The seventh-ranked Ankeny softball team jumped out to a 4-0 lead before No. 10 Johnston rallied for a 6-4 victory in a CIML Conference game on Wednesday at Ankeny. It was the season opener for both squads. "That's what it's going to be like every night," said first-year Ankeny coach Sarah Saladino. "Whether it's a single (game) or a doubleheader, … [Read more...] about ‘We came out strong right away’: Ankeny takes 4-0 lead before Dragons rally to win
Summer
No. 2 Dragons edge Davies, Ankeny to win pitchers’ duel in CIML Conference opener
The Ankeny baseball team took a big step forward on Wednesday. The Hawks opened CIML Conference play with a 3-1 loss to visiting Johnston, the No. 2 team in Class 4A. The Dragons (5-1) scored the go-ahead runs in the sixth inning. "It was a very well-played high school baseball game," said Ankeny coach Joe Balvanz, whose team dropped to 0-5 on the … [Read more...] about No. 2 Dragons edge Davies, Ankeny to win pitchers’ duel in CIML Conference opener
‘We’ve played some good teams’: City High, C.R. Kennedy extend Hawks’ skid
The slow start has continued for the Ankeny baseball team. After dropping both games of a doubleheader against fifth-ranked Pleasant Valley on Thursday, the Hawks traveled to Cedar Rapids on Saturday to face two more ranked opponents. Ankeny dropped an 8-1 decision to Iowa City High, the No. 1 team in the preseason rankings. The Hawks then fell to 0-4 … [Read more...] about ‘We’ve played some good teams’: City High, C.R. Kennedy extend Hawks’ skid
Several starters are back as Saladino takes over Hawkettes’ softball program
The move across the diamond to the third base coach's box has been a smooth one for Ankeny softball coach Sarah Saladino. Before taking over the Hawkettes' program last fall, Saladino had served as the assistant for coach Dave Bingham since 2019. She previously had been a head coach at Waterloo West for four years. "Overall, I think that it has been a … [Read more...] about Several starters are back as Saladino takes over Hawkettes’ softball program
‘Tip of the cap to Pleasant Valley’: No. 5 Spartans sweep doubleheader at Ankeny
(Story by Stephen McDaniel) The 2025 baseball season hasn’t gotten off to the most ideal start for the Ankeny Hawks. After having two different delays earlier in the week, the Hawks officially opened the year with an 0-2 record after falling 13-0 and 5-0 in a doubleheader against visiting Pleasant Valley on Thursday. The Spartans are No. 5 in the Class … [Read more...] about ‘Tip of the cap to Pleasant Valley’: No. 5 Spartans sweep doubleheader at Ankeny
‘This team has a chance to be really good’: Hawks enter 2025 with high expectations
There is no shortage of experience on this year's Ankeny baseball team. The Hawks return five players who started at least 10 games a year ago, including junior Will Davies, who made 11 of his 32 starts on the mound. Two other pitchers who combined for 15 starts are also back. "The practices have been tremendously competitive," said Ankeny coach Joe … [Read more...] about ‘This team has a chance to be really good’: Hawks enter 2025 with high expectations
Iowa Central all-American Palmer commits to play softball at St. Cloud State
Former Ankeny softball standout Kennedy Palmer has committed to play for St. Cloud State. Palmer, a sophomore infielder at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, has helped the Tritons to a 30-5 record in 2024-25. She is currently batting .378 with one triple, six doubles and 16 RBIs in 30 games played. "I had a few schools that were high up on … [Read more...] about Iowa Central all-American Palmer commits to play softball at St. Cloud State
‘It felt like it was a good fit’: Ankeny’s Vos commits to play baseball at Black Hawk
Ankeny senior Kinnick Vos has verbally committed to play baseball at Black Hawk Community College in Moline, Ill. Vos, a shortstop, will be reunited with former teammate Ben Sandvig, who started his collegiate career at North Iowa Area Community College but has since transferred to Black Hawk. "I narrowed it down to a couple options at some different … [Read more...] about ‘It felt like it was a good fit’: Ankeny’s Vos commits to play baseball at Black Hawk
IHSAA announces Sioux City will host Class 4A state baseball tourney in 2025
Locations for the next four years of the IHSAA State Baseball Tournament are set following extensive planning for the upcoming 2025 postseason and beyond. The split site tournament will head west next summer to Sioux City and Carroll, then return to Cedar Rapids and Carroll from 2026 through at least 2028. “Thanks to a great team effort, our state … [Read more...] about IHSAA announces Sioux City will host Class 4A state baseball tourney in 2025
‘Can’t wait to see what the future holds’: Ankeny’s Miller to play softball at Coe
Ankeny senior Kaylyn Miller has verbally committed to play softball at Coe College. Miller announced her decision via social media on Tuesday. "I am so excited to announce my academic and athletic commitment to Coe College!!" Miller tweeted on X. "I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible, especially all of my … [Read more...] about ‘Can’t wait to see what the future holds’: Ankeny’s Miller to play softball at Coe
Ankeny assistant Saladino hired to take over Hawkettes’ softball program
