Ankeny Fanatic

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Centennial is No. 2, Ankeny No. 4 in preseason girls’ soccer rankings

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The Ankeny Centennial and Ankeny girls' soccer teams finished last season as the top two squads in Class 3A. The Jaguars and Hawkettes are beginning the 2019 season near the top as well. Centennial is ranked No. 2 in the Class 3A preseason rankings by the Iowa Girls' High School Athletic Union. Ankeny is ranked No. 4. The two Ankeny schools met in … [Read more...] about Centennial is No. 2, Ankeny No. 4 in preseason girls’ soccer rankings

Hawkettes look to improve with return of all 6 varsity regulars

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If experience helps, then the Ankeny girls' golf team should improve significantly this season. All six of the varsity regulars are back from a team that posted a 0-5 dual-meet record last year. "We did not graduate anyone," said Ankeny coach Seth Hagarty. "We have set a few goals as a whole team for the season, but more specifically the girls have … [Read more...] about Hawkettes look to improve with return of all 6 varsity regulars

Ankeny boys’ soccer team to again rely on high-scoring duo of Raineri, Pritchard

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There's a reason why Ankeny boys' soccer coach Jordan Burns is optimistic about the upcoming season. The Hawks boast an offensive attack that few teams around the state can match. "Our strength this season is going to be our offense," said Burns. "Kolby Raineri and Charlie Pritchard scored over 40 goals between them last season. In my opinion, they are … [Read more...] about Ankeny boys’ soccer team to again rely on high-scoring duo of Raineri, Pritchard

Growing Hawkettes’ tennis program now boasts roster of 100 players

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The Ankeny girls' tennis team has suffered through some growing pains since the split into two high schools. Now, the Hawkettes' program is just growing. There are 100 players out for the team this spring, according to head coach Katie Owens. "We have a lot of kids out, but it's a young team," Owens said. "It'll be exciting to see where the girls … [Read more...] about Growing Hawkettes’ tennis program now boasts roster of 100 players

Hawkettes move outdoors, win 3 events at Waukee Earlybird Invitational

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The Ankeny girls' track team opened its outdoor season on Tuesday by winning three events at the Waukee Earlybird Invitational. No team scores were kept. Mytika Mayberry won the 100 in 12.93 seconds, while Malea Daugherty took the 100 hurdles in 17.11. Jasmine Bentley captured the discus with a throw of 102 feet 6 inches. Mikayla Sidney placed second … [Read more...] about Hawkettes move outdoors, win 3 events at Waukee Earlybird Invitational

Hawkettes return 9 starters from last year’s state runner-up squad

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Simon Brown wasn't around when the Ankeny girls' soccer team lost to its crosstown rival in last year's Class 3A championship game. But he knows how much the Hawkettes are motivated by their 3-2 loss to Ankeny Centennial with a trophy at stake. "We talked a lot about state last year with our leadership group, and it was important for me to understand … [Read more...] about Hawkettes return 9 starters from last year’s state runner-up squad

Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Eva van de Mortel, Ankeny girls’ track

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Sophomore Eva van de Mortel is one of 14 returning state qualifiers for the Ankeny girls' track team. She placed 15th in the 100 and also ran on the Hawkettes' third-place 4x100 relay at the Class 4A state meet. During the indoor season, van de Mortel won the 55-meter dash at Wartburg and the 60-meter dash at UNI, where over 200 girls competed and she was … [Read more...] about Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Eva van de Mortel, Ankeny girls’ track

Despite lack of experience, Smith excited about future of Hawks’ tennis program

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The new head coach of the Ankeny boys' tennis team isn't concerned about the Hawks' lack of experience. But he is pretty excited about his players' enthusiasm. "We can tell the team is really enjoying playing tennis right now," said Steve Smith, who took over the program following Randy Daniels' retirement. "We’ve seen several players on the courts on … [Read more...] about Despite lack of experience, Smith excited about future of Hawks’ tennis program

Anderson, Rathjen drop overtime matches in War at West Gym

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Ankeny wrestling standouts Trever Anderson and Caleb Rathjen both participated in the War at West Gym on Saturday in Cedar Falls. The state champion duo both competed for Team Blue, which suffered a 32-10 loss to Team Red. The event featured 26 of the state's top boys' and girls' wrestlers. The meet was sponsored by IAWrestle.com. Anderson dropped a … [Read more...] about Anderson, Rathjen drop overtime matches in War at West Gym

