When Jon Olson was hired to become the first Ankeny Centennial boys' golf coach in 2013, he stepped into a good situation. Most of the top players from Ankeny's 2012 team that qualified for the state meet moved across town to Centennial when the new school opened the following year. "The talent was there," Olson said. "From a coaching perspective, it … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny boys’ golf team
Hawks
Walker shoots 74, leads Hawks to victory over Ames in their season opener
Even at less than full strength, the Ankeny boys' golf team had no trouble defeating Ames in its season opener on Thursday. The Hawks posted a 315-338 victory in an 18-hole dual meet at Veenker Golf Course in Ames, one of the more difficult courses in the state. "I was very happy with the win," said Ankeny coach Mike Weddingfeld. "It's always good to … [Read more...] about Walker shoots 74, leads Hawks to victory over Ames in their season opener
Rumley earns repeat all-state honors; Burnett also named to 5A first team
There was at least one similarity between the Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial softball teams this season. Both squads featured an outstanding left side of the infield. Ankeny third baseman Jasmine Rumley and shortstop Marina Carter have both received all-state honors along with shortstop Franie Burnett and third baseman Taylor Runchey of Centennial. Two … [Read more...] about Rumley earns repeat all-state honors; Burnett also named to 5A first team
‘We have something to prove’: Ankeny golfers seek first trip to state since 2012
The Ankeny boys' golf team has some unfinished business. The Hawks enjoyed a tremendous season in 2019 before struggling in their final two meets. After being ranked among the state's top five teams for most of the year, they placed fourth in the CIML Central Conference meet and then tied for fourth in a Class 4A district meet at Sioux City, where they … [Read more...] about ‘We have something to prove’: Ankeny golfers seek first trip to state since 2012
Blimpie Sub of the Week: Dylan Schlee, Ankeny baseball
Sophomore pitcher Dylan Schlee helped the Ankeny baseball team to a 21-9 record and a second-place finish in the Class 4A state tournament. Schlee compiled a 3-1 record with a 2.90 ERA in a team-high 10 appearances for the Hawks. He walked just three batters while recording 21 strikeouts in 29 innings of work. Schlee recorded the final two outs to earn … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Dylan Schlee, Ankeny baseball
DYNAMIC DUO: Bauer, Brecht named to IHSBCA’s Class 4A all-state first team
Ankeny's Jase Bauer and Brody Brecht are getting ready for their senior seasons on the football field. The two players, however, are still receiving some postseason baseball honors. Both Bauer and Brecht have been named to the Class 4A all-state first team by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association. Teammate Mo Watson was selected to the … [Read more...] about DYNAMIC DUO: Bauer, Brecht named to IHSBCA’s Class 4A all-state first team
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Eva Fulk, Ankeny softball
Sophomore outfielder Eva Fulk helped the Ankeny softball team to a 19-11 record this season. She has been named to the CIML Central Conference second team. Fulk posted a .338 average while starting 25 of the 30 games. She had four doubles, one triple and drove in 14 runs. Here is some inside info on Fulk: Congratulations on an outstanding season. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Eva Fulk, Ankeny softball
Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 100
Check out the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by the Ankeny office of Iowa Realty. Ankeny Fanatic publisher Dan Holm recaps the state baseball and softball tournaments with Ankeny catcher Mo Watson and Ankeny Centennial third baseman Taylor Runchey, and he also interviews Campbell University pitcher Cam Cowan about his shortened … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 100
Brecht, Gray again named to CIML Central Conference first team
If the baseball coaches in the CIML Central Conference wanted to build a team from scratch, Ankeny pitcher Brody Brecht might be one of the first players selected. Ankeny Centennial shortstop Keaton Gray would be another player that coaches could build a team around. Both Brecht and Gray have been named to the Central Conference first team for the … [Read more...] about Brecht, Gray again named to CIML Central Conference first team
