A year ago, the Ankeny Centennial girls' tennis team enjoyed an historic season. Now, the Jaguars are looking to build on that success. "I have several goals for this season," said Centennial coach Alli Gustafson. "First, I would love for every player to see improvement on an individual level. I also hope to help my players continue to develop … [Read more...] about Centennial girls look to build on success following historic campaign in 2023
Spring
Expectations remain high for Jaguars despite heavy losses from last year
Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer coach Brian Duax will be relying more than ever on his son Ty. Ty Duax, a senior midfielder, is one of just five returning starters from last year's team that posted a 10-6 record and reached the Class 4A semifinals. The Jaguars graduated several key players and will also have to replace all-state forward Andrew … [Read more...] about Expectations remain high for Jaguars despite heavy losses from last year
With 14 returning state qualifiers, Jaguars seek first top-10 finish in Class 4A
The Ankeny Centennial girls' track team has never placed in the top 10 at the Class 4A state meet. This could be the year that the Jaguars break through that barrier. "Our No. 1 goal is to have a ton of fun as a team and to continue to build on the great team culture we have," said Centennial coach Tyler Asbe. "With that environment, the level of … [Read more...] about With 14 returning state qualifiers, Jaguars seek first top-10 finish in Class 4A
Centennial boys return 16 state qualifiers, led by deep group of sprinters
Due to some balmy spring weather, the season is already off to a good start for the Ankeny Centennial boys' track team. "This has been the most the team has been able to train outdoors this early," said Centennial coach Nate Smith. "The coaches and athletes have taken advantage of it." The Jaguars tied for 25th place in last year's Class 4A state meet … [Read more...] about Centennial boys return 16 state qualifiers, led by deep group of sprinters
‘I can’t wait for this next chapter!’: Jaguars’ Kroska to play soccer at Denver
Ankeny Centennial junior Olivia Kroska is headed to the Mile High City in the fall of 2025. Kroska, a midfielder, has committed to play Division I soccer for the University of Denver. "I looked at quite a few schools, and they were all in different areas," said Kroska. "It was a little hard at first to wrap my head around being so far away from family … [Read more...] about ‘I can’t wait for this next chapter!’: Jaguars’ Kroska to play soccer at Denver
Centennial’s Schermerhorn signs letter of intent to run for Iowa State next year
When Ankeny Centennial distance runner AJ Schermerhorn started his search for a potential college, Iowa State was one of the schools that attracted his interest. Schermerhorn, a three-time state cross country qualifier and a two-time placewinner, eventually signed with the Cyclones. "I had a list of about 15 schools with a range of some I really wanted … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Schermerhorn signs letter of intent to run for Iowa State next year
‘I’m extremely blessed’: Centennial’s Lewis to play soccer at Rockhurst
Ankeny Centennial senior Avery Lewis has committed to play soccer at Rockhurst University, an NCAA Division II school in Kansas City. Lewis, a midfielder, announced her decision Thursday on social media. "I'm extremely blessed to announce my commitment to play soccer and further my education at Rockhurst University!" Lewis tweeted on X. "Thank you to … [Read more...] about ‘I’m extremely blessed’: Centennial’s Lewis to play soccer at Rockhurst
‘It was a pretty easy choice’: Centennial’s Duax to play soccer at Western Illinois
Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer standout Ty Duax is headed to Macomb in the fall. The senior forward/midfielder has verbally committed to play for Western Illinois. "For me, it was a pretty easy choice," said Duax, the son of Centennial coach Brian Duax. "Western showed a lot of interest, and I clicked with the coaching staff pretty quickly. I didn't … [Read more...] about ‘It was a pretty easy choice’: Centennial’s Duax to play soccer at Western Illinois
‘It’s a great opportunity for Truckie’: Jags’ star to join Minnesota United 19s
Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer star Andrew Heckenlaible has completed his high school career. After graduating early, Heckenlaible will leave on Monday to join the Minnesota United FC U19 Academy team. He'll spend the next six months playing against top-level talent before beginning his college career at St. Louis. "It's a great opportunity for … [Read more...] about ‘It’s a great opportunity for Truckie’: Jags’ star to join Minnesota United 19s
‘I knew that Cornell was the perfect fit’: Benkufsky to play tennis for Rams
Ankeny Centennial senior Jenna Benkufsky has committed to play tennis at Cornell College in Mount Vernon. It took Benkufsky a little while to find the right school for her. "I looked at a number schools within Iowa and one was no better than the other, but when I visited Cornell, I just knew that it was the school for me to continue not only my … [Read more...] about ‘I knew that Cornell was the perfect fit’: Benkufsky to play tennis for Rams
