Ankeny Fanatic

Your Ankeny Sports Resource

Fall

Led by trio of returning state qualifiers, Jaguars seek first trip as team since 2015

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The runners on the Ankeny Centennial boys' cross country team aren't taking the 2020 season for granted. "We have to view every day as a gift as we know the season could be shut down for us at any time, and we truly want to take advantage of our opportunities," said Centennial coach Chad Fickbohm. There are 80 boys on the team's roster. The Jaguars are … [Read more...] about Led by trio of returning state qualifiers, Jaguars seek first trip as team since 2015

Jaguars open season with victory at Fort Dodge, will host Ankeny on Friday

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Jack Winkel and the Ankeny Centennial boys' golf team are off to a good start. Winkel carded a 75 to earn medalist honors while leading the Jaguars to a 326-356 victory over Fort Dodge in their season opener on Thursday at the Fort Dodge Country Club. "Just staying relaxed and confident helped me be successful," said Winkel. "But I felt like I … [Read more...] about Jaguars open season with victory at Fort Dodge, will host Ankeny on Friday

‘We have a lot of talent’: Centennial golfers are young, but ready to compete

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Ankeny Centennial boys' golf coach Rick Fee is excited about his team's potential. "I absolutely love what I've seen from the kids so far," Fee said. "Five of our top 12 are sophomores. I'm very pleased with what they've shown, and I'm excited about this season and for the years to follow." Centennial posted a 2-3 dual-meet record a year ago, but came … [Read more...] about ‘We have a lot of talent’: Centennial golfers are young, but ready to compete

‘Our goal is to be a top 10 team at state’: Centennial girls boast high hopes

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The members of the Ankeny Centennial girls' cross country team are already running some fast times. During a recent practice, Rondi Quass and Kathryn Vortherms both broke the Jaguars' record in the mile time trial. Quass (5 minutes 18 seconds) and Vortherms (5:20) eclipsed the previous mark of 5:25 that was set by former Centennial standout Kate Smith on … [Read more...] about ‘Our goal is to be a top 10 team at state’: Centennial girls boast high hopes

Coming off 3rd-place finish, Ankeny swimmers look to ‘meet all challenges’

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Any list of the state's top girls' swimming programs would have to include Ankeny's combined squad. Ankeny has placed sixth or higher at the state meet in each of the last five years. The Hawkettes took third a year ago with 200 points, their highest finish ever under coach Michelle Stout. However, Stout will have to replace a trio of standouts from … [Read more...] about Coming off 3rd-place finish, Ankeny swimmers look to ‘meet all challenges’

Despite loss of Robinson, Jaguars to be more balanced, experienced in 2020

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There's no way the Ankeny Centennial volleyball team can replace Devyn Robinson. Head coach Jessica Rinehart isn't even going to try. "You don't replace any senior...and Devyn was certainly phenomenal," Rinehart said. "But this team will have a lot more experience and balance overall than the year before. Last year was a wild ride with an entirely new … [Read more...] about Despite loss of Robinson, Jaguars to be more balanced, experienced in 2020

Revised football schedules announced: Hawks, Jaguars to meet Aug. 28

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The revised 2020 football schedules for both Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial have been announced. The Hawks and Jaguars will still open the season against each other on Aug. 28. Ankeny will be the home team. Both squads will play a seven-game regular season under the revised plan announced last week by the Iowa High School Athletic Association. All Class … [Read more...] about Revised football schedules announced: Hawks, Jaguars to meet Aug. 28

Jaguars’ Pieper earns National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete Award

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Ankeny Centennial defensive lineman Lucas Pieper has been named a winner of the National Football Foundation's Iowa Chapter Scholar Athlete Award for 2020. This award recognizes high school football players who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities. Pieper helped the Jaguars to an 8-2 record … [Read more...] about Jaguars’ Pieper earns National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete Award

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Avery Gates, Ankeny Centennial senior

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Senior Avery Gates was expected to be one of the top sprinters for the Ankeny Centennial boys' track team. He helped the Jaguars to a 16th-place finish in last year's Class 4A state meet. Gates placed 13th in the 200 with a time of 22.60 seconds. He also ran on the third-place 4x400, fourth-place sprint medley and sixth-place 4x200 relays. Here is some … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Avery Gates, Ankeny Centennial senior

