Ankeny Centennial volleyball standout Ella Becker has committed to play for Cornell College. Becker, a senior libero, announced her decision via Twitter on Friday. "I'm beyond excited to announce my commitment to continue my academic and volleyball career at Cornell College!" Becker tweeted. "Thank you to my parents, coaches, and teammates who … [Read more...] about Centennial libero Becker commits to play volleyball at Cornell College
Jaguars
Centennial boys post two shutouts, finish 2-1 at Iowa City West Invitational
It wasn't a perfect weekend for the Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer team. But coach Brian Duax will take it. The Jaguars opened their season by winning two of three games at the Iowa City West Invitational. They posted 4-0 victories over Iowa City West and Muscatine--sandwiched around a 2-1 loss to Iowa City High. "We beat Muscatine after they beat … [Read more...] about Centennial boys post two shutouts, finish 2-1 at Iowa City West Invitational
Jaguars fall to C.B. Lincoln in overtime, then rebound with 4-0 win over Waukee
The Ankeny Centennial girls' soccer team didn't have much time to regroup from a loss on Friday night. After dropping a 2-1 overtime decision to fifth-ranked Council Bluffs Lincoln, the No. 4 Jaguars returned to the pitch on Saturday morning and posted a 4-0 victory over Waukee in their final game of the Crosstown Invitational. "We talked about our … [Read more...] about Jaguars fall to C.B. Lincoln in overtime, then rebound with 4-0 win over Waukee
Leazer sweeps jumping events, leads Jaguars to title at Johnston Quadrangular
The Ankeny Centennial girls' track team finally got a chance to compete on Friday. The Jaguars didn't let the opportunity go to waste. Centennial won the Johnston Quadrangular with 185 points, defeating a strong field. Dowling Catholic was second with 177 points, followed by Johnston with 171 and Valley with 164. "We had a fun night," said … [Read more...] about Leazer sweeps jumping events, leads Jaguars to title at Johnston Quadrangular
Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 176
In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America, girls' soccer coaches Chris Allen of Ankeny Centennial and Simon Brown of Ankeny along with Ankeny Activities Director Andy Umthun join Ankeny Fanatic publisher Dan Holm to discuss this weekend's Crosstown Invitational and the community's effort to break the … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 176
Pennington scores 4 goals, leads Jaguars past Marshalltown in season opener
The Ankeny Centennial girls' soccer team overcame the blustery conditions to open its season with a 10-0 victory over visiting Marshalltown in a CIML Iowa Conference game on Tuesday. The Jaguars built a 5-0 halftime lead, then added five more goals in the second half before the contest ended in the 59th minute due to the mercy rule. "When we were … [Read more...] about Pennington scores 4 goals, leads Jaguars past Marshalltown in season opener
With 8 returning varsity golfers, Jaguars looking to be more competitive
As the Ankeny Centennial girls' golf team prepares for its season opener on April 5 at Fort Dodge, Mother Nature has not made things easy for the Jaguars. Centennial coach John Petersen said the cold, rainy and windy conditions this spring have prevented his players from getting much time on the golf course. "The weather has made practices difficult," … [Read more...] about With 8 returning varsity golfers, Jaguars looking to be more competitive
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Maraye Breeding, Centennial girls’ track
Senior Maraye Breeding is one of 12 returning state qualifiers for the Ankeny Centennial girls' track team. She helped the Jaguars to a 14th-place finish in last year's Class 4A state meet. Breeding ran on the fifth-place 4x200 relay which set a school record with a time of 1:45.05. She also ran on the 14th-place shuttle hurdle relay. Here is some … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Maraye Breeding, Centennial girls’ track
Ankeny girls’ swimming coach Stout announces retirement after 15 seasons
Ankeny girls' swimming coach Michelle Stout wanted to leave her program in a good place. She has certainly done that. The longtime coach of the Hawkettes has announced her retirement. "I always knew I wanted to be sure I retired at a time when the team was in a position to succeed after my departure," said Stout, who has also been an assistant … [Read more...] about Ankeny girls’ swimming coach Stout announces retirement after 15 seasons
Centennial’s James verbally commits to play softball at Simpson College
Ankeny Centennial softball player Mackenzie James didn't have to wait any longer to make her college plans. The junior outfielder verbally committed on Friday to play for Simpson College, beginning in the fall of 2023. "The decision was pretty easy for me," said James. "Simpson was the first school I visited and instantly I felt at home. The softball … [Read more...] about Centennial’s James verbally commits to play softball at Simpson College
Peterson, 3 other varsity regulars are back for Centennial boys’ tennis team
