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Jaguars top Ankeny in semifinals, earn runner-up finish at Centennial Invite

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Saturday's Ankeny Centennial Invitational featured many of the state's top volleyball teams. Sixth-ranked Centennial defeated four ranked opponents, including No. 8 Ankeny, on its way to the championship match. Then, in the finals, the Jaguars dropped a 25-21, 25-17 decision to Dike-New Hartford--the No. 1 team in Class 2A. "It was an incredible day … [Read more...] about Jaguars top Ankeny in semifinals, earn runner-up finish at Centennial Invite

SOUTHSIDE PRIDE: Hawks erase 17-point deficit, knock off Jaguars in double OT

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With the game on the line, the Ankeny football team didn't run the play that was called in the huddle. It worked out for the Hawks anyway. Devon Akers caught a two-point pass from Luke Anderson to give the Hawks a thrilling 39-38 victory over rival Ankeny Centennial in double overtime on Friday at Ankeny Stadium. "We actually messed up the play," … [Read more...] about SOUTHSIDE PRIDE: Hawks erase 17-point deficit, knock off Jaguars in double OT

Jag-Hawk rivalry resumes on Friday night to kick off 2023 football season

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Ankeny's crosstown rivals will collide on the gridiron for the 12th time on Friday at Ankeny Stadium to kick off the 2023 high school football season. Ankeny Centennial leads the all-time series, 8-3, but Ankeny has won two of the last three meetings--including a 17-10 victory by the Hawks in 2022. "Ankeny's had a very nice run the last few years," … [Read more...] about Jag-Hawk rivalry resumes on Friday night to kick off 2023 football season

Hensen again earns medalist honors as Hawks top Centennial at triangular meet

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As the temperatures soared this week, the scores for Drew Hensen and the Ankeny boys' golf team have gone down. Hensen carded a 2-under-par 69 to earn medalist honors on Thursday while leading the Hawks to a second-place finish in a CIML Conference triangular meet at Copper Creek. He finished one stroke ahead of runner-up Sam Wahman of Southeast Polk in … [Read more...] about Hensen again earns medalist honors as Hawks top Centennial at triangular meet

Hawks return just 5 starters, but Bauer enters season with optimistic outlook

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Although the Ankeny football team lacks experience, the Hawks still boast plenty of talent. Ankeny returns just five starters from last year's squad that posted a 9-2 record, but first-year coach Jeff Bauer isn't concerned about the number of newcomers who will be forced to play. "Nobody is going to talk about Ankeny when you have just five returning … [Read more...] about Hawks return just 5 starters, but Bauer enters season with optimistic outlook

‘We have a long way to go’: Hawkettes drop opener at No. 2 Dowling in 4 sets

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Coach Liz Baethke knew that the season opener for her Ankeny volleyball team was going to be a tall task. Second-ranked Dowling Catholic, which features one of the state's top hitters in Mackenzie Dean and several other tall players, proved to be as formidable as she feared. The Maroons dropped the opening set on their home court before rallying to … [Read more...] about ‘We have a long way to go’: Hawkettes drop opener at No. 2 Dowling in 4 sets

Ankeny golfers fall to Johnston by 3 strokes, but easily defeat Urbandale

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The Ankeny boys' golf team came away with a split on Monday in a CIML Conference triangular meet held in steamy conditions at Beaver Creek. The Hawks posted four scores in the 70s and finished with a 301 total. They lost to Johnston (298) by three strokes, but easily defeated Urbandale (369). "It was really hot, but a good day for the Hawks," said … [Read more...] about Ankeny golfers fall to Johnston by 3 strokes, but easily defeat Urbandale

‘I’d bet the house on it’: Hawk runners look to contend for Class 4A crown

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The expectations are high this season for the Ankeny boys' cross country team. Actually, they're sky high. The Hawks are second in the Class 4A preseason rankings after placing third in last year's state meet with 158 points, which equaled the school's highest finish in the modern era. Only one of the top seven runners from that team … [Read more...] about ‘I’d bet the house on it’: Hawk runners look to contend for Class 4A crown

Hawkettes enter season with high hopes despite injuries to Roush, Schrader

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It's been a rough start to the 2023 campaign for new head coach Liz Baethke and the Ankeny volleyball team. Baethke, who left Urbandale after 23 years to take over the Hawkettes' program, will begin the season without Ankeny's top two returning players. Senior right-side hitter Tanith Roush suffered a broken leg during the preseason, while senior outside … [Read more...] about Hawkettes enter season with high hopes despite injuries to Roush, Schrader

