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Christensen shines at plate, on mound in Eagles’ victory in district opener

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Ankeny Christian Academy's Eli Christensen struck out in his first at-bat of the high school baseball postseason. The sophomore more than made up for it later. Christensen hit a pair of two-run triples and also pitched a brilliant inning in relief to lead the ninth-ranked Eagles to a 9-3 victory over Baxter in a Class 1A district quarterfinal on … [Read more...] about Christensen shines at plate, on mound in Eagles’ victory in district opener

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Malachi Johnson, ACA baseball

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Senior Malachi Johnson has led the ninth-ranked Ankeny Christian Academy baseball team to a 25-1 record. He is the state's third-leading hitter with a .568 average. Johnson has one home run, six triples and 10 doubles among his 42 hits. He has struck out just two times while knocking in 21 runs. On the mound, Johnson has compiled a 9-0 mark with a 0.96 … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Malachi Johnson, ACA baseball

Roland named girls’ wrestling coach for new Ankeny, Centennial program

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Former Des Moines Lincoln wrestling coach Dustin Roland has been named the head coach for the new girls' wrestling program at Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial. Here is a press release from the Ankeny School District announcing the hiring of Roland: Dustin Roland has been named as the head girls wrestling coach for the new girls wrestling program at Ankeny … [Read more...] about Roland named girls’ wrestling coach for new Ankeny, Centennial program

‘When we play with the lead, we are really tough’: Eagles raise record to 22-0

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The Ankeny Christian Academy baseball team took its perfect record to Principal Park on Wednesday morning. The seventh-ranked Eagles scored two runs in the first inning and two more in the third to beat Class 2A Cardinal (Eldon), 4-0, and improve to 22-0 on the season. "This team has done a great job all year of getting on top early," said ACA coach … [Read more...] about ‘When we play with the lead, we are really tough’: Eagles raise record to 22-0

Ankeny Christian Academy baseball team enjoying historic season on diamond

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For the first time in school history, the Ankeny Christian Academy baseball team is ranked among the top 10 squads in Class 1A. The Eagles are ranked eighth with a 17-0 record, including a 9-0 mark in the Bluegrass Conference. "It's great recognition for the boys for all their hard work," said ACA coach Craig Dueker. The Eagles remained unbeaten … [Read more...] about Ankeny Christian Academy baseball team enjoying historic season on diamond

Iowa pitcher Brecht named freshman all-American by Collegiate Baseball

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Former Ankeny baseball star Brody Brecht has been named a freshman all-American by Collegiate Baseball. Brecht was honored along with Iowa teammate Keaton Anthony, becoming the 10th and 11th Hawkeyes to earn freshman all-American honors and the first since Peyton Williams in 2020. It is the third time in program history Iowa has had multiple players earn … [Read more...] about Iowa pitcher Brecht named freshman all-American by Collegiate Baseball

Kumm to Iowa City: Ex-Ankeny receiver commits to play for Hawkeyes

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Another former Ankeny wide receiver will be joining the Iowa football program. Jordan Kumm, who helped Iowa Central Community College to a 9-2 record last year, has committed to the Hawkeyes. He announced his commitment via Twitter on Tuesday. "After my first visit, I felt like there wasn't really anywhere else that I would rather be," said Kumm, who … [Read more...] about Kumm to Iowa City: Ex-Ankeny receiver commits to play for Hawkeyes

THE LOSS OF A LEGEND: Coaching giant Rasmussen passes away at 85

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The community of Ankeny has lost one of its most prominent citizens. Dick Rasmussen, the legendary softball and girls' basketball coach at Ankeny High School, passed away early Friday morning at the age of 85. "I will miss him," said current Ankeny softball coach Dave Bingham. "I love him and (his wife) Sue." Rasmussen coached at South Hamilton … [Read more...] about THE LOSS OF A LEGEND: Coaching giant Rasmussen passes away at 85