Ankeny assistant softball coach Sarah Saladino has been hired to take over the Hawkettes' program. She replaces head coach Dave Bingham, who recently announced his resignation after guiding Ankeny to a 293-188 record and four trips to the state tournament over the last 12 seasons. "There's a lot of great things that coach Bingham has put in place," … [Read more...] about Ankeny assistant Saladino hired to take over Hawkettes’ softball program
Ex-Hawk Adamson verbally commits to play baseball at Cal State Bakersfield
Former Ankeny pitcher Brock Adamson has found a new home. The Ellsworth Community College sophomore has verbally committed to play for the Cal State Bakersfield baseball program in 2025. "I am excited to announce my commitment to Cal State Bakersfield to further my academic and baseball career," Adamson tweeted on X. "I want to thank God, my family, … [Read more...] about Ex-Hawk Adamson verbally commits to play baseball at Cal State Bakersfield
Ankeny’s Nelson commits to play for Creighton, will reunite with Rusher in 2026
Ankeny softball standout Avery Nelson has verbally committed to play for Creighton, beginning in the fall of 2026. Nelson, a junior outfielder, will be reunited with former teammate Abby Rusher, who is currently a freshman in the Bluejays' program. "I am super excited that I get the opportunity to play with Abby again!" said Nelson. "Her parents were … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s Nelson commits to play for Creighton, will reunite with Rusher in 2026
‘I loved the environment’: Arringdale commits to play softball for Mississippi St.
Ankeny softball standout Kensington Arringdale has verbally committed to play for Mississippi State. The junior infielder announced her decision via social media on Sunday. "I had two official offers, but I also had other visits to go on and to hear from those schools," said Arringdale. "I went on three official visits and had two others set up, but I … [Read more...] about ‘I loved the environment’: Arringdale commits to play softball for Mississippi St.
‘We have grandkids now’: Bingham leaves after 12 seasons as Ankeny softball coach
Dave Bingham has resigned after 12 seasons as the head coach of the Ankeny softball team. Bingham, who guided the Hawkettes to a 293-188 record and four trips to the state tournament, said it's too early to call it a retirement. "I'll never rule anything out (as far as coaching again)," he said. "But right now I need to focus on work and my … [Read more...] about ‘We have grandkids now’: Bingham leaves after 12 seasons as Ankeny softball coach
‘I knew it was an easy choice’: Ankeny’s Halverson to play baseball at Ellsworth
It was an easy decision for Ankeny senior Zach Halverson. The righthanded pitcher has committed to play baseball for Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls. He announced his decision via social media on Thursday. "There was a good amount of schools that were in contact with me," said Halverson. "And honestly, it wasn't really that difficult of a … [Read more...] about ‘I knew it was an easy choice’: Ankeny’s Halverson to play baseball at Ellsworth
Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Eli Christensen, ACA baseball
Senior pitcher Eli Christensen led the Ankeny Christian Academy baseball team to an 18-9 record. He was named to the Class 1A all-state third team and to the Central all-district first team by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association. Christensen posted a 7-3 record with a 1.60 ERA while limiting opposing batters to a .185 average. He led Class … [Read more...] about Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Eli Christensen, ACA baseball
Oakie named Player of Year by Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association
Ankeny Centennial baseball star Joey Oakie has been named the Game One Player of the Year by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association. Oakie, a senior pitcher, was also a repeat selection to the All-State Super Team. The squad is comprised of the state's top 16 players regardless of class. Oakie was one of four players from Ankeny to receive … [Read more...] about Oakie named Player of Year by Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association
Five Jaguars earn all-state honors along with Ankeny’s Rusher, ACA’s Quick
Five Ankeny Centennial softball players have received all-state honors from the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association along with Abby Rusher of Ankeny and Katie Quick of Ankeny Christian Academy. The Jaguars placed Jordyn Kennedy, Mady Ott and Lauren Sandholm on the Class 5A first team. They were joined on the squad by Rusher, who was a repeat pick along with … [Read more...] about Five Jaguars earn all-state honors along with Ankeny’s Rusher, ACA’s Quick
Bruhl, Oakie are unanimous picks to CIML first team, joined by Alberhasky, Morgan
Ankeny Centennial baseball standouts Joey Oakie and Isaac Bruhl were both unanimous picks to the CIML Conference first team. They were joined on the squad by teammate Emerson Alberhasky and Blake Morgan of Ankeny. Ten players from Centennial and 10 more from Ankeny received all-conference honors. The teams were selected by the league's coaches. Oakie, … [Read more...] about Bruhl, Oakie are unanimous picks to CIML first team, joined by Alberhasky, Morgan