Ankeny Fanatic

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Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny volleyball team

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Perhaps no high school sport has been more synonymous with the community of Ankeny than the game of volleyball. Ankeny High School captured four state championships in a six-year period from 2004-09. Following the split into two high schools in 2013, Ankeny Centennial quickly claimed four titles in a five-year stretch from 2014-18. "It's fantastic to … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny volleyball team

COMMITTED: Ankeny QB Bauer to play for Central Michigan

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Ankeny quarterback Jase Bauer did everything he could to land a Power Five offer. He decided that he couldn't wait any longer. Bauer verbally committed to play football for Central Michigan on Tuesday. He announced his decision via Twitter. "This process has truly been a blessing for me and my family," Bauer tweeted. "I want to give thanks to the … [Read more...] about COMMITTED: Ankeny QB Bauer to play for Central Michigan

Four Ankeny players named to Register’s all-Iowa elite football team

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Four of the state's top 24 football players--according to The Des Moines Register--played for Class 4A state champion Ankeny. A quartet of seniors--quarterback Jase Bauer, running back Arland Bruce IV, receiver Brody Brecht and linebacker Brecken Manus--has been named to the Register's all-Iowa elite team. They led the Hawks to an 11-1 record, capped off … [Read more...] about Four Ankeny players named to Register’s all-Iowa elite football team

Hawk wrestlers look to continue Ankeny’s recent run of championship success

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Ankeny wrestling coach Jack Wignall is anxious to get back on the mat with his team. Wignall saw enough during the Hawks' first week of practice last month to know that this is the most talented squad he's ever had. "We are very balanced at each weight with talent and depth. That is something we haven’t always had," said Wignall. "Sometimes we … [Read more...] about Hawk wrestlers look to continue Ankeny’s recent run of championship success

‘There is a lot of work still to be done’: Ankeny swimmers seek another crown

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There may not be another boys' swimming team in the state with as much elite talent as Ankeny's foursome of Trent Frandson, Weston Miner, Brek Stukerjurgen and Lance Swanepoel. That quartet alone will likely put the Hawks into contention for the state title in February. "I do think that we have a lot of talent returning," said Ankeny coach Justin … [Read more...] about ‘There is a lot of work still to be done’: Ankeny swimmers seek another crown

Johnson named player of the year by Iowa Golf Coaches Association

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Ankeny senior Hunter Johnson has been named the state's player of the year by the Iowa Golf Coaches Association. Johnson enjoyed a tremendous season for the Hawks. He finished the 2020 campaign ranked first in the individual season rankings. Johnson tied for third place and finished fourth after a cardoff in the Class 4A state meet. He posted a two-day … [Read more...] about Johnson named player of the year by Iowa Golf Coaches Association

Blimpie Sub of the Week: Braden Simonsen, Ankeny football

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Junior defensive lineman Braden Simonsen played a key role in the Ankeny football team's run to the Class 4A state title last month. Simonsen made 37 tackles for the Hawks, who boasted one of the state's best defensive units. He had 16 solo tackles, 14.5 for losses and four sacks. Simonsen also filled in at tight end during the playoffs when teammate … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Braden Simonsen, Ankeny football

United States Marine Corps honors Murphy as Semper Fidelis All-American

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Madeleine Murphy, a senior softball standout at Ankeny High School, was recognized as a Semper Fidelis All-American on Nov. 24. The United States Marine Corps is recognizing exemplary student athletes across the country through the Semper Fidelis All-American program. Now in its fourth year, the program features approximately 100 student athletes selected … [Read more...] about United States Marine Corps honors Murphy as Semper Fidelis All-American

Healthy Hawkettes welcome Johnson back along with 3 other starters

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Ankeny senior Abby Johnson has been waiting nearly two years to get back on the basketball court. Now, she'll have to wait a little longer. Johnson, who missed her entire junior season due to a knee injury, is now fully healthy. But she and her teammates are currently unable to practice while the Ankeny school district has moved to virtual … [Read more...] about Healthy Hawkettes welcome Johnson back along with 3 other starters

