Ankeny Fanatic

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Jaguars

‘It’s something to be proud of’: Jaguars post back-to-back shutouts over PV, DC-G

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(Story by Stephen McDaniel) Between late heroics to a trio of first-half goals, the Ankeny Centennial girls' soccer team came out of the Crosstown Invitational with two quality wins over ranked opponents and a very positive trajectory for the season. The fifth-ranked Jaguars not only avenged a loss in last year’s Crosstown Invite in Friday night’s 1-0 … [Read more...] about ‘It’s something to be proud of’: Jaguars post back-to-back shutouts over PV, DC-G

Centennial boys tumble to visiting Norwalk, drop to 0-2 on season

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The Ankeny Centennial boys' tennis team dropped to 0-2 on the season with a 9-2 loss to visiting Norwalk on Friday. The Warriors won five of the six singles matches, then captured four of the five doubles matches. They evened their mark at 1-1. Centennial got a victory at No. 6 singles from Owen George. He posted a 6-3, 6-1 win over Eli Mills. The … [Read more...] about Centennial boys tumble to visiting Norwalk, drop to 0-2 on season

‘It was a really dominant performance’: Jags roll to 4-1 win over C.R. Washington

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The Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer team came away with a split on its season-opening trip to eastern Iowa. After dropping a 2-1 decision at Iowa City West on Friday, the Jaguars returned to Ed Barker Field on Saturday morning and posted a 4-1 victory over Cedar Rapids Washington to even their record at 1-1. "It was a really dominant performance," said … [Read more...] about ‘It was a really dominant performance’: Jags roll to 4-1 win over C.R. Washington

‘It was just an unfortunate result’: Jaguars dominate but fall to Iowa City West, 2-1

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The Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer team opened its season on Friday with a 2-1 loss at Iowa City West. All of the scoring came in the second half. "We played really well," said Centennial coach Brian Duax. "It was just an unfortunate result." Tate Duax scored the lone goal for the Jaguars. He took seven of the team's 12 shots--and five of them … [Read more...] about ‘It was just an unfortunate result’: Jaguars dominate but fall to Iowa City West, 2-1

Jaguars edge Pella by 7 points to win Ram Relays, while Ankeny boys also shine

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The Ankeny Centennial boys' track team emerged with a victory in the Ram Relays on Thursday at Southeast Polk. It wasn't a bad night for Ankeny, either. While the Hawks won three events and placed fourth in the nine-team field with 105 points, Centennial racked up six first-place finishes and claimed the team title with 138 points. The Jaguars finished … [Read more...] about Jaguars edge Pella by 7 points to win Ram Relays, while Ankeny boys also shine

Jaguars place 2nd, Ankeny takes 5th in tight team race at Hawkette Invitational

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Only 15 points separated the top five teams in the Hawkette Invitational girls' track meet on Thursday at Ankeny Stadium. Indianola won the meet with 118 points. Ankeny Centennial was the runner-up in the eight-team field with 113, edging Cedar Falls by one point. "We had another great meet," said Centennial coach Tyler Asbe. "It was awesome having … [Read more...] about Jaguars place 2nd, Ankeny takes 5th in tight team race at Hawkette Invitational

Centennial boys drop narrow 6-5 decision to S.E. Polk in Menadue’s coaching debut

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The Ankeny Centennial boys' tennis team nearly pulled out a victory in its debut under new head coach Grant Menadue. The Jaguars battled visiting Southeast Polk down to the wire before dropping a 6-5 decision in a CIML Conference matchup on Thursday at the Prairie Ridge courts. It was the season opener for both teams. After the two teams battled to a … [Read more...] about Centennial boys drop narrow 6-5 decision to S.E. Polk in Menadue’s coaching debut

Ankeny girls are No. 1 in first Class 3A soccer rankings, while Centennial is No. 5

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The Ankeny girls' soccer team is ranked No. 1 in Class 3A in the first rankings of the season from the Iowa Girls' High School Athletic Union, while crosstown rival Ankeny Centennial is No. 5. The Jaguars opened their season on Monday with a 3-0 victory at No. 12 Iowa City West. The Hawkettes defeated visiting Cedar Falls, 1-0, in their opener on … [Read more...] about Ankeny girls are No. 1 in first Class 3A soccer rankings, while Centennial is No. 5

‘We had good cohesive play’: Jags open season with 3-0 victory at Iowa City West

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It took awhile for Ankeny Centennial's dominance to produce some goals in Monday's girls' soccer season opener at Iowa City West. After going scoreless in the first half, the Jaguars racked up three goals in the final 40 minutes to post a 3-0 victory in the non-conference game. "We missed some good chances in the first half, but the girls understand … [Read more...] about ‘We had good cohesive play’: Jags open season with 3-0 victory at Iowa City West

