Paul Rhoads has always dreamed of coaching at a place like UCLA. Now, he'll get his chance. The Ankeny native and former Iowa State head coach was officially named the Bruins' defensive backs coach on Dec. 13 by new head coach Chip Kelly. "I'm really excited," Rhoads said during a telephone interview shortly after meeting with some UCLA recruits two … [Read more...] about Rhoads returns to west coast, where his coaching career began
Football
Q & A: Iowa State Ironman Joel Lanning
Senior linebacker Joel Lanning played a major role in Iowa State's turnaround on the football field this season, racking up 110 tackles and five sacks as the Cyclones posted a 7-5 record heading into the AutoZone Liberty Bowl against Memphis on Dec. 30. Lanning, who was named a first-team all-American by the Football Writers Association of America, was a … [Read more...] about Q & A: Iowa State Ironman Joel Lanning
Moss flips his commitment, accepts “grayshirt” offer from Hawkeyes
When Riley Moss verbally committed last summer to play football at North Dakota State, he indicated that his pledge was a firm one. According to Moss, there was only one school that could take him away from the Bison. That team was the Iowa Hawkeyes. Last month, the Ankeny Centennial defensive back flipped his commitment when the Hawkeyes offered … [Read more...] about Moss flips his commitment, accepts “grayshirt” offer from Hawkeyes
Sibling support: Tony Rhoads goes extra mile to follow Paul’s career
On the morning of Nov. 19, Tony Rhoads hopped in his SUV and made the 440-mile trek from Fayetteville, Arkansas to his home in Ankeny. He was accompanied by his 90-year-old father, Cecil, and a friend from Ankeny, who tagged along to watch the Arkansas football team's 28-21 loss to Mississippi State the day before. Just four days later, after eating his … [Read more...] about Sibling support: Tony Rhoads goes extra mile to follow Paul’s career
Hawkins seizes opportunity, helps Dutch to 7-3 season
Blaine Hawkins expected to sit and learn during his first season on the Central College football team. It didn't work out that way. Pressed into action early in the fall, the former Ankeny star played like a veteran quarterback for the Dutch, helping the team to a 7-3 record that included a season-ending four-game winning streak. "You always imagine … [Read more...] about Hawkins seizes opportunity, helps Dutch to 7-3 season