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Hawks

‘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

Ankeny linebacker Kayser commits to UNI, will follow Nelson to Cedar Falls

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It didn't take long for Rick Nelson to land one of his former Ankeny football players as a Northern Iowa recruit. Connor Kayser, a senior-to-be linebacker for the Hawks, announced his verbal commitment on Monday to play for UNI in 2024. "I told myself that coach Nelson wouldn't be the reason I committed, and he definitely was not the only reason just … [Read more...] about Ankeny linebacker Kayser commits to UNI, will follow Nelson to Cedar Falls

Adamson, Watson, Pratt are playing for Large Schools West in All-Star Series

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Seniors Brock Adamson and Max Watson of Ankeny along with Easton Pratt of Ankeny Centennial are participating in the 2023 All-Star Series this weekend at Merchants Park in Carroll. The event is sponsored by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association. Adamson, Watson and Pratt will play for the Large Schools West team coached by Eric Evans of … [Read more...] about Adamson, Watson, Pratt are playing for Large Schools West in All-Star Series

Six Jaguars, four Hawkettes earn all-state honors from Girls’ Coaches Association

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Six Ankeny Centennial softball players and four more from Ankeny have received all-state honors from the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association. Centennial coach Brett Delaney was also honored--he was named the Class 5A coach of the year after guiding the Jaguars to their first state championship. Senior catcher Sydney Morris of Centennial was selected to the … [Read more...] about Six Jaguars, four Hawkettes earn all-state honors from Girls’ Coaches Association

Delaney named district coach of the year; 3 Jaguars, 2 Hawkettes also honored

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It was a storybook season for coach Brett Delaney and the Ankeny Centennial softball team. After guiding the Jaguars to a 36-5 record and the first state title in school history, Delaney has been named the Class 5A West district coach of the year by the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association. He also led his team to the CIML Conference crown. Three of … [Read more...] about Delaney named district coach of the year; 3 Jaguars, 2 Hawkettes also honored