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‘It’s not realistic to go back’: UNI’s Brooks won’t take another year of eligibility

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The NCAA's Division I Council voted on Monday to allow schools to provide spring-sport student-athletes an additional season of competition and an extension of their period of eligibility due to the coronavirus. The decision, however, won't extend the softball career of Northern Iowa outfielder Olivia Brooks. The former Ankeny standout is already … [Read more...] about ‘It’s not realistic to go back’: UNI’s Brooks won’t take another year of eligibility

Ex-Jaguar Williams commits to play for Division II school in Florida

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One of the reasons Keanna Williams wanted to play for Mineral Area College was to get away from home. Now, the former Ankeny Centennial basketball standout will be moving even farther away. Williams announced on social media Friday that she has committed to play for Nova Southeastern University, an NCAA Division II school in Fort Lauderdale, … [Read more...] about Ex-Jaguar Williams commits to play for Division II school in Florida

Blimpie Sub of the Week: Ben McDermott, ACA boys’ basketball

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Sophomore Ben McDermott was one of the top reserves this season for the Ankeny Christian Academy boys' basketball team. He helped the Eagles to a 21-4 record. McDermott averaged 6.4 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. He also racked up 33 steals and 11 blocks. McDermott placed fourth on the team with 35 3-point goals. He shot 30.4 percent from behind … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Ben McDermott, ACA boys’ basketball

Strait helps Truman State to GLVC crown, NCAA Tournament berth

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Former Ankeny Centennial boys' basketball standout Hunter Strait won't get a chance to watch the Jaguars in this week's Class 4A state tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. He's got a big tournament of his own to prepare for. Strait, a sophomore guard at Truman State, helped the Bulldogs to a 53-52 victory over Missouri-St. Louis in the championship game of … [Read more...] about Strait helps Truman State to GLVC crown, NCAA Tournament berth

Frandson, Rumley compete in TYR Pro Swim Series against world’s best

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Some of the world's best swimmers came to Des Moines this week for the TYR Pro Swim Series at the Wellmark YMCA. State champions Trent Frandson and Jasmine Rumley of Ankeny were among the local standouts who participated in the meet, which attracted the likes of Olympic gold medalists Katie Ledecky and Ryan Lochte. "Just being there and with all of … [Read more...] about Frandson, Rumley compete in TYR Pro Swim Series against world’s best

‘It’s very humbling’: Ankeny Hall of Famer Manning to be inducted Saturday night

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When Maddie Manning walks across the court to be inducted into the Iowa Girls' High School Athletic Union Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday night, the former Ankeny star will likely have some mixed emotions. Manning played in four state tournaments for the Hawkettes, but never came away from Wells Fargo Arena with the ultimate prize--a state … [Read more...] about ‘It’s very humbling’: Ankeny Hall of Famer Manning to be inducted Saturday night

Simpson basketball star Riordan named finalist for 2020 Jostens Trophy

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Former Ankeny basketball standout Conor Riordan has been named one of 20 finalists for the 2020 Jostens Trophy, the Rotary Club of Salem (Va.) announced earlier this week. Riordan becomes the third finalist in Simpson men's basketball history, joining two-time selection Jesse Harris (2002-03). The senior guard is the first to be placed on the list for the … [Read more...] about Simpson basketball star Riordan named finalist for 2020 Jostens Trophy

Ex-Ankeny wrestler Anderson forced to end career due to multiple concussions

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Spencer Anderson has been wrestling and playing soccer for most of his life. When Anderson graduated from Ankeny High School in 2018, he elected to attend Simpson College in Indianola, where he would focus on just one sport--wrestling. Now, Anderson has been forced to give up that sport as well. After suffering multiple concussions over the last … [Read more...] about Ex-Ankeny wrestler Anderson forced to end career due to multiple concussions

Campbell’s Cowan named Big South Starting Pitcher of the Week for 2nd time

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The transition to the Division I level has been a smooth one for former Ankeny Centennial pitcher Cam Cowan. For the second time this season, Cowan has been named the Big South Starting Pitcher of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday. Making his third start of 2020, Cowan tossed seven shutout innings in Campbell's 5-0 combined shutout … [Read more...] about Campbell’s Cowan named Big South Starting Pitcher of the Week for 2nd time