‘It was just a perfect fit for me!’: Peterson to play tennis for Northern Iowa
Ankeny Centennial senior Abbie Peterson will continue her tennis career at Northern Iowa. Peterson, a two-time state placewinner, said for awhile she had not planned on taking her game to the next level. "To be honest, I had not been playing tournaments or looking into playing in college until very recently," she said. "I was planning on getting into … [Read more...] about ‘It was just a perfect fit for me!’: Peterson to play tennis for Northern Iowa
‘It was a good fit in many ways’: Drefke picks golf over softball, commits to Augie
For many high school athletes, finding the right college to compete at involves several different factors. The decision for Ankeny Centennial senior Payton Drefke was even tougher. The golf and softball standout had to pick a sport, too. In the end, Drefke elected to focus on just one of the two. She will play golf at Augustana University (S.D.). "I … [Read more...] about ‘It was a good fit in many ways’: Drefke picks golf over softball, commits to Augie
After Drake coach departs, Centennial’s Peterson decides to play for Iowa Central
Ankeny Centennial boys' tennis standout Caleb Peterson is heading to Fort Dodge on Monday to begin his college career at Iowa Central Community College. Peterson decided to go the junior college route after previously considering Drake. "I feel like it was somewhat of an easy decision with my other option Drake losing their coach and Iowa Central being … [Read more...] about After Drake coach departs, Centennial’s Peterson decides to play for Iowa Central
Centennial’s Gustafson named Class 2A girls’ tennis coach of the year
After her team enjoyed the best season in school history, Ankeny Centennial girls' tennis coach Alli Gustafson has been named the Class 2A coach of the year. Gustafson guided the Jaguars to a 12-3 record, capped off by a fourth-place finish in the Class 2A state team tournament. Six of her players also qualified for the individual state tournament, … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Gustafson named Class 2A girls’ tennis coach of the year
Centennial standouts Heckenlaible, Duax earn all-state honors from IHSSCA
Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer stars Andrew Heckenlaible and Ty Duax have received all-state honors from the Iowa High School Soccer Coaches Association. Heckenlaible, a junior forward, was named to the Class 4A first team. He racked up a team-high 12 goals and 31 points while helping the Jaguars to a 10-6 record and a trip to the Class 4A … [Read more...] about Centennial standouts Heckenlaible, Duax earn all-state honors from IHSSCA
‘It feels amazing’: Peterson siblings capture Class 2A state coed tennis title
It was only a matter of time before Ankeny Centennial's Abbie and Caleb Peterson won a state tennis title. On Tuesday, the Peterson siblings did it together. The duo posted a 6-1, 7-5 victory over Andrea Porubcin and Robert Matera of Bettendorf to win the Class 2A state coed championship. The tournament began in Marshalltown but was later moved indoors … [Read more...] about ‘It feels amazing’: Peterson siblings capture Class 2A state coed tennis title
Duax, Heckenlaible earn all-tournament honors for 2nd straight year
Ankeny Centennial standouts Ty Duax and Andrew Heckenlaible have been named to the all-tournament team at the boys' state soccer tournament for the second straight year. The junior duo was selected to the Class 4A squad following Saturday's championship game at Cownie Park. They were named to the 3A team a year ago. Duax and Heckenlaible helped … [Read more...] about Duax, Heckenlaible earn all-tournament honors for 2nd straight year
A FOGGY FINISH: Jaguars’ championship dreams end with 3-1 loss to Johnston
A magical postseason run for the Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer team came to an end on a foggy night at Cownie Park. The 10th-ranked Jaguars held a 1-0 halftime lead before No. 2 Johnston rallied for a 3-1 victory in the Class 4A semifinals on Thursday at the state tournament. The Dragons (17-3) spoiled Centennial's bid to pull off a third consecutive … [Read more...] about A FOGGY FINISH: Jaguars’ championship dreams end with 3-1 loss to Johnston
‘It just didn’t go our way’: Defending state champs bow out with 2-0 loss to NW
The Ankeny Centennial girls' soccer players wore state tournament t-shirts with the motto "Leave it on the field" printed on the back of them. That's exactly what the eighth-ranked Jaguars did on Wednesday at Cownie Park. Defending champion Centennial closed out its season with a 2-0 loss to No. 1 Waukee Northwest in a Class 3A quarterfinal at the … [Read more...] about ‘It just didn’t go our way’: Defending state champs bow out with 2-0 loss to NW
‘Disrespected’ Centennial boys knock off No. 1 Valley to continue revenge tour
The Ankeny Centennial boys' soccer team had plenty of motivation heading into Wednesday's Class 4A quarterfinal against top-ranked Valley. On Tuesday, the Tigers provided some additional bulletin board material. When the game was rescheduled for Wednesday after being postponed due to rain 24 hours earlier, Centennial coach Brian Duax said he learned … [Read more...] about ‘Disrespected’ Centennial boys knock off No. 1 Valley to continue revenge tour