Ankeny Fanatic

Your Ankeny Sports Resource

Spring

‘Our focus will be improving each day’: Hawkettes return 5 varsity regulars

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When the Ankeny girls' tennis team opens its season on April 4 at Waukee, the Hawkettes' lineup will feature a new No. 1 player. Kira Smith, a two-time state qualifier and the daughter of coach Steve Smith, is not on the team's roster. "Kira is training in Florida, and I’m preparing for the season as if she won’t be playing," said coach Smith. It … [Read more...] about ‘Our focus will be improving each day’: Hawkettes return 5 varsity regulars

Hungry, humble Hawks off to good start in quest for Class 4A state championship

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After nearly winning a state championship last year, the Ankeny boys' track team is looking to capture the Class 4A crown in 2024. The Hawks battled CIML Conference rival Johnston down to the wire a year ago before the Dragons edged Ankeny in the final two events to win the title with 84 points. Coach Jordan Mullen's squad took second with 80 points, the … [Read more...] about Hungry, humble Hawks off to good start in quest for Class 4A state championship

Rock Chalk Jackhawk: Ankeny sprinter Belding picks Kansas over ISU, SDSU

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Ankeny sprinter Jack Belding has verbally committed to run for Kansas. The senior announced on Wednesday that he picked the Jayhawks over Iowa State and South Dakota State. "I looked at several schools and narrowed it down to (those three)," said Belding. "I was focused on schools that also offered architecture, which also narrowed the choices. It was … [Read more...] about Rock Chalk Jackhawk: Ankeny sprinter Belding picks Kansas over ISU, SDSU

GOTT IT: Ankeny senior verbally commits to play soccer at St. Cloud State

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Ankeny senior Emma Gott found what she was looking for at St. Cloud State, where she will play soccer for the Huskies next year. "I visited a few schools, but when I walked onto St. Cloud State’s campus it felt like home," said Gott. "It wasn’t a tough decision for me because they have an amazing nursing program, which is what I plan on majoring in. Their … [Read more...] about GOTT IT: Ankeny senior verbally commits to play soccer at St. Cloud State

‘I knew I wanted to go there’: Loeffler commits to play soccer at St. Cloud State

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Ankeny girls' soccer standout Sophie Loeffler has verbally committed to St. Cloud State. Loeffler, a junior defender, announced her decision via social media on Friday. "Beyond blessed to announce my commitment to continue my academic & soccer career at St. Cloud State University!" she tweeted. "I’m very thankful to my family, coaches, teammates, … [Read more...] about ‘I knew I wanted to go there’: Loeffler commits to play soccer at St. Cloud State

Ankeny junior Sickerson sets new Iowa indoor state record in 200-meter dash

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Ankeny sprinter Tyler Sickerson is already in midseason form. The junior won two events and set a pair of personal records on Sunday while competing for the Turbo Track Club at the Northwest Missouri open meet. He took the 60-meter dash in 6.89 seconds, which is No. 4 on the Iowa all-time list, and also captured the 200 in 22.10, which is the new Iowa … [Read more...] about Ankeny junior Sickerson sets new Iowa indoor state record in 200-meter dash

‘I loved the atmosphere and energy’: Smith to run for Nebraska-Omaha

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Ankeny senior Lillian Smith has decided to continue her track and field career at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Smith announced on social media earlier this week that she had committed to the Mavericks' program. "It was a tough decision because every school I visited had pros and cons," Smith said. "However, I immediately loved UNO once I got on … [Read more...] about ‘I loved the atmosphere and energy’: Smith to run for Nebraska-Omaha

‘I felt like that’s where I belonged’: Squires to run for Dordt University

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Ankeny senior Abel Squires will be taking his talents to Sioux Center. The boys' cross country and track standout announced his commitment to Dordt University on Monday. "I've been thinking and praying a lot about this decision and Dordt is where I feel God is leading me for the next step of my academic, spiritual and athletic journey," Squires tweeted … [Read more...] about ‘I felt like that’s where I belonged’: Squires to run for Dordt University

‘I found a love for the sport’: Ankeny’s Jumper to run track at Central College

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Ankeny hurdler Ella Jumper has verbally committed to join the Central College women's track and field program. Jumper, who qualified for the Class 4A state meet last spring in the shuttle hurdle relay, picked the Dutch after looking at a few other schools, including Wisconsin-La Crosse. "I was very particular in what I wanted so I only went on a few … [Read more...] about ‘I found a love for the sport’: Ankeny’s Jumper to run track at Central College

