Ankeny Fanatic

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Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny boys’ tennis team

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The Ankeny boys' tennis program dates back to the early 1970s. The biggest highlight for the Hawks over the last 50 years came nearly two decades ago. In 2003, head coach Dennis Hoefle guided Ankeny to the best season in school history. The Hawks advanced to the state team tournament for the first time ever and went on to capture the Class 2A … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny boys’ tennis team

Hawks soar back to Principal Park, will face Pleasant Valley in 4A quarterfinals

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Mo Watson isn't taking this abbreviated baseball season for granted. The senior catcher hit an RBI single to ignite second-ranked Ankeny to a 5-0 victory over visiting Council Bluffs Lincoln in a Class 4A substate final on Wednesday. The Hawks (19-8) advanced to next week's state tournament for the second straight year. "It feels awesome," said Watson. … [Read more...] about Hawks soar back to Principal Park, will face Pleasant Valley in 4A quarterfinals

S.E. Polk overcomes Johnson’s monster game, ends Hawkettes’ season at 19-11

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The Ankeny softball team had the right batter at the plate on Saturday with the Hawkettes' season on the line. Trailing by three runs on its home field, 14th-ranked Ankeny loaded the bases with two outs in the seventh inning against Southeast Polk in a Class 5A regional semifinal. Stepping into the batter's box was Marina Carter, the Hawkettes' junior … [Read more...] about S.E. Polk overcomes Johnson’s monster game, ends Hawkettes’ season at 19-11

Ankeny’s Christmann to play soccer at Wartburg College

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The Ankeny connection to the Wartburg women's soccer program continues to grow. Ankeny midfielder Rachael Christmann, who helped the Hawkettes to the Class 3A state title in 2019, has committed to play for the Knights. She will join the Division III program in 2021. When Christmann took an overnight visit to Waverly, she stayed with current Wartburg … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s Christmann to play soccer at Wartburg College

Blimpie Sub of the Week: Lucas Juhl, Ankeny baseball

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Senior third baseman Lucas Juhl is a member of the second-ranked Ankeny baseball team. He has helped the Hawks to an 18-8 record. Juhl has played in 23 of the 26 games with 15 starts. He will play for Simpson College next year. "Lucas always has a team-focused approach," said Ankeny coach Joe Balvanz. "He knows that his role as a defensive specialist … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Lucas Juhl, Ankeny baseball

‘That was a big-time comeback’: 5-run 7th inning allows Hawks to salvage split

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The Ankeny baseball team appeared to be on its way to a doubleheader loss on Monday that would have stifled the Hawks' momentum heading into postseason play. Visiting Valley was three outs away from completing a sweep before second-ranked Ankeny rallied for five runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to post a dramatic 7-6 victory. "That was a … [Read more...] about ‘That was a big-time comeback’: 5-run 7th inning allows Hawks to salvage split

‘I trust my defense’: Billings hurls 3-hitter as Hawkettes earn split against Valley

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If Ankeny softball coach Dave Bingham was still undecided about his pitching plans for the postseason, Monday's doubleheader against defending Class 5A state champion Valley may have helped him come to a decision. Sophomore Ashtyn Billings tossed a three-hitter in the nightcap as the 15th-ranked Hawkettes salvaged a split of the twinbill with a 1-0 … [Read more...] about ‘I trust my defense’: Billings hurls 3-hitter as Hawkettes earn split against Valley

Ankeny, Centennial athletes compete at Iowa Track and Field Carnival

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There's nothing that could replace having your entire track and field season wiped out by a global pandemic. But Mike Jay wanted to at least try something. Jay, the lead PA announcer for the Drake Relays and the high school state meet, organized a track and field meet for those Iowans who wanted an opportunity to compete after losing their season to … [Read more...] about Ankeny, Centennial athletes compete at Iowa Track and Field Carnival

Billings wins twice as Hawkettes sweep North to raise their record to 18-9

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The Ankeny softball team picked up a pair of victories on Friday--and so did sophomore pitcher Ashtyn Billings. Billings earned the win in both games as 15th-ranked Ankeny swept a doubleheader at Des Moines North. The Hawkettes posted a 15-0 victory in three innings in the opener, then completed the sweep with a 13-0 win in five innings. Billings (9-5) … [Read more...] about Billings wins twice as Hawkettes sweep North to raise their record to 18-9