Centennial linebacker Vaughan to play football at Central College

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The football pipeline from Ankeny to Pella will continue for awhile longer. Ankeny Centennial linebacker Desmond Vaughan has committed to play for Central College in the fall. He revealed his decision on Friday via Twitter. "Excited to announce my commitment to play football at Central College!@CUI_Football," Vaughan tweeted. Vaughan will become the … [Read more...] about Centennial linebacker Vaughan to play football at Central College

Scherle to follow in great-grandfather’s footsteps, will play for Wartburg College

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Growing up as a multi-sport athlete, Nick Scherle heard a lot of stories about Wartburg College. Now, he'll get a chance to make his own memories at the private Lutheran liberal arts college in Waverly. Scherle, whose great-grandfather was an all-conference defensive lineman for Wartburg, has committed to play football for the Knights. "I originally … [Read more...] about Scherle to follow in great-grandfather’s footsteps, will play for Wartburg College

Ankeny, Centennial to face grueling football schedules in 2020

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The 2020 regular season schedules for all Iowa high school football teams have been released by the Iowa High School Athletic Association. District and group assignments were posted in February, following Board of Control approval. This arrangement is in place for just one year, as opposed to the usual two-year football cycle. Class 4A has also … [Read more...] about Ankeny, Centennial to face grueling football schedules in 2020

Local businesses raise $1,000 for Ankeny Athletic Booster Club

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Several local businesses raised a total of $1,000 for the Ankeny Athletic Booster Club through a pair of tailgates in the fall. The tailgates were held before the Ankeny vs. Ankeny Centennial football game on Aug. 30 and before the Hawks' homecoming game against Des Moines Hoover on Oct. 4. These events were sponsored by Ankeny Fanatic, Gershman … [Read more...] about Local businesses raise $1,000 for Ankeny Athletic Booster Club

Bauer, Brecht, Petersen earn all-state honors from Des Moines Register

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One of the best passing combinations in Class 4A this season was Ankeny's junior duo of quarterback Jase Bauer and wide receiver Brody Brecht. Both players have received all-state football honors from The Des Moines Register after leading the Hawks to an 8-3 record and a Class 4A quarterfinal appearance. Brecht was named to the Elite team, which … [Read more...] about Bauer, Brecht, Petersen earn all-state honors from Des Moines Register

Centennial’s Gray to receive prestigious Burlsworth Award

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Ankeny Centennial senior defensive back Keaton Gray has been named a recipient of the Burlsworth Award, a national award honoring character and sportsmanship in high school football. Gray made 33.5 tackles and had one interception while helping the Jaguars to an 8-2 record this season, but it was his performance off the field that led to the Burlsworth … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Gray to receive prestigious Burlsworth Award

Family history, right fit leads Gates to Grand View, Gibson to Iowa State

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Two of Ankeny Centennial's football standouts have decided to follow in the footsteps of a family member. Running back Avery Gates has committed to play for Grand View, where his brother, Jensen, is already on the Vikings' roster. "In the big picture, I was going to choose a place that fit me and believed in me," said Gates. "Having Jensen be in the … [Read more...] about Family history, right fit leads Gates to Grand View, Gibson to Iowa State

Blimpie Sub of the Week: Callan Miller, Ankeny Centennial football

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Senior punter Callan Miller helped the Ankeny Centennial football team to an 8-2 record this season. Miller averaged 37.0 yards on 28 attempts. His longest punt of the year traveled 76 yards. Miller was named to the Class 4A District 2 second team. He was also the recipient of the team's "Oil Can Award" at the Jaguars' banquet on … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Callan Miller, Ankeny Centennial football

Revive Clinic and Spa Preps of the Week: Sophie Lee and Jeanne Peters

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Seniors Sophie Lee and Jeanne Peters were two of the top runners this season on the Ankeny Centennial girls' cross country team. They helped the Jaguars to a runner-up finish in the CIML Central Conference meet on Oct. 17 at DMACC. Lee and Peters both joined the varsity team as freshmen in 2016, when they helped Centennial to an eighth-place finish in the … [Read more...] about Revive Clinic and Spa Preps of the Week: Sophie Lee and Jeanne Peters

Centennial’s Fontana named Class 4A assistant football coach of the year

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Mike Fontana didn't think too much of it when he was nominated for the Class 4A assistant football coach of the year award. About a week ago, the longtime Ankeny Centennial and Ankeny assistant was told that he had won the honor from the Iowa Football Coaches Association. "I was like, 'Really. Is this for real?'" Fontana said. "It just made me think … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Fontana named Class 4A assistant football coach of the year