Ankeny Fanatic

Your Ankeny Sports Resource

Spring

Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Jack Belding, Ankeny boys’ track

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Ankeny senior Jack Belding is one of the state's top sprinters. He led the Hawks to a runner-up finish in the boys' Class 4A state track meet last season. Belding won a state title in the 400 in 47.94 seconds, equaling the 17th-fastest time in state history. He also placed third in the 200. Belding anchored Ankeny to a second-place finish in the sprint … [Read more...] about Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Jack Belding, Ankeny boys’ track

Ankeny boys set 4 meet records, place 2nd overall at Marske Indoor Invitational

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The Ankeny boys' track team set four meet records and placed second overall in the Ruth Marske Indoor Invitational on Saturday at Brookings, S.D. Sioux Falls (S.D.) Lincoln won the meet with 93.5 points. Defending champion Ankeny finished with 77 points, four more than Waukee Northwest. "We are firing on all cylinders right now!" said Ankeny coach … [Read more...] about Ankeny boys set 4 meet records, place 2nd overall at Marske Indoor Invitational

‘The girls know we’re going to work hard’: Hawkettes begin new era under Emke

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Kelley Emke knows all about the history of the Ankeny girls' golf team. The Hawkettes' new head coach is hoping to build on the program's tradition in 2024. She once played for Ankeny under legendary coach Toni Dickey, who was Emke's mother. Now, she is trying to develop some chemistry with the 10 girls on the squad. "The girls have been great," … [Read more...] about ‘The girls know we’re going to work hard’: Hawkettes begin new era under Emke

Ankeny girls return 7 all-CIML players from team that allowed just 3 goals

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After allowing just three goals last season, the Ankeny girls' soccer team will return some of the key parts of its defensive unit. Senior Elizabeth Proctor, junior Sophie Loeffler and sophomore Avery Taylor all started on the back line for a squad that posted a 12-4-1 record and advanced to the Class 3A state tournament. They are among the Hawkettes' … [Read more...] about Ankeny girls return 7 all-CIML players from team that allowed just 3 goals

Ankeny returns loaded roster, including all 4 members of state champ 4×8 relay

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In its first season under coach TJ Jumper, the Ankeny girls' track team was in contention for a state title before eventually finishing fifth in Class 4A with 50 points. This spring, the Hawkettes will be looking to capture a trophy. "We believe if we can stay healthy that we could be a team that could contend for a state title," said Jumper, who was … [Read more...] about Ankeny returns loaded roster, including all 4 members of state champ 4×8 relay

Ankeny boys look to ‘raise the standard’ in first season under new coach Fuccio

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Although the Ankeny boys' soccer team boasts a new head coach in Trevor Fuccio, the Hawks may look a lot like last year's squad. Most of the starters are back from a year ago, when Fuccio was an assistant under former coach Marcus Varnum. "The practices have been going well so far," said Fuccio. "The boys are adjusting well to some of the new ideas, … [Read more...] about Ankeny boys look to ‘raise the standard’ in first season under new coach Fuccio

‘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