Ankeny Fanatic

Your Ankeny Sports Resource

Dan Holm

Ankeny’s McMahon, Baier post victories at Waukee Earlybird meet

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It was a "fantastic night" for the Ankeny girls' track team. Those were the words of head coach Thomas Cotter after the Hawkettes won two events and had many other top-three finishes in the Waukee Earlybird meet on Friday. "Our execution was at a high level for this early in the season," Cotter said. "Tonight was about getting some times on a few more … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s McMahon, Baier post victories at Waukee Earlybird meet

Jaguars move outdoors for first time, win 7 events at Johnston Quadrangular

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Andrew Kruzich knows a lot more about his Ankeny Centennial girls' track team than he did 24 hours ago. The Jaguars opened their outdoor season on Thursday by competing in the Johnston Quadrangular. They dominated some events and also performed very well in many others. "We had a good night," Kruzich said. "It was great to get outdoors and have a meet … [Read more...] about Jaguars move outdoors for first time, win 7 events at Johnston Quadrangular

Hawks win sprint medley relay, Jaguars also shine at Waukee Earlybird meet

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The weather for Thursday's Waukee Earlybird boys' track meet wasn't the greatest. Still, Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial both overcame the rainy conditions to turn in some good performances. The meet was unscored. "Our kids competed very well," said Ankeny coach Nick Nelson. "We still have some of our top guys running at half capacity. We're waiting for … [Read more...] about Hawks win sprint medley relay, Jaguars also shine at Waukee Earlybird meet

Ferree, Somers are lone varsity returnees for inexperienced Ankeny squad

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Maybe one of these days it will stop raining. New Ankeny boys' tennis coach Ron Miller is certainly hoping so. The Hawks haven't been able to practice much in preparation for their season opener on April 1 at Norwalk. But the weather hasn't dampened their enthusiasm. "The boys have been great!" Miller said. "We all wish we were outside more, but … [Read more...] about Ferree, Somers are lone varsity returnees for inexperienced Ankeny squad

‘We have the opportunity to be quite formidable’: Jaguars boast depth, speed

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Making up for lost time is one of the goals for the Ankeny Centennial girls' soccer team. The Jaguars reached the semifinals of the Class 3A state tournament in 2019 before the 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "We want to be playing soccer on absolutely every date possible," said Centennial coach Chris Allen. "We want to pass on … [Read more...] about ‘We have the opportunity to be quite formidable’: Jaguars boast depth, speed

Blimpie Sub of the Week: Erin McKenna, Ankeny girls’ basketball

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Senior Erin McKenna helped the Ankeny girls' basketball team to a 10-7 record this season. McKenna played in nine of the 17 games, scoring a total of 16 points. She went 7-of-14 from the field. McKenna also contributed four rebounds, two assists and three steals. "Erin was the ultimate team player!" said Ankeny coach Dru McAnelly. "She was willing … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Erin McKenna, Ankeny girls’ basketball

Blevins is back for final season, but Centennial lacks depth, experience

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COVID-19 took a toll on the Ankeny Centennial boys' tennis team. The Jaguars not only lost the entire 2020 season to the global pandemic. They also lost a lot of players in the process. "Many of the freshmen and sophomores that were new to tennis (last year) found jobs, or got involved in other activities and did not come out this year," said … [Read more...] about Blevins is back for final season, but Centennial lacks depth, experience

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Kathryn Vortherms, Centennial girls’ track

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Senior Kathryn Vortherms is a four-time state placewinner for the Ankeny Centennial girls' track team. She helped the Jaguars to a 12th-place tie in the Class 4A state meet in 2019 before her junior season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a sophomore, Vortherms anchored the the sixth-place distance medley relay and the fifth-place sprint … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Kathryn Vortherms, Centennial girls’ track

Quass places 2nd in 800 at Central Indoor Meet, ties school record

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Ankeny Centennial's Rondi Quass has picked up right where she left off during the cross country season. Quass, a sophomore and one of the state's top distance runners, led the Jaguars to a third-place finish in the Class 4A state meet last fall. She placed 14th in a time of 18:54.4. On Saturday, Quass showed that she's ready for the outdoor track … [Read more...] about Quass places 2nd in 800 at Central Indoor Meet, ties school record

