Ankeny Fanatic

Your Ankeny Sports Resource

Fall

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

‘I love many things about Iowa State!’: Ankeny’s Hanfelt commits to Cyclones

by

Another Ankeny volleyball player has made her college plans. A day after teammate Baileigh Carlsen verbally committed to play for Auburn, fellow junior Reagan Hanfelt announced her commitment to Iowa State on Thursday. "I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and volleyball career at Iowa State University!" Hanfelt … [Read more...] about ‘I love many things about Iowa State!’: Ankeny’s Hanfelt commits to Cyclones

War Eagle!: Ankeny defensive specialist Carlsen to play volleyball at Auburn

by

Ankeny defensive specialist Baileigh Carlsen has verbally committed to play volleyball at Auburn, beginning in the fall of 2025. Carlsen, a junior, announced her decision on social media Wednesday. "I'm super excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Auburn University!" she wrote. "I would love to thank … [Read more...] about War Eagle!: Ankeny defensive specialist Carlsen to play volleyball at Auburn

Longtime Urbandale coach Baethke hired to take over Ankeny volleyball program

by

The new head coach of the Ankeny volleyball team is already familiar with the Hawkettes' program. Longtime Urbandale coach Liz Baethke has been hired to replace Dani Kohut Lynch, who guided Ankeny to a 35-5 record in her only season at the school. Baethke accepted the position more than a month ago, but her hiring wasn't approved by the school board until … [Read more...] about Longtime Urbandale coach Baethke hired to take over Ankeny volleyball program

Experienced Ankeny golfers seek trip to Class 4A state meet at Otter Creek

by

A total of 38 players will be trying out for the Ankeny boys' golf team on Monday and Tuesday at Otter Creek Golf Course. "Then we'll cut down to 24 (boys) as that is the number the golf course will allow us to have," said Ankeny coach Mike Weddingfeld. This should be one of Weddingfeld's most experienced teams. Seniors Drew Hensen and Jacob Adams are … [Read more...] about Experienced Ankeny golfers seek trip to Class 4A state meet at Otter Creek

Ankeny linebacker Kayser commits to UNI, will follow Nelson to Cedar Falls

by

It didn't take long for Rick Nelson to land one of his former Ankeny football players as a Northern Iowa recruit. Connor Kayser, a senior-to-be linebacker for the Hawks, announced his verbal commitment on Monday to play for UNI in 2024. "I told myself that coach Nelson wouldn't be the reason I committed, and he definitely was not the only reason just … [Read more...] about Ankeny linebacker Kayser commits to UNI, will follow Nelson to Cedar Falls

After 3 years at Luther, Rhoads returns to Ankeny to take over swimming programs

by

Former Ankeny assistant boys' coach Dustin Rhoads has been named the head coach of the Ankeny boys' and girls' swimming programs. Rhoads was the associate head coach at Luther College for the last three years, helping both the men's and women's programs to American Rivers Conference championships in 2021-23. "I've had a great time at Luther," Rhoads … [Read more...] about After 3 years at Luther, Rhoads returns to Ankeny to take over swimming programs

Ex-Ankeny DB Cornwell transfers to Northern Iowa, will reunite with Nelson

by

Former Ankeny defensive back Will Cornwell is coming home. After spending one year at Colgate University, Cornwell has decided to transfer to Northern Iowa. He will be reunited with former Ankeny football coach Rick Nelson, who has returned to the Panthers as an assistant coach in charge of the offensive line. "Ultimately, moving closer to home and … [Read more...] about Ex-Ankeny DB Cornwell transfers to Northern Iowa, will reunite with Nelson

Football schedules announced: Jaguars to host Ankeny in 2023 opener on Aug. 25

by

Football schedules for the 2023 and 2024 regular seasons have been announced by the Iowa High School Athletic Association. Class 5A uses a success model for its group format and regular season scheduling. Groups are assigned by the IHSAA, then schools select preferred non-district opponents and submit them to the IHSAA through a priority list. The … [Read more...] about Football schedules announced: Jaguars to host Ankeny in 2023 opener on Aug. 25

Football group assignments for Class 5A announced by IHSAA

by

The district and group assignments for the 2023 and 2024 football seasons have been announced by the Iowa High School Athletic Association. Districts and Class 5A groups are effective for a two-year cycle. The 2023 season will be the first with a socioeconomic factor added for classifications. Approved this winter by the State Board of Education, the … [Read more...] about Football group assignments for Class 5A announced by IHSAA

‘What more could a guy ask for?’: Ankeny native Bauer named to replace Nelson

by

It turns out that the successor to Ankeny football coach Rick Nelson was already on his coaching staff. Assistant coach Jeff Bauer has been named to replace Nelson, who announced in early January that he was leaving to return to his previous position as the offensive line coach at Northern Iowa. "This is what I'm supposed to be doing," said Bauer, an … [Read more...] about ‘What more could a guy ask for?’: Ankeny native Bauer named to replace Nelson

Ankeny place-kicker Warner verbally commits to play for Simpson College

by

Like a lot of athletes, Ankeny football player Keeghan Warner wanted to continue his career at the collegiate level, but part of his decision-making process included financial considerations. Warner, a place-kicker, found the right fit in Simpson College. He announced his verbal commitment to the Storm over the weekend. "I looked at a pretty good … [Read more...] about Ankeny place-kicker Warner verbally commits to play for Simpson College

Ankeny DB Johnson commits to play football at Benedictine College

by

Ankeny defensive back Reid Johnson has committed to play football at Benedictine College, an NAIA school located in Atchison, Kan. Johnson announced his commitment via Twitter on Wednesday. "COMMITTED!!" he tweeted. "Thank you to my family, friends, and coaches for always supporting me and pushing me. I will be furthering my academic and athletic … [Read more...] about Ankeny DB Johnson commits to play football at Benedictine College

‘I’m very excited for this next chapter!’: Ankeny’s Carlson to play for Dordt

by

Ankeny volleyball standout Myra Carlson has signed a letter of intent to play at Dordt University. Dordt is a private evangelical Christian university in Sioux Center. The Defenders posted a 13-12 record last season. "I knew I wanted to stay close to home so I narrowed it down to a few NAIA schools in Iowa," said Carlson. "The Christian environment and … [Read more...] about ‘I’m very excited for this next chapter!’: Ankeny’s Carlson to play for Dordt

Ankeny swimmer Walker awarded Chancellor Scholarship from SIU

by

Ankeny swimmer Caroline Walker verbally committed to Southern Illinois University last fall. She now knows that her college tuition will be completely covered. "I just found out that I was awarded the Chancellor Scholarship, earning me a four-year, $104,000 full ride," Walker said. Walker was an 11-time state qualifier and a nine-time placewinner in … [Read more...] about Ankeny swimmer Walker awarded Chancellor Scholarship from SIU

Ankeny tight end Kruger verbally commits to play football for Iowa Western

by

Another Ankeny football player has committed to play for Iowa Western Community College. Ankeny tight end Jeremiah Kruger announced his commitment to the Reivers on Wednesday. His teammate, defensive back PJ Westover, previously committed to Iowa Western along with a trio of Ankeny Centennial players--offensive lineman Cavan Jones, linebacker Hudson Simon … [Read more...] about Ankeny tight end Kruger verbally commits to play football for Iowa Western