Ankeny quarterback JJ Kohl had scholarship offers from schools all over the country. In the end, he decided to stay close to home. The junior announced his verbal commitment on Monday night to play football at Iowa State, beginning in the fall of 2023. "It wasn’t an easy decision," said Kohl. "I had some other schools that I was considering, and I … [Read more...] about ‘They believed in me before anyone else did’: Four-star QB Kohl picks Cyclones
Fall
Ankeny lineman Monsivais to play football at Northwest Missouri State
Ankeny offensive lineman Drew Monsivais has verbally committed to play football at Northwest Missouri State. Monsivais, a junior, helped the Hawks to a 10-3 record and a runner-up finish in Class 5A last season. "It was a pretty easy decision," said Monsivais. "There’s a certain feeling I got the first time I was there and have had every time I’ve been … [Read more...] about Ankeny lineman Monsivais to play football at Northwest Missouri State
‘Luckily, the coaches agreed!’: Henning reaches out to SDSU, will swim for Jacks
Ankeny swimming standout Alexis Henning has verbally committed to join the women's swimming and diving program at South Dakota State. Henning said she visited only a few schools before making her decision. "I had a small number of schools I was focused on to study architecture. I was lucky to find the type of school I was looking for that also had a … [Read more...] about ‘Luckily, the coaches agreed!’: Henning reaches out to SDSU, will swim for Jacks
Ankeny girls’ swimming coach Stout announces retirement after 15 seasons
Ankeny girls' swimming coach Michelle Stout wanted to leave her program in a good place. She has certainly done that. The longtime coach of the Hawkettes has announced her retirement. "I always knew I wanted to be sure I retired at a time when the team was in a position to succeed after my departure," said Stout, who has also been an assistant … [Read more...] about Ankeny girls’ swimming coach Stout announces retirement after 15 seasons
Roosevelt’s Patton to transfer to Ankeny, will play safety to prepare for next level
One of the state's top football players in the Class of 2023 is headed to Ankeny High School. Des Moines Roosevelt star Jamison Patton, who is being recruited by Power Five schools as an athlete, announced on Sunday via Twitter that he will play for the Hawks in the fall. "After a lot of thought and talking it over with my family I will be transferring … [Read more...] about Roosevelt’s Patton to transfer to Ankeny, will play safety to prepare for next level
‘I’m so excited’: Kohut Lynch hired to take over Ankeny volleyball program
Dani Kohut Lynch has some big shoes to fill. Fortunately, she has some big shoes of her own. Kohut Lynch, a former St. Cloud State player and Luther College head coach, has been hired to replace legendary Ankeny volleyball coach Dave Whims. "I'm so excited," said Kohut Lynch. "The tradition at Ankeny is so rich. I don't have to re-invent the wheel … [Read more...] about ‘I’m so excited’: Kohut Lynch hired to take over Ankeny volleyball program
‘They consistently win’: Ankeny lineman Thomas to play football at Central
Ankeny lineman Ethan Thomas has committed to play football at Central College. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound Thomas announced his decision via Twitter on Tuesday. He helped the Hawks to a 10-3 record and a runner-up finish in Class 5A last season. "I looked at Morningside, St. Ambrose and Loras as well as Central," said Thomas. "I liked the facilities, both … [Read more...] about ‘They consistently win’: Ankeny lineman Thomas to play football at Central
Ankeny’s Cornwell signs letter of intent to play football at Colgate University
Ankeny defensive back Will Cornwell was among the state's leaders in interceptions last season. Plenty of college football coaches recognized Cornwell's play-making ability. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound senior has signed a letter of intent to play for Colgate University, a Division I school located in Hamilton, N.Y. The Raiders are members of the Patriot … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s Cornwell signs letter of intent to play football at Colgate University
Ankeny’s Crandall decommits from Mankato, signs with Western Illinois
Ryan Crandall has decided to wear different shades of purple and gold. After earlier committing to play football at Minnesota State-Mankato, the Ankeny defensive back has signed a letter of intent to play for Western Illinois next year. "It was a hard decision, but it's always been a dream of mine to play at the highest level I can possibly play at," … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s Crandall decommits from Mankato, signs with Western Illinois
‘This was a good time to step away’: State’s all-time winningest coach retires
Ankeny volleyball coach Dave Whims has retired again. Whims, who came out of retirement to coach the Hawkettes for a second stint in 2019, said this time he won't be coming back. "I'll do some consulting with coaches, and I'll share videos and drills with them," Whims said. "I think that'll keep me busy. But as far as being a head coach somewhere, I … [Read more...] about ‘This was a good time to step away’: State’s all-time winningest coach retires