Ankeny’s Brecht, Bauer, Fulk earn preseason all-American honors

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A trio of Ankeny baseball standouts has received preseason all-American honors from Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. and Perfect Game. Senior pitchers Brody Brecht and Weston Fulk both earned honorable mention all-American honors along with senior shortstop Jase Bauer. The three stars led the Hawks to a 21-9 record and a second-place finish in the … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s Brecht, Bauer, Fulk earn preseason all-American honors

Jaguars return several players from 2019 team that posted 13-4 record

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Brian Duax won't have to wait much longer to see if the potential that his Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer team has comes to fruition. The Jaguars will play their first game in nearly two years when they open the season against visiting Johnston on March 26. "It feels great to be back at it," said Duax. "The excitement is super high. We are still taking … [Read more...] about Jaguars return several players from 2019 team that posted 13-4 record

Nelson named Coach of the Year by FNF Coaches after leading Hawks to title

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Ankeny football coach Rick Nelson has been named the Coach of the Year for the state of Iowa by FNF Coaches. He was one of 33 coaches from across the country to be honored. Nelson guided Ankeny to the Class 4A state title last fall. The Hawks posted a 31-24 victory over Dowling Catholic in double overtime in the semifinals, ending the Maroons' seven-year … [Read more...] about Nelson named Coach of the Year by FNF Coaches after leading Hawks to title

Ankeny’s Cox chooses Central College over Simpson, Grand View

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Ankeny wrestling standout Cael Cox has committed to Central College. Cox announced his decision via Twitter on Wednesday. "After lots of time and consideration, I'm pumped to announce I will be part of the Central College wrestling team!" Cox tweeted. "This opportunity would not be possible without my family, teammates, and incredible coaches. Go … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s Cox chooses Central College over Simpson, Grand View

Hawkettes will focus on “the process” in their first season under Smith

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There is no shortage of players on the Ankeny girls' tennis team. New head coach Steve Smith said he currently has about 100 girls on the preseason roster. "But from my understanding from past years, that could end up being anywhere between 50 and 90 girls that participate once practices start," Smith said. "So I guess we'll find out next … [Read more...] about Hawkettes will focus on “the process” in their first season under Smith

Strait helps Bulldogs reach Elite Eight of NCAA Division II tournament

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Hunter Strait and the Truman State men's basketball team are headed to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division II tournament. Strait, a former Ankeny Centennial standout, made two free throws in the final seconds to seal the Bulldogs' 65-62 victory over Michigan Tech on Tuesday night in the Midwest Regional final at Evansville, Ind. Truman State (20-2) … [Read more...] about Strait helps Bulldogs reach Elite Eight of NCAA Division II tournament

Blimpie Sub of the Week: Makenna Clark, Centennial girls’ basketball

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Sophomore guard Makenna Clark helped the Ankeny Centennial girls' basketball team to a 16-3 record this season. Clark averaged 4.9 points per game. She scored a career-high 16 points in the Jaguars' 79-43 win at Ames on Dec. 22. That win provided Centennial coach Scott DeJong with his 650th career victory. "Makenna had a great start to our season, … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Makenna Clark, Centennial girls’ basketball

After winning state title in 2019, Ankeny girls ‘get to make their own story’ in 2021

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Ankeny was the last girls' soccer team to capture the Class 3A state championship. But you won't hear coach Simon Brown talking to the Hawkettes about defending their crown this season. Ankeny won the fourth state title in school history in 2019. The 2020 campaign was then cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning that most of the Hawkettes' … [Read more...] about After winning state title in 2019, Ankeny girls ‘get to make their own story’ in 2021

Hawks lack varsity experience, but team chemistry could take them long way

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Marcus Varnum was hired in the fall of 2019 to take over the Ankeny boys' soccer program. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the former Ankeny and Simpson College standout has had to wait more than 17 months to make his coaching debut. The Hawks will open the 2021 season by hosting the Ankeny Invitational on April 3. "I'll be thrilled to get that first … [Read more...] about Hawks lack varsity experience, but team chemistry could take them long way