The Ankeny girls' basketball team got double-digit scoring from four different players and opened its season with a 71-47 victory at Mason City on Friday. Ankeny coach Dru McAnelly often stresses the importance of having three players score in double figures. Four is even better. "I think our winning percentage is definitely way higher when we have … [Read more...] about Hawkettes overcome ‘tricky situation’, romp past Mason City in opener
Winter
Crouch returns to ‘special’ place, guides Hawk swimmers past Dowling
Ankeny boys' swimming coach Justin Crouch always enjoys going back to his old stomping grounds. Thursday's visit to the Dowling Catholic pool was especially enjoyable for the former Maroons' swimmer. Crouch guided the Hawks to a 105-65 victory over Dowling in their season opener. "With everything going on and the unknown of if or when we would get … [Read more...] about Crouch returns to ‘special’ place, guides Hawk swimmers past Dowling
‘It’s good to be back’: Ankeny bowlers sweep Dowling Catholic in opener
The season got off to a good start for the Ankeny bowling teams on Thursday. Both squads defeated Dowling Catholic in a dual meet at Val Lanes. "It's good to be back," said Ankeny coach Lane Richtsmeier. "At the start of the school year, I wasn't sure if this season was going to happen or not. There has definitely been some challenges for sure, as this … [Read more...] about ‘It’s good to be back’: Ankeny bowlers sweep Dowling Catholic in opener
Hawk wrestlers look to continue Ankeny’s recent run of championship success
Ankeny wrestling coach Jack Wignall is anxious to get back on the mat with his team. Wignall saw enough during the Hawks' first week of practice last month to know that this is the most talented squad he's ever had. "We are very balanced at each weight with talent and depth. That is something we haven’t always had," said Wignall. "Sometimes we … [Read more...] about Hawk wrestlers look to continue Ankeny’s recent run of championship success
‘There is a lot of work still to be done’: Ankeny swimmers seek another crown
There may not be another boys' swimming team in the state with as much elite talent as Ankeny's foursome of Trent Frandson, Weston Miner, Brek Stukerjurgen and Lance Swanepoel. That quartet alone will likely put the Hawks into contention for the state title in February. "I do think that we have a lot of talent returning," said Ankeny coach Justin … [Read more...] about ‘There is a lot of work still to be done’: Ankeny swimmers seek another crown
Healthy Hawkettes welcome Johnson back along with 3 other starters
Ankeny senior Abby Johnson has been waiting nearly two years to get back on the basketball court. Now, she'll have to wait a little longer. Johnson, who missed her entire junior season due to a knee injury, is now fully healthy. But she and her teammates are currently unable to practice while the Ankeny school district has moved to virtual … [Read more...] about Healthy Hawkettes welcome Johnson back along with 3 other starters
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Brek Stukerjurgen, Ankeny boys’ swimming
Senior Brek Stukerjurgen is one of the top returnees for the Ankeny boys' swimming team. He is an eight-time state placewinner. Stukerjurgen placed fourth in the 100 backstroke and sixth in the 500 freestyle at the 2020 state meet. He anchored the Hawks to a tie for third place in the 400 freestyle relay and also swam on the fifth-place 200 medley … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Brek Stukerjurgen, Ankeny boys’ swimming
Defending champions boast high hopes despite heavy losses to graduation
Ankeny boys' basketball coach Brandt Carlson was thrilled to see the Ankeny football team claim a state championship earlier this month, even if it meant two of his top returning players wouldn't be able to practice for awhile. "I am extremely happy for coach (Rick) Nelson, the staff and team in capturing the 2020 state championship in football," Carlson … [Read more...] about Defending champions boast high hopes despite heavy losses to graduation
Ankeny bowling teams ‘can loosen up and have a little fun’ under Richtsmeier
For the first time in several years, the members of the Ankeny bowling teams won't have to get acquainted with a new coach. Lane Richtsmeier is back for his second season after taking over the program last year. He is Ankeny's seventh different head coach since the 2014-15 season, but is the first one of that group to return for a second campaign. "So … [Read more...] about Ankeny bowling teams ‘can loosen up and have a little fun’ under Richtsmeier
‘At NSU I truly felt at home!’: Ankeny’s Johnson commits to play for D2 Wolves
