Ankeny Fanatic

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Ex-Centennial star Robinson earns third-team All-American honors

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A record six members of the top-ranked Wisconsin volleyball team--including former Ankeny Centennial star Devyn Robinson--have earned American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-America honors, the organization announced on Wednesday. Robinson was named to the third team. Just the fourth Badger to earn All-America honors as a freshman, Robinson … [Read more...] about Ex-Centennial star Robinson earns third-team All-American honors

Indiana State’s Kooker named to all-MVC first team

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Former Ankeny soccer star Chloee Kooker has been named to the all-Missouri Valley Conference first team. Kooker, a sophomore midfielder at Indiana State, started all 10 matches for the Sycamores during the 2021 spring season. She recorded 895 minutes of action, including at least 90 minutes in nine of the 10 games. Kooker had three shots throughout the … [Read more...] about Indiana State’s Kooker named to all-MVC first team

Rhoads wins Ankeny Fanatic’s NCAA Tournament pool

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Tony Rhoads of Ankeny is the winner of the Ankeny Fanatic NCAA Tournament pool. He receives a $50 gift card from the Yankee Clipper. Rhoads finished with 93 points. He was the only person to correctly pick Baylor to win the tournament. Nate Tobey placed second with 77 points. He was the winner of the 2019 NCAA Tournament pool as well as the 2019 … [Read more...] about Rhoads wins Ankeny Fanatic’s NCAA Tournament pool

Coe’s Teeple named American Rivers Conference Most Valuable Player

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Former Ankeny Centennial volleyball standout Elli Teeple made some history on Thursday. The Coe College setter was named the American Rivers Conference Volleyball MVP, becoming the first Kohawk women's player to earn the league's MVP award. The junior has now earned all-conference honors in three straight seasons. Teeple was among a record six Coe … [Read more...] about Coe’s Teeple named American Rivers Conference Most Valuable Player

Wisconsin freshman Robinson named to all-Big Ten Conference first team

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It didn't take long for Wisconsin's Devyn Robinson to become a force in the Big Ten Conference. The former Ankeny Centennial volleyball star has been named to the all-Big Ten first team, the league office announced on Wednesday. The freshman middle blocker and right-side hitter has helped the Badgers to a 15-0 record this season. Robinson has racked up … [Read more...] about Wisconsin freshman Robinson named to all-Big Ten Conference first team

Ballenger, Vacek return home for ‘amazing experience’ to play Cyclones

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The end of Alyssa Ballenger's collegiate volleyball career is just around the corner. Isabelle Vacek's career is just getting under way. Despite those differences, both former Ankeny standouts enjoyed returning to central Iowa last weekend as their Wayne State (Neb.) squad played a pair of exhibition matches against Iowa State at Hilton … [Read more...] about Ballenger, Vacek return home for ‘amazing experience’ to play Cyclones

Homer, the Miracle League’s mascot, comes to Ankeny

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The Ankeny Kiwanis Club is proud to welcome Miracle League's mascot Homer to Ankeny! Homer is the mascot for Miracle League--a national organization that promotes the creation of accessible baseball leagues and obstacle-free ball fields in communities across the country. A partnership of Ankeny Kiwanis Club service organization, the City of Ankeny, and a … [Read more...] about Homer, the Miracle League’s mascot, comes to Ankeny

Strait helps Bulldogs reach Elite Eight of NCAA Division II tournament

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Hunter Strait and the Truman State men's basketball team are headed to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division II tournament. Strait, a former Ankeny Centennial standout, made two free throws in the final seconds to seal the Bulldogs' 65-62 victory over Michigan Tech on Tuesday night in the Midwest Regional final at Evansville, Ind. Truman State (20-2) … [Read more...] about Strait helps Bulldogs reach Elite Eight of NCAA Division II tournament

Here’s how to enter Ankeny Fanatic’s NCAA Tournament pool

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Are you ready for some March Madness? How about some Bracketology? After a one-year absence due to COVID-19, the NCAA Tournament returns this week with all games being played in Indianapolis and other sites around the Hoosier State. And Ankeny Fanatic will once again offer an NCAA Tournament pool sponsored by the Yankee Clipper. The winner of the pool … [Read more...] about Here’s how to enter Ankeny Fanatic’s NCAA Tournament pool

