The new head coach of the Ankeny boys’ track team is already familiar with the Hawks’ program.
Joel Jacobs spent the last four years as the head coach at Urbandale, where he watched Jordan Mullen lead the Ankeny squad to unprecedented heights during that stretch.
Jacobs has now been hired to replace Mullen, who resigned from his position at the end of last season.
“The prospect to assist Ankeny athletes in their pursuit of academic and athletic success coupled with the tradition of excellence within Ankeny High School’s track and field program is an encouraging and humbling privilege to undertake,” Jacobs said.
Mullen guided Ankeny to a runner-up finish in the Class 4A state meet in 2023 in his first season with the Hawks. He was named the At-Large Coach of the Year in Class 4A.
Ankeny won the Class 4A crown in 2024 in dominating fashion, scoring a record 112 points. It was the Hawks’ first title since 1972.
Ankeny then defended its title the following season before placing ninth at this year’s meet. Jacobs will have to replace a talented class of seniors led by Hayden Carlson, who raced to an all-time Iowa best of 13.52 seconds while winning the Class 4A crown in the 110 hurdles.
The departure of Mullen, who was inducted into the Iowa Association of Track Coaches Hall of Fame last December, left some big shoes to fill. But it was an opportunity that Jacobs could not pass up.
“The vision and future direction of the Ankeny school district both academically and athletically as well as the chance to work with some of the best athletes and coaches in the state is a special opportunity,” he said. “I am excited and grateful for the upcoming season.
“I can’t wait. It’s great to be a Hawk!” he added.