Crandall picks football, will join Kadolph, Pelham at Minnesota State-Mankato
Ankeny senior Ryan Crandall is among the best three-sport athletes the school has ever produced. Deciding which of his three sports to play in college was not an easy choice. In the end, though, Crandall chose football over baseball and basketball. On Friday, the defensive back verbally committed to play for Minnesota State-Mankato, joining two of his … [Read more...] about Crandall picks football, will join Kadolph, Pelham at Minnesota State-Mankato
‘When I went to Kearney, it felt like home’: Stephens to play volleyball for Lopers
It took awhile, but Lexi Stephens finally found the college that was the right fit for her. Ankeny's senior libero has signed a letter of intent to play volleyball next year at Nebraska-Kearney, an NCAA Division II program. "When I went to Kearney and met the team, it felt like home," said Stephens. "They welcomed me and made me feel extremely … [Read more...] about ‘When I went to Kearney, it felt like home’: Stephens to play volleyball for Lopers
Ankeny kicker/punter Pelham to join Kadolph at Minnesota State-Mankato
The Minnesota State-Mankato football team has landed a second recruit from Ankeny High School. Senior place-kicker and punter Max Pelham verbally committed to the Mavericks on Friday. He joins his teammate Colin Kadolph, a running back who committed to Mankato earlier this fall. "I looked at about seven to eight schools seriously, but I didn't think … [Read more...] about Ankeny kicker/punter Pelham to join Kadolph at Minnesota State-Mankato
Four-star recruit: Ankeny QB Kohl ranked No. 223 nationally by Rivals
Ankeny quarterback JJ Kohl is now listed as a four-star recruit on Rivals. Kohl, a 6-foot-6, 225-pound junior, is ranked No. 223 nationally in the Class of 2023. He is the No. 5 prospect in the state of Iowa and No. 14 nationally at his position. Kohl helped the Hawks to a 10-3 record and a runner-up finish in Class 5A this season. He completed … [Read more...] about Four-star recruit: Ankeny QB Kohl ranked No. 223 nationally by Rivals
Seven Ankeny players named to Class 5A all-state first team by IPSWA
Thirteen Ankeny football players have received all-state honors from the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association, which selected the teams in conjunction with the Iowa Football Coaches Association. Two Ankeny Centennial standouts were also honored. The Hawks, who posted a 10-3 record and earned a runner-up finish in Class 5A, placed seven players on the … [Read more...] about Seven Ankeny players named to Class 5A all-state first team by IPSWA
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Tamden Webb-Tate, Ankeny football
Senior linebacker Tamden Webb-Tate helped the Ankeny football team to a 10-3 record and a runner-up finish in Class 5A. He has been named to the all-district first team for the second year in a row. Webb-Tate made eight tackles in the Hawks' 24-7 loss to Southeast Polk in the Class 5A championship game on Friday at the UNI-Dome. He led the team this … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Tamden Webb-Tate, Ankeny football
Kadolph, Webb-Tate, Porter earn repeat all-district first-team honors
The state runner-up Ankeny football team landed eight players on the all-district first team and eight more on the second team. Ankeny Centennial, meanwhile, had six first-team selections and six second-team picks. The all-district teams were selected by the coaches from the following teams: Ankeny, Centennial, Ames, Marshalltown and Waukee … [Read more...] about Kadolph, Webb-Tate, Porter earn repeat all-district first-team honors
‘They played better than us on this night’: Hawks fall short in title game rematch
(Story by Rob Gray) It hurts to watch. You’re helpless. The game is essentially decided and the opposing team is flexing and raising its arms on the sideline with 3-plus minutes left. That’s where Ankeny’s football players found themselves late in Friday night’s 24-7 rematch loss to Southeast Polk in the Class 5A championship game and — you … [Read more...] about ‘They played better than us on this night’: Hawks fall short in title game rematch
Back-to-back crowns?: Ankeny Fanatic’s prediction for the Class 5A title game
If you missed this week's Ankeny Fanatic podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America, check it out. We broke down Friday night's Class 5A championship game with seven different guests. So will Ankeny capture its second straight title and the fourth in school history? Or will Southeast Polk claim its first championship? The Hawks have won the last … [Read more...] about Back-to-back crowns?: Ankeny Fanatic’s prediction for the Class 5A title game
Reynolds earns repeat all-state honors; ACA’s Quick named to Class 1A 3rd team
Ankeny volleyball standout Ava Reynolds has been named to the Class 5A all-state first team by the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association for the second year in a row. Reynolds,a senior outside hitter, led the Hawkettes to a 40-6 record and a semifinal appearance in the Class 5A state tournament. She racked up a team-high 435 kills while posting a .341 hitting … [Read more...] about Reynolds earns repeat all-state honors; ACA’s Quick named to Class 1A 3rd team