Vacek commits to play volleyball at Wayne State, will reunite with Ballenger

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Ankeny's Isabelle Vacek has known for a long time that she wanted to continue her volleyball career at Wayne State College. Earlier this week, the junior outside hitter made it official. Vacek verbally committed to play for the Wildcats, beginning in the 2020 season. "I'm so excited," said Vacek. "I've been wanting to go there forever, but I tried … [Read more...] about Vacek commits to play volleyball at Wayne State, will reunite with Ballenger

Under new coach, Hawkettes boast 14 returning state qualifiers

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After watching his team compete in a pair of indoor meets, Ankeny girls' track coach Thomas Cotter likes what he has seen from the Hawkettes. "The indoor season has gone great," said Cotter, whose team will compete again on Saturday at the Buena Vista Indoor Meet. "We went into the season hoping to develop more 400 runners, and we have certainly seen … [Read more...] about Under new coach, Hawkettes boast 14 returning state qualifiers

Blimpie Sub of the Week: Sam Parr, Ankeny girls’ track

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Sam Parr is a member of the Ankeny girls' track team. "Sam is a senior who has really stepped up as a team leader in the first few weeks of the season as we have transitioned to our new routines and expectations," said Ankeny coach Thomas Cotter. "She focuses on the discus, but will also throw shot for us from time to time this spring." The Hawkettes … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Sam Parr, Ankeny girls’ track

Hawks boast high hopes after strong finish at last year’s state meet

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If the Ankeny boys' track team can stay healthy, the Hawks should have a good chance to build on the success of last year's squad. Ankeny tied for 13th place in the Class 4A state meet with 21 points. It was the Hawks' highest finish since the split into two high schools. Thirteen state qualifiers are back, including standout distance runner Tim Sindt, … [Read more...] about Hawks boast high hopes after strong finish at last year’s state meet

Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Caleb Grizzle, ACA boys’ basketball

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Senior center Caleb Grizzle led the Ankeny Christian Academy boys' basketball team to a 23-1 record. He had 15 points, nine rebounds, seven blocks and four assists as the Eagles ended their season with a 58-56 loss to Council Bluffs St. Albert in a Class 1A substate final on Feb. 25 at Adel. The 6-foot-7 Grizzle averaged a team-high 17.0 points, 8.3 … [Read more...] about Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Caleb Grizzle, ACA boys’ basketball

Ankeny duo named to all-conference first team along with McCullough

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The CIML Central Conference boys' basketball first team includes a trio of players from Ankeny. Senior guard Dillon Carlson and junior guard Braxton Bayless of Ankeny were both named to the team along with junior forward Cody McCullough of Ankeny Centennial. The all-conference teams were selected by the league's coaches. Bayless led the Hawks to a 13-8 … [Read more...] about Ankeny duo named to all-conference first team along with McCullough

Petersen to coach Centennial girls’ golf; Smith takes over Ankeny boys’ tennis program

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John Petersen always thought he'd be a head golf coach someday. Steve Smith never thought he'd pursue a high school coaching position. Now, both of them are getting ready to tackle new challenges this spring. Petersen, the former Ankeny boys' basketball and assistant boys' tennis coach, has taken over the Ankeny Centennial girls' golf program. He … [Read more...] about Petersen to coach Centennial girls’ golf; Smith takes over Ankeny boys’ tennis program

Schon, McCullough earn all-state honors from IGCA, IPSWA

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The Central Iowa Metropolitan League dominated the Class 5A state tournament last week, placing seven of its schools in the eight-team field. Now, the CIML has dominated the Class 5A all-state teams by the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association. The league boasts six of the eight first-team selections and 15 of the 24 all-staters overall. Seniors Rachel Schon … [Read more...] about Schon, McCullough earn all-state honors from IGCA, IPSWA

Blimpie Sub of the Week: Isabelle Vacek, Ankeny girls’ basketball

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Isabelle Vacek was one of the top reserves on the Ankeny girls' basketball team. The junior post player helped the Hawkettes to a 9-12 record this season. She scored a career-high 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds in a 63-24 victory over visiting Des Moines North on Nov. 27. Vacek averaged 2.7 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. She made 63.9 … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Isabelle Vacek, Ankeny girls’ basketball