Hawks take care of business, roll to pair of 5-inning victories at North

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Ankeny baseball coach Joe Balvanz was hoping that his players could take care of business quickly on Friday. Mission accomplished. The third-ranked Hawks traveled to Des Moines North for an afternoon doubleheader and came away with a pair of five-inning victories, 14-0 and 14-1. They improved to 17-7 on the season, while the Polar Bears' record dropped … [Read more...] about Hawks take care of business, roll to pair of 5-inning victories at North

Dowling’s misfortune allows Hawks to earn No. 1 seed, bye into substate final

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The Ankeny baseball team will only have to win one game to qualify for this year's state tournament. However, the third-ranked Hawks will also have to overcome an eight-day layoff to earn a return trip to Principal Park. Ankeny (15-7) has been awarded the No. 1 seed in Class 4A Substate 8 after top-ranked Dowling Catholic was forced to cancel the rest … [Read more...] about Dowling’s misfortune allows Hawks to earn No. 1 seed, bye into substate final

Overturf hits Ankeny’s 21st homer in 25 games, leads Hawkettes past Ballard

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Many high school softball teams are fortunate to have one or two players who can hit the ball out of the park. Ankeny is blessed with several power hitters. Gillian Overturf homered and drove in four runs to lead the 15th-ranked Hawkettes to a 5-1 victory over Ballard in a non-conference game on Thursday. "This was a really important night for us," … [Read more...] about Overturf hits Ankeny’s 21st homer in 25 games, leads Hawkettes past Ballard

Hawks build some momentum for postseason with sweep over S.E. Polk

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The Ankeny baseball players had several reasons to be motivated on Wednesday. For someone like Bryce Rinderknecht, it might have been his final opportunity to take the mound for the Hawks. He didn't want to let it go to waste. For others such as Brody Brecht, a chance for some revenge against Southeast Polk was a huge motivating factor. Brecht went … [Read more...] about Hawks build some momentum for postseason with sweep over S.E. Polk

Hawkettes sweep S.E. Polk with pair of dramatic walk-off victories

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If the Ankeny softball team hopes to reach the Class 5A state tournament, the Hawkettes may have to find some different ways to win a couple of regional games. The 15th-ranked Hawkettes proved on Wednesday that they might be able to do that. And Ankeny even defeated one of the teams, Southeast Polk, that it will have to beat in order to advance to Fort … [Read more...] about Hawkettes sweep S.E. Polk with pair of dramatic walk-off victories

Ankeny receiver Kumm decommits from MSUM, will play for Iowa Central

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Ankeny football standout Jordan Kumm has decided to stay closer to home. The wide receiver, who had previously committed to play for Minnesota State University Moorhead, announced earlier this week via Twitter that he'll be heading to Iowa Central Community College in the fall. "God's got a plan!" Kumm tweeted. "I would like to thank the whole coaching … [Read more...] about Ankeny receiver Kumm decommits from MSUM, will play for Iowa Central

Rumley hits her 37th career home run to break Lindaman’s Ankeny record

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Ankeny's Jasmine Rumley has already set a bunch of records in the swimming pool. She's been a record-breaker on the softball field, too. The senior third baseman hit her 37th career home run on Tuesday during the Hawkettes' doubleheader split at Dowling Catholic. She broke the Ankeny career mark of 36 homers that was set by Kendyl Lindaman in … [Read more...] about Rumley hits her 37th career home run to break Lindaman’s Ankeny record

No. 3 Hawks split with No. 1 Dowling in potential substate final preview

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(UPDATE: The rest of Dowling Catholic's season has been cancelled after one of its players tested positive for COVID-19.) Tuesday's baseball doubleheader at Dowling Catholic provided a unique opportunity for both the top-ranked Maroons and No. 3 Ankeny to get a glimpse of their potential opponent in a Class 4A substate final. Both squads have been … [Read more...] about No. 3 Hawks split with No. 1 Dowling in potential substate final preview