Jaguars win 4 events, rack up 182 points vs. 7 other teams at Sherwood Relays

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The Ankeny Centennial girls' track team earned a fourth-place finish in the Sherwood Relays on Saturday at Iowa City High. The Jaguars won four events and racked up 182 points while competing against seven other squads. Cedar Falls won the team title with 360 points, finishing 90 points ahead of Southeast Polk. "We had another great day of … [Read more...] about Jaguars win 4 events, rack up 182 points vs. 7 other teams at Sherwood Relays

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Maddison Balashaitis, ACHS girls’ soccer

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Senior defender Maddison Balashaitis is one of the top returning players for the Ankeny Centennial girls' soccer team. She helped the Jaguars to a 13-7 record last season and a trip to the Class 3A state tournament, where she was named to the all-tournament team. Balashaitis scored three goals and also had an assist while helping her squad record six … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Maddison Balashaitis, ACHS girls’ soccer

‘We are very deep’: Petersen optimistic about potential for Centennial golfers

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Despite graduating three seniors from last year's varsity lineup, the Ankeny Centennial girls' golf team still boasts plenty of depth. There are 22 golfers on the roster, led by a trio of returning regulars in seniors Kate Geiselhart and Kaylee Sprecher and sophomore Cate Trewet. "We are very deep," said Centennial coach John Petersen. "We have a … [Read more...] about ‘We are very deep’: Petersen optimistic about potential for Centennial golfers

Centennial girls win 4 events at Dragon Invitational, including pair of relays

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The Ankeny Centennial girls' track team won four events in the Dragon Invitational on Thursday at Johnston. Five other squads competed at the meet. No team scores were kept, but Centennial coach Tyler Asbe was elated afterwards. "We had a beautiful night to compete, and our girls had some strong performances," said Asbe. "It was a great meet to get our … [Read more...] about Centennial girls win 4 events at Dragon Invitational, including pair of relays

Jaguars win 9 events at Early Bird Relays; Hawks ‘set the tone’ in shuttle hurdle

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Both the Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial boys' track teams made some strong statements on Thursday at the Waukee Northwest Early Bird Relays. No team scores were kept, but the Jaguars turned in a dominant performance. They won nine events, including four relays. The Hawks, meanwhile, had three victories--and two of them were particularly impressive. Ethan … [Read more...] about Jaguars win 9 events at Early Bird Relays; Hawks ‘set the tone’ in shuttle hurdle

‘I’m very excited for the opportunity’: Menadue hired to coach Centennial boys

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A former Ankeny standout has been hired to take over the Ankeny Centennial boys' tennis program. Grant Menadue, a state doubles qualifier in 2013, will replace the late Tami Lewton--who passed away last June after a courageous five-month battle against cancer. Lewton coached the team for eight seasons. "Coach Lewton was a very special coach and person … [Read more...] about ‘I’m very excited for the opportunity’: Menadue hired to coach Centennial boys

‘It was an amazing run’: DeJong retires after 37 seasons, record 7 state titles

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When Scott DeJong came to Ankeny in 1993 to take over the girls' basketball program, he replaced a legendary coach in Dick Rasmussen. Now, more than three decades later, DeJong has put an end to his own legendary career. The only head coach in Ankeny Centennial girls' basketball history, DeJong announced his retirement on Tuesday--shortly after giving … [Read more...] about ‘It was an amazing run’: DeJong retires after 37 seasons, record 7 state titles

THE END OF AN ERA: Jaguars’ coaching legend DeJong announces retirement

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Girls' basketball coaching legend Scott DeJong of Ankeny Centennial has retired after 37 seasons, including the last 12 with the Jaguars. DeJong turned in his resignation letter to Activities Director Nate Lingren on Tuesday afternoon. "I had thought I would be doing this, but when it came down to it, I had a hard time writing the letter," DeJong said. … [Read more...] about THE END OF AN ERA: Jaguars’ coaching legend DeJong announces retirement

‘I need to catch my breath’: Fontana steps down from Jags’ program after 12 years

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The only head coach in Ankeny Centennial boys' basketball history has stepped down from the program. Bob Fontana has resigned from his position after guiding the Jaguars to a 173-101 record over the last 12 seasons. "Not many coaches can say they got to come home and start a new program in a new school," said Fontana, who compiled a 474-299 mark … [Read more...] about ‘I need to catch my breath’: Fontana steps down from Jags’ program after 12 years

Crawford, Pratt to play in Pizza Ranch All Star Games on Saturday at DC-G

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Ankeny Centennial girls' basketball standouts Mya Crawford and Jaeden Pratt will both compete in the 2025 Pizza Ranch All Star Games on Saturday at Dallas Center-Grimes. Crawford and Pratt will both play for the Southwest Iowa team that will be coached by Maddie Gelber of Roland-Story and Jon Weinrich of Shenandoah. North Polk senior Abby Tuttle will also … [Read more...] about Crawford, Pratt to play in Pizza Ranch All Star Games on Saturday at DC-G