Rhoads to join Ohio State’s football program as defensive analyst

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It only took three decades, but Paul Rhoads is returning to Columbus, Ohio. The Ankeny native and former Iowa State head football coach has been hired to become a defensive analyst at Ohio State, where he served as a graduate assistant in 1991 under John Cooper. He brings 28 years of coaching experience to Ryan Day's Buckeyes staff. Rhoads' experience … [Read more...] about Rhoads to join Ohio State’s football program as defensive analyst

‘His passing is a tragic loss’: Osborn motivated young people to be their best

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The loss of former Ankeny High School teacher, coach and administrator Scott Osborn has resonated throughout the entire community. Osborn passed away on Saturday after a three-year battle with ALS. He was 72 years old. "His passing is a tragic loss to all who knew him," said former Ankeny athletic director Fred Smith. During a 39-year career in the … [Read more...] about ‘His passing is a tragic loss’: Osborn motivated young people to be their best

Ankeny native Rhoads named interim head coach after Arizona fires Sumlin

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Former Iowa State head football coach and Ankeny native Paul Rhoads has been named the interim head coach at Arizona following Saturday's firing of head coach Kevin Sumlin. Sumlin was let go one day after the Wildcats' 70-7 loss to rival Arizona State. Arizona is 0-5 this season after dropping its final seven games last year. Rhoads served as Iowa … [Read more...] about Ankeny native Rhoads named interim head coach after Arizona fires Sumlin

Naylor, Vogt receive outstanding service awards from IHSADA

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Gary Naylor and Lynn Vogt of Ankeny are among the recipients of this year's outstanding service awards from the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association. Naylor has served as a sports public address announcer for over 30 years, becoming the voice of both the Ankeny Hawks and the Ankeny Centennial Jaguars. For the past six years, he has been the PA … [Read more...] about Naylor, Vogt receive outstanding service awards from IHSADA

On the move again: Creighton’s Gatica to transfer to Rockhurst University

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Haley Gatica won a state softball championship after transferring from Ankeny Centennial to Valley High School prior to her senior year. Now, she's hoping that another move will pay off for her as well. Gatica has decided to transfer from Creighton to Rockhurst University, an NCAA Division II school in Kansas City, Mo. "There wasn't a pitching coach … [Read more...] about On the move again: Creighton’s Gatica to transfer to Rockhurst University

MOSS’D AGAIN: Ex-Centennial star gets pick-six off Lombardi in Hawkeyes’ victory

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There must be something about Rocky Lombardi that brings out the best in Riley Moss. Whatever it is, Moss just seems to have Lombardi's number. On Saturday, the former Ankeny Centennial defensive back intercepted a pass from Lombardi in the second quarter and returned it 54 yards for a touchdown to give Iowa a 35-0 lead over Michigan State at Kinnick … [Read more...] about MOSS’D AGAIN: Ex-Centennial star gets pick-six off Lombardi in Hawkeyes’ victory

COMING SOON: The Rodcast

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Many of you have asked for it. Well, maybe not, but you're going to get it anyway. The Rodcast will officially be returning to Ankeny Fanatic very soon. Look for the usual cast of characters, along with some special guests. And hey, how about this cool graphic? Props to Jessi Carpenter of the Kansas City Chiefs for designing this. … [Read more...] about COMING SOON: The Rodcast

Former Ankeny catcher Anderberg to play his final season at Nicholls State

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For the last two seasons, Greg Anderberg played baseball for the Colonials of George Washington University. Now, the former Ankeny standout will be a Colonel. Anderberg, a senior catcher, has transferred to Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La., for his final season. He was granted another year of eligibility after the NCAA cancelled the 2020 … [Read more...] about Former Ankeny catcher Anderberg to play his final season at Nicholls State

IHSAA announces revised schedule for 2020 football season

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The Iowa High School Athletic Association has announced a revised schedule for the 2020 football season. The plan allows for member school adjustments due to COVID-19 and was approved by the Board of Control on Friday. The IHSAA plans to release further fall season and sport-specific guidance next week. Under the revised plan, a seven-week regular … [Read more...] about IHSAA announces revised schedule for 2020 football season