Ankeny Fanatic

Your Ankeny Sports Resource

Summer

Hawkettes waste 2-hitter by Billings, drop both games of twinbill at Waukee NW

by

After losing both games of a season-opening doubleheader at fifth-ranked Waukee Northwest on Monday, the Ankeny softball team will have a few days to regroup. The Hawkettes--who won't play again until Friday at Carlisle--dropped a 2-0 decision in the opener. Waukee Northwest then completed a sweep of the CIML Iowa Conference twinbill with a 5-3 … [Read more...] about Hawkettes waste 2-hitter by Billings, drop both games of twinbill at Waukee NW

THE LOSS OF A LEGEND: Coaching giant Rasmussen passes away at 85

by

The community of Ankeny has lost one of its most prominent citizens. Dick Rasmussen, the legendary softball and girls' basketball coach at Ankeny High School, passed away early Friday morning at the age of 85. "I will miss him," said current Ankeny softball coach Dave Bingham. "I love him and (his wife) Sue." Rasmussen coached at South Hamilton … [Read more...] about THE LOSS OF A LEGEND: Coaching giant Rasmussen passes away at 85

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Kendra Winfrey, Ankeny girls’ track/softball

by

Ankeny junior Kendra Winfrey placed second in the shot put on Friday in the girls' Class 4A state track meet at Drake Stadium. She uncorked a throw of 39 feet 11 inches on her final attempt, allowing her to move up from fourth place. Winfrey helped Ankeny to a seventh-place finish overall. She contributed eight of the Hawkettes' 44.5 points. Winfrey is … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Kendra Winfrey, Ankeny girls’ track/softball

Following Rasmussen’s death, Hawkettes will continue to honor program’s legacy

by

Ankeny softball coach Dave Bingham said he often thinks about Dick Rasmussen, the legendary coach who guided the Hawkettes to 12 state championships. Rasmussen passed away early Friday morning at the age of 85. "The legacy he and his girls created is a powerful standard that can't be measured," Bingham said. "I think about him before and after every … [Read more...] about Following Rasmussen’s death, Hawkettes will continue to honor program’s legacy

Ankeny baseball team splits twinbill at Pleasant Valley to open season

by

The Ankeny baseball team opened its season on Wednesday by splitting a non-conference doubleheader at eighth-ranked Pleasant Valley, the defending Class 4A state champion. The Hawks rallied for a 9-8 victory in the opener, then overcame a 6-1 deficit in the nightcap to tie it up before Pleasant Valley (1-2) posted a 9-8 win to salvage a split. "We had … [Read more...] about Ankeny baseball team splits twinbill at Pleasant Valley to open season

‘We have a lot of new faces’: The next era for Ankeny baseball begins Wednesday

by

A year ago, the Ankeny baseball team pounded many of its opponents with one of the state's best offensive attacks. This year's squad will rely a lot more on the Hawks' pitching staff. Ankeny returns four key pitchers from a team that posted a 32-7 record and won the CIML Iowa Conference title with a perfect 20-0 mark. Seniors Samuel Andrews, Easton … [Read more...] about ‘We have a lot of new faces’: The next era for Ankeny baseball begins Wednesday

‘What stood out about Simpson is the potential’: Schlee to play for Storm

by

Dylan Schlee has been a valuable member of the Ankeny pitching staff the last two seasons. Next year, he'll be taking his talents to the Simpson baseball program. Schlee has verbally committed to play for the Storm, beginning in the fall of 2022. "They see me as a guy who can come and compete for innings and provide for the team on the mound right … [Read more...] about ‘What stood out about Simpson is the potential’: Schlee to play for Storm

‘I had to trust my gut’: Ankeny slugger Webb-Tate to play baseball at St. Charles

by

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

‘I loved the small town atmosphere’: Ankeny’s Parton to play softball at Central

by

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

by

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 announces its all-time Ankeny softball team (1st team)

by

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)

by

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)

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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 star Brecht earns all-academic honors from IHSBCA

by

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

by

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