Former Ankeny basketball standout Conor Riordan has been named the Simpson College Male Athlete of the Year after previously earning several postseason honors. Riordan, a senior guard, was selected to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-West District and D3hoops.com All-West Region second team. He was also named a first-team Academic … [Read more...] about Ex-Ankeny guard Riordan named Simpson College Male Athlete of Year
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WELCOME BACK!: Lindaman officially announces her return to Gator Nation
Florida softball standout and Ankeny native Kendyl Lindaman had already told Ankeny Fanatic of her plans to return next season, but her tweet on Saturday makes it official. "Being a part of Gator Nation has given me a lifetime of unforgettable memories and after receiving the news that our season was over, I was not ready for these memories to end," she … [Read more...] about WELCOME BACK!: Lindaman officially announces her return to Gator Nation
Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny boys’ basketball team
It's been more than a month since the Ankeny boys' basketball team capped off an amazing postseason run by winning the Class 4A state title at Wells Fargo Arena. Man, I miss sports. The Hawks' 78-70 victory over Waukee in the championship game was played before a sparse crowd because both schools were limited to just 100 fans due to concern over spread … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic announces its all-time Ankeny boys’ basketball team
Ex-Jaguars Havens, Suedmeier adjusting after COVID-19 ends their track season
Tyler Havens had some goals that he wanted to accomplish at the American Rivers Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships. One of his former Ankeny Centennial teammates, Cory Suedmeier, was also looking forward to next month's meet at the University of Dubuque. Neither of them, however, will get a chance to realize their dreams. Not in 2020 … [Read more...] about Ex-Jaguars Havens, Suedmeier adjusting after COVID-19 ends their track season
COVID-19 outbreak disrupts Brandt’s rookie season with OL Reign in NWSL
Don't be surprised to see Meg Brandt kicking a soccer ball around the yard at her parents' home in Ankeny. The budding professional women's soccer player has nowhere else to go during the global pandemic. Brandt, a former Ankeny Centennial and Nebraska star, was in training camp with OL Reign of the National Women's Soccer League when the coronavirus … [Read more...] about COVID-19 outbreak disrupts Brandt’s rookie season with OL Reign in NWSL
‘It’s in the back of my head’: Campbell’s Cowan looks ahead to 2021 MLB draft
A month ago, Cam Cowan was likely putting himself in position to be selected in the 2020 Major League Baseball amateur draft. Now, it appears that the former Ankeny Centennial pitcher will have to wait at least another year to accomplish that goal. "I've thought about (being drafted)," said Cowan, a junior righthander on the Campbell University … [Read more...] about ‘It’s in the back of my head’: Campbell’s Cowan looks ahead to 2021 MLB draft
There are lots of coronavirus stories; Here’s mine about March Sadness
I was supposed to be in the ATL right now. Specifically, I should have been strolling around Centennial Olympic Park on Sunday night with my good buddy Tony Rhoads, drinking a Blue Moon and taking in a free Taylor Swift concert as part of the March Madness Music Festival. But no, I'm experiencing March Sadness instead. I'm holed up in my house with the … [Read more...] about There are lots of coronavirus stories; Here’s mine about March Sadness
‘It was just over with out of thin air’: Strait recalls abrupt end to Bulldogs’ season
Hunter Strait struggles to keep busy as he sits in his mother's house in Cedar Rapids. "There's not a lot to do," he said. Like many Americans, Strait's life came to a screeching halt last month with the spread of the coronavirus. The former Ankeny Centennial basketball star was traveling to Indianapolis with his Truman State teammates on March 12 … [Read more...] about ‘It was just over with out of thin air’: Strait recalls abrupt end to Bulldogs’ season
After missing entire season, Kasperbauer commits to play for Northern Michigan
Former Ankeny Centennial basketball standout Connor Kasperbauer has found a new home in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Kasperbauer, a redshirt sophomore guard at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, has committed to play for Northern Michigan. NMU is an NCAA Division II school located in Marquette, Mich. "I just liked the coach (Matt … [Read more...] about After missing entire season, Kasperbauer commits to play for Northern Michigan
Iowa’s Doocy, Florida’s Lindaman planning to return for 2021 season
March 12 was a day that Allison Doocy will never forget. Kendyl Lindaman likely won't, either. Both former Ankeny softball stars were in the state of Florida on that Thursday when they found out that their season had been cancelled by the NCAA due to the coronavirus. Lindaman and her Florida teammates were preparing for a weekend series against Baylor … [Read more...] about Iowa’s Doocy, Florida’s Lindaman planning to return for 2021 season
‘It’s not realistic to go back’: UNI’s Brooks won’t take another year of eligibility
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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