Karsten Bernholtz didn’t join the Ankeny football team until his senior year.
The defensive end made enough of an impact, though, to earn an opportunity to take his skills to the next level.
Bernholtz has committed to play next year for Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge. He becomes the second Hawk in the Tritons’ recruiting class, following in the footsteps of linebacker Tristan Hill.
“It wasn’t a tough decision,” said Bernholtz. “I love the staff.”
Bernholtz helped Ankeny to a 6-5 record last season. The Hawks advanced to the Class 5A quarterfinals before dropping a 21-13 decision at Iowa City Liberty.
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Bernholtz made 21.5 tackles, including six solo stops. He recorded 1.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for losses.
Bernholtz was named to the District 6 second team.