Senior Avin Legg helped the Ankeny boys' golf team to a 3-3 dual record last year. He placed second among the Hawks with a 41.3 average. Legg shot a 78 to place 12th at the Indianola Invitational. He helped his team to a third-place finish at the tournament. The Hawks will host Southeast Polk in their season opener on Thursday at Otter Creek. Here … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Avin Legg, Ankeny boys’ golf
Fall
Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny football team (pre-Pezzetti era)
Ankeny's success on the football field didn't begin with coach Jerry Pezzetti's arrival in 1969. In the previous four decades, Ankeny racked up 11 undefeated seasons, including five in a row from 1933-37 that resulted in a 44-game winning streak. The Hawks also went unbeaten in 1943, 1946, 1950, 1957, 1959 and 1961. Unlike today, most of the stars of … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny football team (pre-Pezzetti era)
‘I hope we can get over that hump’: Ankeny golfers look to qualify for state
After a tremendous two-year run, the Ankeny boys' golf team took a step backwards last season. Now, the Hawks could be poised for another huge campaign in 2022. Several varsity regulars are back from a team that posted a 3-3 record last year in the Hawks' final season in the CIML Iowa Conference. Ankeny is now a member of the nine-team CIML … [Read more...] about ‘I hope we can get over that hump’: Ankeny golfers look to qualify for state
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: JJ Kohl, Ankeny football
Senior quarterback JJ Kohl of the Ankeny football team is considered one of the nation's top recruits in the Class of 2023. A four-star prospect, he is now the No. 5 quarterback and No. 36 overall nationally in the latest rankings by On3 Recruits. Kohl, an Under Armour All-American, helped the Hawks to a 10-3 record last season. He completed 143-of-237 … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: JJ Kohl, Ankeny football
Ankeny’s Jackson commits to play football at Minnesota State-Mankato
Ankeny defensive end Diego Jackson has verbally committed to play football at Minnesota State-Mankato. Jackson announced his decision via Twitter on Wednesday. "I'm excited to announce my commitment to @MinnStFootball!" Jackson tweeted. The 6-foot-3, 255-pound senior-to-be helped the Hawks to a 10-3 record and a second-place finish in Class 5A last … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s Jackson commits to play football at Minnesota State-Mankato
‘STAYING HOME’: Three-star athlete Patton to play football for Cyclones
Ankeny defensive back Jamison Patton has verbally committed to play football for Iowa State. Patton announced his decision via Twitter on Monday. He tweeted: "STAYING HOME #CyclONEnation". Patton transferred to Ankeny in the spring from Des Moines Roosevelt, where he starred as a dual-threat quarterback. He was recruited by Power Five schools as an … [Read more...] about ‘STAYING HOME’: Three-star athlete Patton to play football for Cyclones
‘They believed in me before anyone else did’: Four-star QB Kohl picks Cyclones
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
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