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Brek Stukerjurgen, Ankeny boys’ swimming

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Senior Brek Stukerjurgen is one of the top returnees for the Ankeny boys' swimming team. He is an eight-time state placewinner. Stukerjurgen placed fourth in the 100 backstroke and sixth in the 500 freestyle at the 2020 state meet. He anchored the Hawks to a tie for third place in the 400 freestyle relay and also swam on the fifth-place 200 medley … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Brek Stukerjurgen, Ankeny boys’ swimming

Defending champions boast high hopes despite heavy losses to graduation

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Ankeny boys' basketball coach Brandt Carlson was thrilled to see the Ankeny football team claim a state championship earlier this month, even if it meant two of his top returning players wouldn't be able to practice for awhile. "I am extremely happy for coach (Rick) Nelson, the staff and team in capturing the 2020 state championship in football," Carlson … [Read more...] about Defending champions boast high hopes despite heavy losses to graduation

Ankeny bowling teams ‘can loosen up and have a little fun’ under Richtsmeier

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For the first time in several years, the members of the Ankeny bowling teams won't have to get acquainted with a new coach. Lane Richtsmeier is back for his second season after taking over the program last year. He is Ankeny's seventh different head coach since the 2014-15 season, but is the first one of that group to return for a second campaign. "So … [Read more...] about Ankeny bowling teams ‘can loosen up and have a little fun’ under Richtsmeier

Bauer named captain of Class 4A all-state team by Iowa Print Sports Writers

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Ankeny quarterback Jase Bauer is no longer flying under the radar. His performances throughout the Class 4A playoffs changed all that. Bauer has been named the captain of the Class 4A all-state team by the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association, which selected the teams in conjunction with the Iowa Football Coaches Association. He was among 10 Ankeny … [Read more...] about Bauer named captain of Class 4A all-state team by Iowa Print Sports Writers

Hawks place 7 players on all-district first team, 8 more on second team

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The state champion Ankeny football team placed seven players on the all-district first team and eight more on the second team. Ankeny Centennial, meanwhile, had three first-team and three second-team selections. The all-district teams were selected by the coaches from the following teams: Ankeny, Centennial, Ames, Fort Dodge, Marshalltown, Indianola … [Read more...] about Hawks place 7 players on all-district first team, 8 more on second team

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Jase Bauer, Ankeny football

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Senior quarterback Jase Bauer played a starring role as the Ankeny football team routed top-ranked Southeast Polk, 42-14, in the Class 4A championship game on Friday at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. He accounted for 259 total yards and three touchdowns in the win, and was named Player of the Game by the Iowa High School Sports Network. Bauer completed … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Jase Bauer, Ankeny football

Mayberry to join Iowa’s track program; van de Mortel headed to UNI

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Ankeny sprinters Mytika Mayberry and Eva van de Mortel are both headed to Division I track and field programs in Iowa. They could have remained teammates on the collegiate level, but van de Mortel decided to pursue a different path. While Mayberry has committed to run for Iowa, van de Mortel also considered the Hawkeyes before choosing Northern … [Read more...] about Mayberry to join Iowa’s track program; van de Mortel headed to UNI

KINGS OF THE DOME: Ankeny soars to Class 4A crown with rout over Rams

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When Arland Bruce IV transferred to Ankeny earlier this fall, the Iowa recruit didn't know he was joining a state championship football squad. "I knew the talent we had was pretty scary," Bruce said. "But I really didn't look too far into it. I was just worried about trying to get onto the field with the guys." Bruce sat out the first five games of the … [Read more...] about KINGS OF THE DOME: Ankeny soars to Class 4A crown with rout over Rams

HAIL TO THE VICTORS!

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The trophy case at Ankeny High School might be getting a little crowded. For the third time since March, Ankeny came away with a state championship trophy on Friday night--this time courtesy of the football team. The second-ranked Hawks rolled to a 42-14 victory over No. 1 Southeast Polk in the Class 4A title game at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. It's … [Read more...] about HAIL TO THE VICTORS!