read more...] about Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Cade Pederson, Ankeny boys’ basketball