Rumley, Burnett are repeat selections to CIML Central Conference first team
Seniors Franie Burnett of Ankeny Centennial and Jasmine Rumley of Ankeny were both repeat selections to the CIML Central Conference first team by a vote of the league's softball coaches. Rumley, a third baseman, was a first-team pick for the third consecutive year. She led the Hawkettes to a 19-11 record this season. Rumley batted .422 with eight home … [Read more...] about Rumley, Burnett are repeat selections to CIML Central Conference first team
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Kade Somers, Ankeny baseball
Junior outfielder and first baseman Kade Somers helped the Ankeny baseball team to a 21-9 record and a second-place finish in the Class 4A state tournament. He went 2-for-4 in the Hawks' 11-8 loss to top-ranked Johnston in the championship game on Saturday at Principal Park. Somers batted .343 this season with two doubles, one triple and 16 RBIs. He was a … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Kade Somers, Ankeny baseball
VIDEO: Hawks earn runner-up honors for 5th time
‘We just didn’t execute’: Hawks let lead slip away in 4A championship game
Weston Fulk couldn't help but think about the state title that slipped away. But he was also focusing on winning a championship in 2021. "We know where we could have been," Fulk said after his Ankeny baseball team lost to Johnston, 11-8, in the Class 4A final on Saturday at Principal Park. "We deserved to be in this game--everybody knows it. But I'm … [Read more...] about ‘We just didn’t execute’: Hawks let lead slip away in 4A championship game
Hawks settle for runner-up trophy after Johnston rallies for 11-8 victory
The Ankeny baseball team was in a position to win the Class 4A state title on Saturday night at Principal Park. The Hawks just couldn't close the deal. Top-ranked Johnston overcame a 7-3 deficit with three runs in the fifth inning and five more in the sixth to rally for an 11-8 victory over No. 2 Ankeny. The Dragons (24-3) won their fifth state … [Read more...] about Hawks settle for runner-up trophy after Johnston rallies for 11-8 victory
VIDEO: Ankeny reaches Class 4A final in thrilling fashion
Hawks outlast Dubuque Hempstead, will play Johnston for Class 4A crown
Just a few months after the Ankeny boys' basketball team won the Class 4A state title, the school's baseball squad will have a chance to win a championship of its own. Second-ranked Ankeny advanced to the Class 4A title game with a wild 9-8 victory over No. 4 Dubuque Hempstead in the semifinals on Friday at Principal Park. Ryan Madole scored from third … [Read more...] about Hawks outlast Dubuque Hempstead, will play Johnston for Class 4A crown
Hawks walk off on wild pitch, advance to Class 4A championship game
The Ankeny baseball team advanced to the Class 4A championship game in dramatic, walk-off fashion. Ryan Madole scored from third base on a wild pitch with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning to give the second-ranked Hawks a wild 9-8 victory over No. 4 Dubuque Hempstead in the semifinals on Friday at Principal Park. Ankeny (21-8) will play No. … [Read more...] about Hawks walk off on wild pitch, advance to Class 4A championship game
VIDEO: Ankeny star overpowers Pleasant Valley
Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 99
Check out the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by the Ankeny office of Iowa Realty. Ankeny Fanatic publisher Dan Holm interviews Ankeny baseball coach Joe Balvanz and two of his standout players, Cael Boyd and Weston Fulk, about the Hawks' victory over Pleasant Valley in the Class 4A quarterfinals and looks ahead to the rest of … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 99
STICKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK TO THE PLAN: Brecht fans 16 as Hawks advance
Ankeny baseball coach Joe Balvanz was tempted to pull his starting pitcher after the Hawks jumped out to a 4-0 lead against Pleasant Valley in the quarterfinals of the Class 4A state tournament on Wednesday night. Brody Brecht was even campaigning to come out of the game, because such a move would have allowed him to potentially return to the mound in … [Read more...] about STICKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK TO THE PLAN: Brecht fans 16 as Hawks advance