Ankeny senior Tamden Webb-Tate decided to go with his gut feeling. The two-sport standout has verbally committed to play baseball next year at St. Charles Community College in Missouri. "It was a really tough decision as I love both sports," said Webb-Tate, who has also starred on the football field, "but I had to trust my gut and go with what I felt … [Read more...] about ‘I had to trust my gut’: Ankeny slugger Webb-Tate to play baseball at St. Charles
Summer
‘I loved the small town atmosphere’: Ankeny’s Parton to play softball at Central
Ankeny outfielder Mariah Parton has signed a letter of intent to play softball next year at Central College. Parton said it wasn't a difficult decision. "I loved the small town atmosphere and family-like bond of the team," Parton said. "The campus is gorgeous, and everyone is super supportive both in Ankeny and Pella. The softball team has a lot of … [Read more...] about ‘I loved the small town atmosphere’: Ankeny’s Parton to play softball at Central
‘I felt so at peace with Northwestern’: Ankeny’s Billings to play for Red Raiders
Ankeny softball player Ashtyn Billings is headed to Orange City. The senior pitcher has verbally committed to play for Northwestern College. She picked the Red Raiders over Simpson College and a few junior colleges. "It was not a tough decision for me," said Billings. "I felt so at peace with Northwestern the second I set foot on campus!" Billings … [Read more...] about ‘I felt so at peace with Northwestern’: Ankeny’s Billings to play for Red Raiders
Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 149
Publisher Dan Holm discusses the Ankeny Fanatic all-time Ankeny softball team with former Ankeny stars Aly Cappaert and Deb Schneider in this edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 149
Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny softball team (1st team)
Ankeny softball star Jenny Voss wanted to end her high school career with another state championship in the summer of 1996. When she found out that legendary coach Dick Rasmussen was going to retire at the end of the season, her motivation to win soared even higher. "After finding out he was retiring, all the things--big and small--just meant that much … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny softball team (1st team)
Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny softball team (2nd team)
Earlier this week, Ankeny Fanatic announced the first of three teams that comprise the all-time Ankeny softball team--the 12 players on the third team. Today, we are announcing the second team. The first team will be unveiled by the end of the week. Holly Voss, a standout pitcher and outfielder at Ankeny about three decades ago, is one of the … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny softball team (2nd team)
Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny softball team (3rd team)
No athletic program in Ankeny's history has had more success than the community's softball team. Ankeny High School has won a record 13 state championships, four more than any other program in the state. The Hawkettes have also made 27 state tournament appearances, tied for the third most ever in Iowa. Ankeny enjoyed most of its success under legendary … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny softball team (3rd team)
Brecht, Bauer, Fulk earn 1st-team all-state honors; 2 others named to 3rd team
This year's Ankeny baseball team was one of the most talented in the program's history. The Hawks won the CIML Iowa Conference title with a perfect 20-0 record, advanced to the state tournament for the third consecutive year and reeled off a 19-game winning streak before finishing the season at 32-7. Now, a quintet of Ankeny players has received … [Read more...] about Brecht, Bauer, Fulk earn 1st-team all-state honors; 2 others named to 3rd team
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Will Johnson, Ankeny baseball
Senior pitcher Will Johnson helped the Ankeny baseball team to a third consecutive appearance in the Class 4A state tournament. Johnson compiled a 7-1 record with a 1.86 ERA. He recorded 40 strikeouts while allowing just nine walks. Here is some inside info on Johnson: Congratulations on an outstanding season. What was the highlight for … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Will Johnson, Ankeny baseball
Blimpie Sub of the Week: Sam Parkinson, Ankeny baseball
Junior Sam Parkinson helped the Ankeny baseball team to a 32-7 record this season. The Hawks won the CIML Iowa Conference title with a 20-0 mark and advanced to the semifinals of the Class 4A state tournament before dropping a 5-0 decision to Johnston on Friday at Duane Banks Field in Iowa City. Parkinson stole 14 bases in 15 attempts and scored 24 … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Sam Parkinson, Ankeny baseball
Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 147