‘You have to take the best opportunity you get’: Bayless commits to Niagara

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Braxton Bayless is headed to The Empire State. The former Ankeny basketball star, who spent the last two seasons at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, verbally committed on Wednesday to play for Niagara University in Lewiston, N.Y. He will have three seasons of eligibility remaining. Bayless also had offers from Western Illinois, UMBC and … [Read more...] about ‘You have to take the best opportunity you get’: Bayless commits to Niagara

Ex-AHS standout Riordan joins Central men’s basketball staff as assistant coach

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Former Ankeny basketball standout Conor Riordan, who spent the past year as a graduate assistant at Midland University (Neb.), has joined new coach Joe Steinkamp's Central College men's basketball staff as varsity assistant. Riordan, a former three-year team captain and two-time all-conference pick at Ankeny, was a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-America … [Read more...] about Ex-AHS standout Riordan joins Central men’s basketball staff as assistant coach

Central outfielder Burnett named NFCA Division III softball player of the week

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Former Ankeny Centennial softball star Franie Burnett has been named the National Fastpitch Coaches Association's Division III player of the week. She is the first Central College player to receive the NFCA honor since Kiley Lythberg was tabbed on March 23, 2011. Burnett, a sophomore right fielder, was earlier named the American Rivers Female Athlete … [Read more...] about Central outfielder Burnett named NFCA Division III softball player of the week

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Logan Fincham, ACA boys’ basketball

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Senior guard Logan Fincham helped the Ankeny Christian Academy boys' basketball team to a 15-8 record this season. Fincham averaged a team-high 13.8 points per game. He shot 35.8 percent from 3-point range (24-of-67) and 81.7 percent at the free-throw line (58-of-71). Here is some inside info on Fincham: Congratulations on an outstanding season. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Logan Fincham, ACA boys’ basketball

After earning all-region honors, Bayless’ season ends with one-point loss at Hutch

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March Madness is over for Braxton Bayless and the Indian Hills Community College men's basketball team. The seventh-seeded Warriors dropped a 65-64 decision to No. 10 seed Northwest Florida State in the second round of the National Junior College Athletic Association DI Tournament on Tuesday at the Hutchinson (Kan.) Sports Arena. Bayless, a former Ankeny … [Read more...] about After earning all-region honors, Bayless’ season ends with one-point loss at Hutch

MACU guard Wycoff named to all-Central Region second team by NCCAA

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Former Ankeny Centennial basketball standout Sydney Wycoff has earned all-region honors from the National Christian College Athletic Association. Wycoff, a junior guard for the Mid-America Christian women's team, was selected to the all-Central Region second team. It is her first all-region honor. The 5-foot-6 Wycoff is in the midst of her best year … [Read more...] about MACU guard Wycoff named to all-Central Region second team by NCCAA

Ex-Ankeny hoops standout Johnson to leave Northern State after freshman year

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Former Ankeny girls' basketball standout Abby Johnson has entered the transfer portal. Johnson, a freshman guard at Northern State, announced her decision earlier this week via Twitter. "I would like to thank coach Krueger, coach Neumann, and coach Clark for the opportunity to be a part of their program," Johnson tweeted. "To my teammates, thank you … [Read more...] about Ex-Ankeny hoops standout Johnson to leave Northern State after freshman year

Grand View’s Flatness places 8th at NAIA Indoor Meet, earns all-American honors

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Former Ankeny thrower Sydney Flatness has been dreaming of being an all-American for a long time. The Grand View University senior finally reached her goal on Saturday at Brookings, S.D. Flatness placed eighth in the shot put at the NAIA Indoor National Championships to earn all-American honors. "I am elated. I’ve been dreaming of this since my … [Read more...] about Grand View’s Flatness places 8th at NAIA Indoor Meet, earns all-American honors

The Fieldhouse, a new all-purpose sports facility, to open in Ankeny in October

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A new all-purpose sports facility will be coming to the south side of Ankeny in the fall. Construction will begin in April on the 27,000-square-foot building, which will be located south of John Deere between State and Irvinedale streets. Currently called The Fieldhouse, the facility will be part of the Prairie Trail Sports Complex. "We're set to open … [Read more...] about The Fieldhouse, a new all-purpose sports facility, to open in Ankeny in October