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Hawks

Ankeny girls’ swimming coach Stout announces retirement after 15 seasons

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Ankeny girls' swimming coach Michelle Stout wanted to leave her program in a good place. She has certainly done that. The longtime coach of the Hawkettes has announced her retirement. "I always knew I wanted to be sure I retired at a time when the team was in a position to succeed after my departure," said Stout, who has also been an assistant … [Read more...] about Ankeny girls’ swimming coach Stout announces retirement after 15 seasons

‘We’ll keep the same focus’: Hawkettes look to build on winning season

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A year ago, the Ankeny girls' tennis team laid the foundation for a bright future under first-year coach Steve Smith. The Hawkettes posted an 8-7 record, including a 3-2 mark in the CIML Iowa Conference. It was the program's first winning season since 2012. "Last year we focused on culture and process-oriented goals," said Smith. "So, we dialed in on … [Read more...] about ‘We’ll keep the same focus’: Hawkettes look to build on winning season

Four returning varsity regulars expected ‘to set the tone’ for Ankeny golfers

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Although the Ankeny girls' golf team boasts four returning varsity regulars, the Hawkettes' lineup could look a lot different this season. Gone is Jaci Webb, a three-time state qualifier who graduated last spring and is now playing for William Jewell College. She placed ninth in Class 4A last season, equaling the highest finish by an Ankeny golfer since … [Read more...] about Four returning varsity regulars expected ‘to set the tone’ for Ankeny golfers

‘Our goal is to go as far as possible’: Experienced Hawks return 10 starters

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A year ago, the Ankeny boys' soccer team posted an 11-6 record despite having an inexperienced squad. Now, the Hawks are beginning their second campaign under coach Marcus Varnum with a roster that is both seasoned and talented. "The strengths of our team are definitely the year of experience and growth that all of our returning players are bringing," … [Read more...] about ‘Our goal is to go as far as possible’: Experienced Hawks return 10 starters

Aguirre, Crandall, Johnson named to all-substate boys’ basketball team

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Ankeny players Lio Aguirre, Ryan Crandall and Carson Johnson have been named to the Class 4A Substate 1 boys' basketball team. The trio helped the Hawks to a 19-5 record and a trip to the state tournament this season. Crandall, a senior forward, averaged a team-high 11.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.2 steals per game. He was earlier selected to … [Read more...] about Aguirre, Crandall, Johnson named to all-substate boys’ basketball team

Roosevelt’s Patton to transfer to Ankeny, will play safety to prepare for next level

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One of the state's top football players in the Class of 2023 is headed to Ankeny High School. Des Moines Roosevelt star Jamison Patton, who is being recruited by Power Five schools as an athlete, announced on Sunday via Twitter that he will play for the Hawks in the fall. "After a lot of thought and talking it over with my family I will be transferring … [Read more...] about Roosevelt’s Patton to transfer to Ankeny, will play safety to prepare for next level

Ankeny boys’ tennis team seeks progress after posting 3-9 mark last season

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The Ankeny boys' tennis team will be looking to make some improvements during its second season under coach Ron Miller. The Hawks posted a 3-9 record a year ago, including a 1-4 mark in the CIML Iowa Conference. They earned wins over Norwalk, Des Moines East and Fort Dodge during a 3-1 start before the schedule got tougher and the team struggled the rest … [Read more...] about Ankeny boys’ tennis team seeks progress after posting 3-9 mark last season

RARE AIR: Ankeny senior Crandall earns all-state honors in 3rd different sport

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Ankeny senior Ryan Crandall has joined an exclusive club. The boys' basketball standout has been named to the Class 4A all-state third team by the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association. He previously earned all-state honors in both football and baseball, becoming a rare Ankeny athlete to be recognized in all three sports. Crandall, a forward, led the … [Read more...] about RARE AIR: Ankeny senior Crandall earns all-state honors in 3rd different sport

Hawkettes return 8 starters, will seek 4th straight appearance in 3A title game

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For much of the 2021 season, the Ankeny girls' soccer team flew under the radar. That won't be the case this year. The Hawkettes return eight starters from a team that posted a 14-5 record and advanced to the Class 3A championship game before dropping a 1-0 decision to Valley. It was Ankeny's third consecutive appearance in the title game. "We have … [Read more...] about Hawkettes return 8 starters, will seek 4th straight appearance in 3A title game

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Maddox Ward, Ankeny boys’ basketball

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Junior guard Maddox Ward helped the Ankeny boys' basketball team to a 19-5 record this season. He was one of the Hawks' top reserves, playing in 23 of the 24 games. Ward averaged 2.7 points and 1.7 assists per game. He had six points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals in Ankeny's 55-53 loss to Johnston in the quarterfinals of the Class 4A state … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Maddox Ward, Ankeny boys’ basketball

