Ankeny Fanatic

Your Ankeny Sports Resource

Winter

With 7 returning state qualifiers, Ankeny swimmers look to contend for crowns

by

Even with the graduation of Lance Swanepoel, the Ankeny boys' swimming team still boasts plenty of talent. The Hawks placed fourth in last year's state meet with 160 points, but will have to replace Swanepoel, who was named the Swim Athlete of the Year after winning both the 50 freestyle and 100 butterfly to finish his career as a five-time state … [Read more...] about With 7 returning state qualifiers, Ankeny swimmers look to contend for crowns

Hawkettes roll past Spencer in opener, will host No. 6 Cedar Falls on Tuesday

by

A long road trip to Spencer resulted in a season-opening victory for the Ankeny girls' basketball team. The 13th-ranked Hawkettes forced 27 turnovers and rolled to a 73-22 win in a non-conference game on Saturday afternoon. "It was just a great opportunity for us to compete and spend some time together. It worked out well," said first-year Ankeny coach … [Read more...] about Hawkettes roll past Spencer in opener, will host No. 6 Cedar Falls on Tuesday

‘They believe in themselves’: Hawkettes look to improve under new coach Tobey

by

New Ankeny girls' basketball coach Nate Tobey won't have to wait much longer to unveil his squad. The Hawkettes will open their season on Saturday with a non-conference game at Spencer. Tip-off is at 3:30 p.m. "The practices are going very well," said Tobey, who was previously an assistant for the boys' team. "We had an active offseason, and that has … [Read more...] about ‘They believe in themselves’: Hawkettes look to improve under new coach Tobey

Ankeny point guard Johnson to play for Minnesota State University Moorhead

by

Ankeny senior point guard Carson Johnson has verbally committed to play basketball at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Johnson announced his decision on social media Tuesday. "I am excited to announce that I will further my academic and basketball career at Minnesota State University Moorhead!" he wrote. "Thank you to my family for the endless … [Read more...] about Ankeny point guard Johnson to play for Minnesota State University Moorhead

‘Xavier was my clear first choice’: Schwebach to swim for Musketeers

by

Ankeny boys' swimming standout Owen Schwebach has verbally committed to Xavier University in Cincinnati. Schwebach, a senior-to-be, picked the Musketeers over the University of Denver and Lindenwood University. "After my visit, Xavier was my clear first choice," said Schwebach. "I loved the size of the campus, the team atmosphere, and the support for … [Read more...] about ‘Xavier was my clear first choice’: Schwebach to swim for Musketeers

Swanepoel earns all-American honors in 100 butterfly for 4th consecutive year

by

Ankeny boys' swimming star Lance Swanepoel has earned all-American honors in the 100 butterfly for the fourth consecutive year. Swanepoel was named an all-American in four events by the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association. The Wisconsin recruit was an 11-time all-American in his high school career. Swanepoel ranked fifth nationally in … [Read more...] about Swanepoel earns all-American honors in 100 butterfly for 4th consecutive year

‘The school is amazing’: Ankeny’s Gage commits to play hoops at St. Thomas

by

Ankeny girls' basketball standout Savannah Gage has had more time to consider her college options while she recovers from an ACL Injury. On Saturday, the junior-to-be announced her verbal commitment to the University of St. Thomas in the Twin Cities. "I had several different opportunities to play at the Division I level, and I am grateful for each and … [Read more...] about ‘The school is amazing’: Ankeny’s Gage commits to play hoops at St. Thomas

After 3 years at Luther, Rhoads returns to Ankeny to take over swimming programs

by

Former Ankeny assistant boys' coach Dustin Rhoads has been named the head coach of the Ankeny boys' and girls' swimming programs. Rhoads was the associate head coach at Luther College for the last three years, helping both the men's and women's programs to American Rivers Conference championships in 2021-23. "I've had a great time at Luther," Rhoads … [Read more...] about After 3 years at Luther, Rhoads returns to Ankeny to take over swimming programs

Ankeny boys’ hoops assistant Tobey named head girls’ basketball coach

by

The new head coach of the Ankeny girls' basketball team is very familiar with the Hawkettes' program. Nate Tobey has been hired to replace Dru McAnelly. He spent the last seven seasons as an assistant for the Ankeny boys' team. "I don't see any reason why we can't compete at the highest level in the CIML," said Tobey. "I'm just looking forward to … [Read more...] about Ankeny boys’ hoops assistant Tobey named head girls’ basketball coach