Senior outfielder Cael Boyd and head coach Joe Balvanz of the Ankeny baseball team recap last week's Class 4A state baseball tournament in the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America. Ankeny Fanatic publisher Dan Holm also talks with Coldwell Banker realtor Tom Butler, who shares some exciting news. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 147
Ankeny star Brecht earns all-academic honors from IHSBCA
Ankeny baseball star Brody Brecht excels off the field, too. Brecht has been named to the 2021 all-academic team by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association. He was a second-team selection. The first team consists of the top 24 players, nominated by their coaches, who demonstrate outstanding academic, moral, and athletic characteristics. The … [Read more...] about Ankeny star Brecht earns all-academic honors from IHSBCA
Hawks place 5 players on Class 4A North Central District first team
Five Ankeny baseball players have been named to the Class 4A North Central District first team by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association. Pitcher Brody Brecht was selected to the 15-player first team along with three other seniors--catcher Colin Riggs, first baseman Weston Fulk and Jase Bauer, who was named to a utility position. Junior third … [Read more...] about Hawks place 5 players on Class 4A North Central District first team
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Marina Carter, Ankeny softball
Senior shortstop Marina Carter led the Ankeny softball team to a 21-17 record this season. She earned all-state honors for the second straight year, landing a spot on the Class 5A first team from the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association. Carter batted .496 with four home runs and 54 RBIs. She tied for 10th in the state with 18 doubles. Here is some inside … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Marina Carter, Ankeny softball
Six Ankeny players join Centennial duo on CIML Iowa Conference first team
During the regular season, the Ankeny baseball team dominated the CIML Iowa Conference, posting a 20-0 record to win its first league title since the split into two high schools. It's not surprising then that the Hawks dominated the all-conference teams that were selected by the league's coaches. Ankeny placed six players on the 13-player first team, … [Read more...] about Six Ankeny players join Centennial duo on CIML Iowa Conference first team
Hawks’ talented senior class bows out with another loss to longtime nemesis
One of the best three-year runs in the history of the Ankeny baseball program has come to an end. And for the third straight year, the Hawks' season ended with a loss to CIML rival Johnston. Jake Pemble tossed a four-hitter and had 12 strikeouts to lead the third-ranked Dragons to a 5-0 victory over No. 2 Ankeny in the Class 4A semifinals on Friday at … [Read more...] about Hawks’ talented senior class bows out with another loss to longtime nemesis
Pemble, Dragons snap Ankeny’s 19-game winning streak in Class 4A semifinals
The Ankeny baseball team's potent lineup put fear into opposing pitchers all season long. On Friday night, however, the Hawks simply didn't have an answer for Johnston lefthander Jake Pemble. Pemble tossed a four-hitter and had 12 strikeouts to lead the third-ranked Dragons to a 5-0 victory over No. 2 Ankeny in the Class 4A semifinals at Duane Banks … [Read more...] about Pemble, Dragons snap Ankeny’s 19-game winning streak in Class 4A semifinals
Hawks survive and advance, capitalize on error to edge Waukee, Wentworth
An unearned run proved to be the difference on Thursday for the Ankeny baseball team. Cael Boyd hit an RBI single in the fourth inning following a Waukee error to give the second-ranked Hawks a 2-1 victory in the Class 4A quarterfinals at Duane Banks Field in Iowa City. "I was very confident in our pitching to go out and hold them (the rest of the … [Read more...] about Hawks survive and advance, capitalize on error to edge Waukee, Wentworth
Hawks hold off Waukee, earn rematch against Johnston in Class 4A semifinals
The Ankeny baseball team will get another shot at CIML rival Johnston. The second-ranked Hawks held on for a 2-1 victory over No. 9 Waukee in the Class 4A quarterfinals on Thursday at Duane Banks Field in Iowa City. They will meet No. 3 Johnston in the state tournament for the third consecutive year in Friday's semifinals at 7:30 p.m. The Dragons … [Read more...] about Hawks hold off Waukee, earn rematch against Johnston in Class 4A semifinals
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Weston Fulk, Ankeny baseball
Senior pitcher and first baseman Weston Fulk has helped lead the second-ranked Ankeny baseball team to a 31-6 record. The Hawks will take an 18-game winning streak into Thursday's Class 4A quarterfinal against No. 7 Waukee (26-15) at Duane Banks Field in Iowa City. Fulk is batting .500 on the season and leads the state with 129 total bases. He is tied for … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Weston Fulk, Ankeny baseball