Despite losing state runner-up Will Blevins to graduation, the Ankeny Centennial boys' tennis team has a capable replacement to take over the squad's No. 1 spot. Junior Caleb Peterson posted a 15-2 record at the No. 2 singles position a year ago. He also teamed up with Nic Mackaman, who graduated as well, for a 12-4 mark in doubles, including a … [Read more...] about Peterson, 3 other varsity regulars are back for Centennial boys’ tennis team
Despite heavy losses to graduation, Centennial girls return wealth of talent
Most girls' soccer teams would have a hard time replacing an all-stater like Elizabeth Overberg. Not to mention four other all-conference players in Cecilia Burroughs, Macy Epp, Aly Jumper and Meghan White. But Ankeny Centennial still returns a wealth of talent from last year's team that posted an 18-3 record and handed eventual Class 3A state champion … [Read more...] about Despite heavy losses to graduation, Centennial girls return wealth of talent
Ex-star Gustafson returns to Centennial girls’ tennis program as head coach
When Ankeny Centennial first opened in 2013, the school opted to hire Collin Daniels--who was then a student at Iowa State University--to coach the boys' tennis team. Now, the Jaguars have turned to another Iowa State student to coach the girls' tennis squad. Alli Gustafson, a former Centennial standout, has returned to the program as head coach. A … [Read more...] about Ex-star Gustafson returns to Centennial girls’ tennis program as head coach
Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 174 (Part 3)
In part 3 of the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America, Ankeny Fanatic publisher Dan Holm is joined by Ankeny Centennial girls' track coach Andrew Kruzich for a discussion of the new Iowa law that bans transgender girls from competing in girls’ sports. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 174 (Part 3)
‘We’re just trying to be competitive’: Jags look to rebuild after historic season
Coming off the best season in school history, the Ankeny Centennial boys' track team faces a rebuilding year in 2022. The Jaguars placed third in last year's Class 4A state meet with 61 points, the school's highest finish ever. Many of the standouts from that team, however, will have to be replaced. State runners-up Tommy Collins (400) and D'Eric Smith … [Read more...] about ‘We’re just trying to be competitive’: Jags look to rebuild after historic season
‘We don’t see any weaknesses’: Jaguars look to build on last year’s success
On paper, the Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer team appears to have a lot of experience. The Jaguars return 12 varsity players, including eight starters, from a squad that posted a 15-5 record and won the CIML Iowa Conference title a year ago. "We return a lot of players with varsity experience, but every year is different," said Centennial coach Brian … [Read more...] about ‘We don’t see any weaknesses’: Jaguars look to build on last year’s success
Ankeny’s Crandall, Centennial’s Kelling named to Iowa Conference first team
Boys' basketball standouts Ryan Crandall of Ankeny and Caden Kelling of Ankeny Centennial have been named to the CIML Iowa Conference first team by a vote of the league's coaches. Crandall, a senior forward, led the Hawks to a 19-5 record and a trip to the Class 4A state tournament. He averaged a team-high 11.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.2 … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s Crandall, Centennial’s Kelling named to Iowa Conference first team
Murray, Pitz earn all-state honors from Iowa Girls’ Coaches Association
Chalk up another postseason honor for the duo of Cleao Murray and Jenna Pitz. The two girls' basketball standouts have both received all-state honors from the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association. Murray, a senior guard at Ankeny Centennial, was named to the Class 5A second team. Pitz, a junior guard at Ankeny, was a third-team pick. Both players were … [Read more...] about Murray, Pitz earn all-state honors from Iowa Girls’ Coaches Association
Murray, Pitz earn all-state honors from Iowa Print Sports Writers Association
Girls' basketball standouts Cleao Murray of Ankeny Centennial and Jenna Pitz of Ankeny have received all-state honors from the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association. Murray, a senior guard, was named to the Class 5A first team. Pitz, a junior guard, was a third-team selection. Murray led the Jaguars to a 20-4 record and a repeat appearance in the Class … [Read more...] about Murray, Pitz earn all-state honors from Iowa Print Sports Writers Association
With 115 girls out and 12 state qualifiers returning, Jaguars have a lot of options
The Ankeny Centennial girls' track team has grown by more than 40 percent. "We have 115 kids out right now, up from 80 last year," said Centennial coach Andrew Kruzich. "We've had a massive jump, which is exciting and challenging." The Jaguars, who are slated to compete in the UNI Indoor Meet on Monday at Cedar Falls, placed 14th in last year's Class … [Read more...] about With 115 girls out and 12 state qualifiers returning, Jaguars have a lot of options