‘It’s such a huge part of my life’: Anderson decides to wrestle, commits to Mavericks

by

Jace Anderson has rediscovered his love for the sport of wrestling. The Ankeny senior has committed to wrestle for Minnesota State-Mankato, an NCAA Division II program. "I think the toughest part of the decision was deciding to wrestle in college," said Anderson, a four-time state qualifier and a three-time placewinner. "After state, I was devastated … [Read more...] about ‘It’s such a huge part of my life’: Anderson decides to wrestle, commits to Mavericks

‘The coaches really made me feel wanted’: Wehde to play for Central

by

Ankeny senior Karson Wehde is hoping to get back on the basketball court later this month. At least now he knows where he'll be playing next season. Wehde has verbally committed to play for Central College. He announced his decision via Twitter on Wednesday. "I am blessed to announce my commitment to further my academic and basketball career at … [Read more...] about ‘The coaches really made me feel wanted’: Wehde to play for Central

‘I’m choosing family over my career’: McAnelly resigns after 7 seasons

by

Ankeny girls' basketball coach Dru McAnelly has resigned from his position after seven seasons at the school. McAnelly said it was simply time to put his family first. "It was a hard decision, but it's one that three years ago my wife and I talked about it," McAnelly said. "Our kids were going to reach eighth grade and play school ball, and we knew … [Read more...] about ‘I’m choosing family over my career’: McAnelly resigns after 7 seasons

Winkel named to Class 4A first team, while Johnson earns 2nd-team honors

by

Ankeny Centennial's Luke Winkel enjoyed a breakout season on the basketball court. His counterpart at Ankeny, Carson Johnson, spent much of the campaign trying to regain his form after undergoing knee surgery in the offseason. Both junior point guards have been rewarded for their efforts by earning all-state honors from the Iowa Print Sports Writers … [Read more...] about Winkel named to Class 4A first team, while Johnson earns 2nd-team honors

Ankeny’s Johnson, Centennial’s Winkel named to CIML Conference first team

by

Standout junior guards Carson Johnson of Ankeny and Luke Winkel of Ankeny Centennial have been named to the CIML Conference first team by a vote of the league's boys' basketball coaches. Winkel, who led the Jaguars to a 16-8 record and a trip to the Class 4A state tournament, was a unanimous pick. He averaged a team-high 16.8 points, 4.9 assists and 1.5 … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s Johnson, Centennial’s Winkel named to CIML Conference first team

Pitz earns repeat all-state honors from IGCA; Gage, Pratt also recognized

by

Ankeny basketball standout Jenna Pitz has received all-state honors from the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association for the second straight year. Pitz, a senior guard, was a repeat selection to the Class 5A third team. She was joined on that squad by sophomore forward Jaeden Pratt of Ankeny Centennial. Pitz's teammate, Savannah Gage, was named to the Class 5A … [Read more...] about Pitz earns repeat all-state honors from IGCA; Gage, Pratt also recognized

YOUTH MOVEMENT: Gage, Pratt among 6 sophs to earn Class 5A all-state honors

by

The future looks very bright for Class 5A girls' basketball in the state of Iowa. Six sophomores and a pair of freshmen were among the players named to the Class 5A all-state teams by the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association, who selected the squads during a meeting on Saturday in conjunction with a panel of coaches. Ankeny star Savannah Gage and … [Read more...] about YOUTH MOVEMENT: Gage, Pratt among 6 sophs to earn Class 5A all-state honors

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE: Fontana visits with pair of Ankeny legends

by

Ankeny Centennial boys' basketball coach Bob Fontana has been busy preparing his team for this week's Class 4A state tournament, but he still took some time on Sunday to visit Barney Alleman and Keith Hildreth, two former Ankeny players who played in three consecutive state tournaments in 1948-50. A third former player, Vern Herring, was unable to make it. … [Read more...] about A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE: Fontana visits with pair of Ankeny legends

Unanimous pick Gage earns all-league first-team honors along with Clark, Pratt

by

Ankeny sophomore guard Savannah Gage has been named to the CIML Conference girls' basketball first team along with a pair of Ankeny Centennial players--senior guard Makenna Clark and sophomore forward Jaeden Pratt. Gage, who led the Hawkettes to a 12-11 record this season, was one of five unanimous picks to the squad. She averaged 16.6 points per game, … [Read more...] about Unanimous pick Gage earns all-league first-team honors along with Clark, Pratt