‘I think we are going to surprise people’: Ankeny swimmers seek top-5 finish

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The Ankeny girls' swimming team won't open its season until later this month, but the squad is already putting in a lot of hard work under first-year coach Dustin Rhoads. There are 46 girls on the roster, including several returning state qualifiers. "The practices are off to a great start!" Rhoads said. "We went right into two-a-day practices from the … [Read more...] about ‘I think we are going to surprise people’: Ankeny swimmers seek top-5 finish

Hawkettes return several varsity regulars, led by 2-time state placewinner Beason

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The goals for the Ankeny girls' cross country team haven't changed this season, even with the addition of a new head coach. Quinn Groff has taken over the program after Eric Klingensmith resigned from the position last fall. Groff was the boys' eighth grade cross country coach at Southview for two years before joining the Hawkettes as an assistant under … [Read more...] about Hawkettes return several varsity regulars, led by 2-time state placewinner Beason

Hawk golfers place 2nd at Peck Invite behind Hensen, while Jaguars finish 5th

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Monday's season-opening Jesse Peck Invitational proved to be a good starting point for both the Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial boys' golf teams. The Hawks placed second with a 314 total at Briarwood Golf Club, finishing seven strokes behind Dallas Center-Grimes. This marked the first time that coach Mike Weddingfeld's team has played in Centennial's home … [Read more...] about Hawk golfers place 2nd at Peck Invite behind Hensen, while Jaguars finish 5th

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Evan Hodapp, Ankeny boys’ golf

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Junior Evan Hodapp is one of five returning varsity regulars for the Ankeny boys' golf team. He placed second on the team last year with a 78.5 average. Hodapp placed sixth in a Class 4A district meet at Bent Tree Golf Club in Council Bluffs, where he shot a 73 to qualify for state as an individual. He then went on to tie for 58th place in Class 4A, … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Evan Hodapp, Ankeny boys’ golf

‘I love many things about Iowa State!’: Ankeny’s Hanfelt commits to Cyclones

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Another Ankeny volleyball player has made her college plans. A day after teammate Baileigh Carlsen verbally committed to play for Auburn, fellow junior Reagan Hanfelt announced her commitment to Iowa State on Thursday. "I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and volleyball career at Iowa State University!" Hanfelt … [Read more...] about ‘I love many things about Iowa State!’: Ankeny’s Hanfelt commits to Cyclones

War Eagle!: Ankeny defensive specialist Carlsen to play volleyball at Auburn

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Ankeny defensive specialist Baileigh Carlsen has verbally committed to play volleyball at Auburn, beginning in the fall of 2025. Carlsen, a junior, announced her decision on social media Wednesday. "I'm super excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Auburn University!" she wrote. "I would love to thank … [Read more...] about War Eagle!: Ankeny defensive specialist Carlsen to play volleyball at Auburn

Ankeny point guard Johnson to play for Minnesota State University Moorhead

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Ankeny senior point guard Carson Johnson has verbally committed to play basketball at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Johnson announced his decision on social media Tuesday. "I am excited to announce that I will further my academic and basketball career at Minnesota State University Moorhead!" he wrote. "Thank you to my family for the endless … [Read more...] about Ankeny point guard Johnson to play for Minnesota State University Moorhead

Longtime Urbandale coach Baethke hired to take over Ankeny volleyball program

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The new head coach of the Ankeny volleyball team is already familiar with the Hawkettes' program. Longtime Urbandale coach Liz Baethke has been hired to replace Dani Kohut Lynch, who guided Ankeny to a 35-5 record in her only season at the school. Baethke accepted the position more than a month ago, but her hiring wasn't approved by the school board until … [Read more...] about Longtime Urbandale coach Baethke hired to take over Ankeny volleyball program

Experienced Ankeny golfers seek trip to Class 4A state meet at Otter Creek

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A total of 38 players will be trying out for the Ankeny boys' golf team on Monday and Tuesday at Otter Creek Golf Course. "Then we'll cut down to 24 (boys) as that is the number the golf course will allow us to have," said Ankeny coach Mike Weddingfeld. This should be one of Weddingfeld's most experienced teams. Seniors Drew Hensen and Jacob Adams are … [Read more...] about Experienced Ankeny golfers seek trip to Class 4A state meet at Otter Creek