Ankeny’s Crandall, Centennial’s Kelling named to Iowa Conference first team

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Boys' basketball standouts Ryan Crandall of Ankeny and Caden Kelling of Ankeny Centennial have been named to the CIML Iowa Conference first team by a vote of the league's coaches. Crandall, a senior forward, led the Hawks to a 19-5 record and a trip to the Class 4A state tournament. He averaged a team-high 11.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.2 … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s Crandall, Centennial’s Kelling named to Iowa Conference first team

‘We feel like we are a top-5 team’: Ankeny girls boast young, talented squad

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Thomas Cotter is hoping to make the most of his final season as the Ankeny girls' track coach. Cotter, who is going to Carlisle at the end of the school year, has already had a lot of success with the Hawkettes. "We have accomplished a lot in the four years I have been here," said Cotter. "With a COVID year, we have won three state championships (in … [Read more...] about ‘We feel like we are a top-5 team’: Ankeny girls boast young, talented squad

‘That won us the game’: Johnston’s free throws end Ankeny boys’ season at 19-5

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Ankeny's JJ Kohl grabbed the rebound in the lane and put the ball back in the hoop as time expired. It was a meaningless basket in the grand scheme of things, because it didn't prevent third-seeded Johnston from advancing to the Class 4A semifinals of the boys' state basketball tournament. But it showed what the sixth-seeded Hawks are all … [Read more...] about ‘That won us the game’: Johnston’s free throws end Ankeny boys’ season at 19-5

THE END OF THE ROAD: Hawks fall to Johnston in Class 4A quarterfinals

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Steven Kramer scored 12 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter and third-seeded Johnston rallied to beat sixth-seeded Ankeny, 55-53, in the Class 4A quarterfinals of the boys' state basketball tournament on Wednesday at Wells Fargo Arena. Kramer made a 3-point goal with 5 minutes 15 seconds left to put his team ahead for good, 45-44, in a seesaw affair … [Read more...] about THE END OF THE ROAD: Hawks fall to Johnston in Class 4A quarterfinals

Murray, Pitz earn all-state honors from Iowa Girls’ Coaches Association

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Chalk up another postseason honor for the duo of Cleao Murray and Jenna Pitz. The two girls' basketball standouts have both received all-state honors from the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association. Murray, a senior guard at Ankeny Centennial, was named to the Class 5A second team. Pitz, a junior guard at Ankeny, was a third-team pick. Both players were … [Read more...] about Murray, Pitz earn all-state honors from Iowa Girls’ Coaches Association

‘I’m so excited’: Kohut Lynch hired to take over Ankeny volleyball program

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Dani Kohut Lynch has some big shoes to fill. Fortunately, she has some big shoes of her own. Kohut Lynch, a former St. Cloud State player and Luther College head coach, has been hired to replace legendary Ankeny volleyball coach Dave Whims. "I'm so excited," said Kohut Lynch. "The tradition at Ankeny is so rich. I don't have to re-invent the wheel … [Read more...] about ‘I’m so excited’: Kohut Lynch hired to take over Ankeny volleyball program

State tourney preview: Ankeny Fanatic’s predictions for the Class 4A quarterfinals

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When the Class 4A state tournament tips off on Wednesday at Wells Fargo Arena, a lot of eyes will be focused on standout point guard Tamin Lipsey of Ames. The top-ranked Little Cyclones were a prohibitive favorite to capture the Class 4A crown before Lipsey suffered a hamstring injury during a win at Marshalltown on Feb. 1. The Iowa State recruit then sat … [Read more...] about State tourney preview: Ankeny Fanatic’s predictions for the Class 4A quarterfinals

Murray, Pitz earn all-state honors from Iowa Print Sports Writers Association

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Girls' basketball standouts Cleao Murray of Ankeny Centennial and Jenna Pitz of Ankeny have received all-state honors from the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association. Murray, a senior guard, was named to the Class 5A first team. Pitz, a junior guard, was a third-team selection. Murray led the Jaguars to a 20-4 record and a repeat appearance in the Class … [Read more...] about Murray, Pitz earn all-state honors from Iowa Print Sports Writers Association

Elite sprinter Miller one of many strengths for Ankeny boys’ track team

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Tyrese Miller and the Ankeny boys' track team are ready to make some noise this season. Miller, one of the state's top sprinters, helped the Hawks to a 15th-place finish in last year's Class 4A state meet. He is among the team's 11 returning state qualifiers. "Tyrese had a great junior season and is poised to have a great senior campaign," said Ankeny … [Read more...] about Elite sprinter Miller one of many strengths for Ankeny boys’ track team