Former Varnum assistant Fuccio named coach of Ankeny boys’ soccer team

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Trevor Fuccio has been named the new head coach of the Ankeny boys' soccer team. Fuccio previously served as an assistant coach under Marcus Varnum, who left to become a full-time assistant for the men's soccer program at Simpson College. "I'm super excited," said Fuccio. "I'm glad to be able to continue working with the boys. I'm hoping to have a good … [Read more...] about Former Varnum assistant Fuccio named coach of Ankeny boys’ soccer team

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

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When Tarry Cory was growing up in Ankeny, he played a variety of sports. Like many boys, Cory enjoyed competing in the major sports of football, basketball and baseball. But he also tried some other sports, including track and field, where something sparked his interest in the pole vault. "During the seventh grade, we'd go over to where the football … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny boys’ track team

‘I’m so blessed to have this opportunity!’: Macke to play soccer for Hawkeyes

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Ankeny girls' soccer standout Alli Macke has verbally committed to play for Iowa, beginning in 2025. Macke announced her decision via social media on Sunday. "I am so excited to announce my commitment to play soccer at the University of Iowa!!" Macke tweeted. "A huge thank you to my family, coaches, and teammates for all the amazing support! I’m so … [Read more...] about ‘I’m so blessed to have this opportunity!’: Macke to play soccer for Hawkeyes

Ankeny girls’ track coach Jumper named At-Large Coach of the Year in Class 4A

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Ankeny girls' track coach T.J. Jumper has been named an At-Large Coach of the Year in Class 4A. Jumper guided Ankeny to a fifth-place finish in last month's state meet at Drake Stadium. The Hawkettes finished with 50 points. Ankeny trailed eventual champion Waukee Northwest by a single point heading into the final day of the meet. "As a team, you … [Read more...] about Ankeny girls’ track coach Jumper named At-Large Coach of the Year in Class 4A

Ankeny boys’ track coach Mullen named At-Large Coach of the Year in Class 4A

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Ankeny boys' track coach Jordan Mullen has been named an At-Large Coach of the Year in Class 4A after leading the Hawks to a runner-up finish at the state meet in his first season at the school. Ankeny battled CIML Conference rival Johnston down to the wire before the Dragons captured the Class 4A crown with 84 points. The Hawks finished with 80 … [Read more...] about Ankeny boys’ track coach Mullen named At-Large Coach of the Year in Class 4A

Dickey inducted into Iowa High School Golf Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame

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The late Toni Dickey was one of several coaches inducted into the Iowa High School Golf Coaches' Association Hall of Fame on Monday at Veenker Golf Course in Ames. Dickey, who passed away last August at the age of 63, coached the Ankeny girls' golf team for 31 years before retiring after the 2017 season. She compiled a record of 1,114-590 during her … [Read more...] about Dickey inducted into Iowa High School Golf Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame

Bergan, Pennington, Pitz earn first-team honors in CIML Conference

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Ankeny Centennial standouts Kate Bergan and Alanna Pennington have been named to the CIML Conference first team along with Ankeny star Jenna Pitz by a vote of the league's coaches. Pennington was previously a two-time first-team pick in the CIML Iowa Conference, while Bergan and Pitz were both honored last year before both schools joined the new nine-team … [Read more...] about Bergan, Pennington, Pitz earn first-team honors in CIML Conference

Centennial stars Duax, Heckenlaible named to CIML Conference first team

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Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer standouts Ty Duax and Andrew Heckenlaible have been named to the CIML Conference first team by a vote of the league's coaches. The duo led the Jaguars to a 10-6 record and a trip to the Class 4A semifinals. Heckenlaible, a junior forward, racked up a team-high 12 goals and 31 points. He scored a goal in all four of his … [Read more...] about Centennial stars Duax, Heckenlaible named to CIML Conference first team

Moser, Pennington earn repeat all-state honors from Girls’ Coaches Association

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Soccer standouts Jasmine Moser of Ankeny and Alanna Pennington of Ankeny Centennial were both repeat selections to the Class 3A all-state first team by the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association. They were joined on the squad by Jenna Pitz of Ankeny. Moser, a senior goalkeeper, made 45 saves while helping Ankeny to a 12-4-1 record. The Hawkettes qualified for … [Read more...] about Moser, Pennington earn repeat all-state honors from Girls’ Coaches Association