Ex-Ankeny star Manning to be inducted into IGHSAU Basketball Hall of Fame

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Former Ankeny star Maddie Manning will be inducted into the Iowa Girls' High School Athletic Union Basketball Hall of Fame during the state tournament on Saturday at Wells Fargo Arena. Manning will be enshrined along with former Bedford standout Connie Shafar and former Marion star Morgan Paige. The trio will be inducted at halftime of the Class 2A … [Read more...] about Ex-Ankeny star Manning to be inducted into IGHSAU Basketball Hall of Fame

Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Nic Worsham, ACA boys’ basketball

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Senior center Nic Worsham led the Ankeny Christian Academy boys' basketball team to a 21-4 record this season. The Eagles advanced to a Class 1A substate final before falling to third-ranked West Fork, 61-54, on Saturday at Nevada. Worsham averaged a team-high 13.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. He also led the Eagles with 36 blocks and tied for the … [Read more...] about Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Nic Worsham, ACA boys’ basketball

Eagles’ season ends with 61-54 loss to No. 3 West Fork in substate final

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A furious rally by the Ankeny Christian Academy boys' basketball team came up short in a Class 1A substate final on Saturday at Nevada. The Eagles trailed third-ranked West Fork by 22 points in the second half before closing the gap to 52-49 with 4 minutes 22 seconds left. However, West Fork outscored ACA the rest of the way, 9-5, to hold on for a 61-54 … [Read more...] about Eagles’ season ends with 61-54 loss to No. 3 West Fork in substate final

‘I still desire to be a head football coach’: Rhoads lands bigger challenge at U of A

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Paul Rhoads still yearns to be a head football coach again. A move to the Arizona desert may help him get there. The Ankeny native and former Iowa State head coach is getting ready for spring ball at the University of Arizona, where he was named the defensive coordinator in late December. He spent the last two seasons on the staff of UCLA coach Chip … [Read more...] about ‘I still desire to be a head football coach’: Rhoads lands bigger challenge at U of A

Ankeny Christian holds off Madrid, will play No. 3 West Fork for trip to state

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During the first quarter of Thursday's game against Madrid, the Ankeny Christian Academy boys' basketball team struggled to solve the Tigers' zone defense. The Eagles fell into an early 14-5 hole and appeared to be in danger of being blown out in a Class 1A district final at Ankeny. The deficit grew to double digits when Madrid's CJ Dean opened the … [Read more...] about Ankeny Christian holds off Madrid, will play No. 3 West Fork for trip to state

Eagles knock off three-time defending state champs, advance to district final

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There will be a new boys' basketball king in Class 1A. Ankeny Christian Academy got a late rebound basket from Nic Worsham to defeat three-time defending state champion Grand View Christian, 48-46, in a district semifinal on Tuesday at Madrid. It was the 14th consecutive victory for the Eagles, who improved to 20-3 on the season and will play Madrid … [Read more...] about Eagles knock off three-time defending state champs, advance to district final

Leever pours in 30 points, leads Eagles past Melcher-Dallas in district opener

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The Ankeny Christian Academy boys' basketball team raced out to a 40-16 halftime lead and cruised to a 68-41 victory over visiting Melcher-Dallas in a Class 1A district quarterfinal on Thursday. It was the 13th consecutive win for the Eagles (19-3), who will play three-time defending state champion Grand View Christian (12-7) in a district semifinal on … [Read more...] about Leever pours in 30 points, leads Eagles past Melcher-Dallas in district opener

Former Ankeny catcher played for legendary coach who died in Kobe crash

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The helicopter crash that killed NBA legend Kobe Bryant as well as eight other people sent shock waves across the country on Jan. 26. The tragedy struck closer to home for J.T. Sampson than most Americans. Sampson, a former Ankeny catcher, once played for Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, who was among the victims along with his wife … [Read more...] about Former Ankeny catcher played for legendary coach who died in Kobe crash

Former Nebraska star Brandt headed to National Women’s Soccer League

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Ankeny native Meg Brandt has always wanted to play professional soccer. That dream became a reality on Thursday. The former Nebraska star is headed to the National Women's Soccer League. Reign FC traded for the seventh pick in the fourth round of the draft, then used that pick to select Brandt. She was the 34th overall selection in the 2020 NWSL … [Read more...] about Former Nebraska star Brandt headed to National Women’s Soccer League