Ankeny girls' basketball standout Abby Johnson is anxious to take her game to the next level. Now, she knows where she'll be playing. The senior guard has verbally committed to play for Northern State, an NCAA Division II program located in Aberdeen, S.D. "I looked at a lot of schools, and it was a hard decision," said Johnson. "It ultimately came … [Read more...] about ‘At NSU I truly felt at home!’: Ankeny’s Johnson commits to play for D2 Wolves
Anderson defeats Nebraska state champ at IAWrestle’s Night of Conflict
Ankeny wrestler Trever Anderson isn't usually satisfied with just winning his match. The 2019 state champion likes to dominate his opponents. Anderson posted an impressive 7-2 decision over Nebraska prep standout Caleb Coyle in IAWrestle's Night of Conflict on Saturday at The Arena in Sioux City. But as usual, he thought he could have done even … [Read more...] about Anderson defeats Nebraska state champ at IAWrestle’s Night of Conflict
Revive Clinic and Spa Coach of the Month: Brandt Carlson, Ankeny boys’ basketball
Ankeny boys, girls earn all-American honors from NISCA
Several Ankeny male and female swimmers have earned all-American honors from the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association. The top 100 times in each event nationally were recognized as all-American efforts. Junior Trent Frandson, who led the Ankeny boys' team to a second-place finish at the state meet in February, is a four-time all-American. … [Read more...] about Ankeny boys, girls earn all-American honors from NISCA
Ankeny basketball star Bayless to play for juco power Indian Hills
Ankeny basketball standout Braxton Bayless has verbally committed to play for juco powerhouse Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa. Bayless announced his decision via Twitter last week. "100% Committed #JucoProduct #Bigger Plans," he tweeted. Bayless averaged 22.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game while leading the Hawks to a 21-5 record and the … [Read more...] about Ankeny basketball star Bayless to play for juco power Indian Hills
Ankeny’s Frandson named Register’s Athlete of the Year for boys’ swimming
Ankeny junior Trent Frandson was named the Athlete of the Year for boys' swimming in The Des Moines Register's Sports Awards on Thursday. Frandson led Ankeny to a runner-up finish at the state meet in February. The California recruit set a state record while winning his second straight title in the 200 freestyle and also defended his crown in the 500 … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s Frandson named Register’s Athlete of the Year for boys’ swimming
Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny bowling teams
In the last month, Ankeny Fanatic has unveiled its all-time Ankeny teams in boys' and girls' basketball, wrestling and boys' swimming. Now, in order to complete the winter sports, it's time to focus on bowling--the newest of the sports that are sanctioned by the high school governing bodies. The girls' program began in the 2007-08 season after the Iowa … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny bowling teams
Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny boys’ swimming team
The history of Ankeny boys' swimming dates back to the 1980s--before the Ankeny YMCA was even built. Mike Johnson graduated before Ankeny had an indoor swimming pool, so he traveled to Dowling High School twice a day for a pair of three-hour practices. He participated in high school meets in order to qualify for the state meet by swimming in Valley's … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny boys’ swimming team
Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny wrestling team
(EDITOR'S NOTE: This story is dedicated to longtime Des Moines Register wrestling reporter Dan McCool, who died on Monday at the age of 60. Dan was a legend in the wrestling community and will be sorely missed. I was working for the Register as a correspondent in the 80s and one of the first big events that I was asked to cover was to help out Dan with state … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny wrestling team
Ankeny swimming star Frandson ranked No. 14 nationally in Class of 2021
Ankeny junior Trent Frandson is ranked among the top 20 high school swimming prospects nationally in the Class of 2021, according to the latest rankings by SwimSwam.com. Frandson, who has verbally committed to California, is ranked 14th overall. He was previously ranked 13th in the same class a year ago. Frandson is a four-time Iowa state champion. He … [Read more...] about Ankeny swimming star Frandson ranked No. 14 nationally in Class of 2021
Ex-Hawk Smith to play basketball at Central College
Former Ankeny basketball player Jalen Smith has found a new home in Pella. Smith, a 6-foot-2 guard, has decided to play for Central College after sitting out the 2019-20 season. "It was difficult at first, but I was trying to find a home closer to (Ankeny)," Smith said. "I was really looking hard at Simpson and Central. It was a hard decision, but I … [Read more...] about Ex-Hawk Smith to play basketball at Central College