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‘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

Indiana State’s Sharar to transfer to Minnesota State-Mankato

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Former Ankeny soccer standout Olivia Sharar is coming home. Well, sort of. The Indiana State midfielder has decided to transfer to Minnesota State-Mankato in order to be closer to her family. "Some people might hate being close to home, but I personally love it here," said Sharar. "I also just felt that (Indiana State) just wasn't where I belonged … [Read more...] about Indiana State’s Sharar to transfer to Minnesota State-Mankato

ACA boys’ basketball coach Selindh departs after nine successful seasons

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Ankeny Christian Academy has apparently found its next boys' basketball coach. ACA Athletic Director Dave Walter told Ankeny Fanatic on Tuesday that he has hired a replacement for Paul Selindh, who guided the Eagles to a 171-42 record during his tenure as the head coach. "We're just looking for the right time to announce it," Walter said. "It'll … [Read more...] about ACA boys’ basketball coach Selindh departs after nine successful seasons

Former Ankeny, Centennial standouts to join St. Cloud State’s new soccer program

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When St. Cloud State dropped its football program after the 2019 season, it brought an abrupt end to Avery Knief's career. The former Ankeny Centennial punter enjoyed a strong freshman season for the Huskies, averaging 37.5 yards on 70 punts. He considered transferring to a different school, but eventually elected to stay at St. Cloud State. Now, three … [Read more...] about Former Ankeny, Centennial standouts to join St. Cloud State’s new soccer program

Florida’s Lindaman named CoSIDA’s Academic All-America of the Year

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Ankeny native Kendyl Lindaman isn't just one of the best college softball players in the country. She's one of the smartest, too. Lindaman became Florida's latest player to receive College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-America of the Year. CoSIDA announced the award earlier this month along with their Academic … [Read more...] about Florida’s Lindaman named CoSIDA’s Academic All-America of the Year

‘A long time coming’: Cyclone fan Quigley named to GA position on Campbell’s staff

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Xavier Quigley always wanted to play for the Iowa State football team. Although he never got that chance, the former Ankeny offensive lineman still had a desire to be part of the Cyclones' program. Now, he's getting that opportunity. Quigley has been named to a graduate assistant position on head coach Matt Campbell's staff. He will help coach the … [Read more...] about ‘A long time coming’: Cyclone fan Quigley named to GA position on Campbell’s staff

Iowa Central’s Pruisner named to 2020 USA Rugby Men’s Under-20 team

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When Lane Pruisner was a junior at Ankeny Centennial, the football and wrestling standout wasn't sure if he wanted to compete at the collegiate level. "I was thinking I wasn't even going to play sports in college," he said. "But I got to my senior year and I thought to myself, 'I can't give up being an athlete.' So then I decided to play rugby, and I'm … [Read more...] about Iowa Central’s Pruisner named to 2020 USA Rugby Men’s Under-20 team

Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny wrestling team

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(EDITOR'S NOTE: This story is dedicated to longtime Des Moines Register wrestling reporter Dan McCool, who died on Monday at the age of 60. Dan was a legend in the wrestling community and will be sorely missed. I was working for the Register as a correspondent in the 80s and one of the first big events that I was asked to cover was to help out Dan with state … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny wrestling team

Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny girls’ basketball team

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Last week, Ankeny Fanatic unveiled its all-time Ankeny boys' basketball team. Now, it's the girls' turn. Ankeny has a rich tradition in girls' basketball, boasting more than 40 all-state players dating back to 1940. The community has won a total of 10 state championships. The history of Ankeny girls' basketball can be broken down into three distinct … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny girls’ basketball team

Ex-Centennial kicker to play final season at Louisiana-Monroe

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Hunter Pinegar has decided to finish his collegiate football career in the Pelican State. The former Ankeny Centennial kicker has verbally committed to play for the University of Louisiana-Monroe, a Division I school. He spent the last season at Sam Houston State, an FCS program in Huntsville, Texas. "I'm looking for a fresh start," said Pinegar, who … [Read more...] about Ex-Centennial kicker to play final season at Louisiana-Monroe