Blaine Hawkins and the Central College football team didn't flinch when the Dutch fell behind at halftime, 31-7, in the opening round of the NCAA Division III playoffs on Saturday. All they did was pull off one of the most miraculous victories in school history. Hawkins led a stirring comeback that culminated in a game-tying touchdown with 16 seconds … [Read more...] about Hawkins leads miraculous rally; Central advances to 2nd round of playoffs
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Riordan, Reiter help Simpson to win in highest scoring Div. III game ever
Former Ankeny players Conor Riordan and Adam Reiter combined for 77 points Saturday in the highest scoring men's basketball game in NCAA Division III history. Riordan made two free throws with 6 seconds left in overtime to give Simpson College a 161-160 victory over Greenville in the Carroll Pre-Thanksgiving Tournament at Waukesha, Wis. The combined … [Read more...] about Riordan, Reiter help Simpson to win in highest scoring Div. III game ever
Reiter, Riordan enjoy ‘great experience’ despite 45-point loss at Drake
There was no way Conor Riordan was going to sit out Sunday's exhibition men's basketball game at Drake. The Simpson College point guard from Ankeny injured his right hand during Saturday's win over Westminster (Mo.) at Storm Lake, but he was back on the court less than 24 hours later as the Storm dropped a 98-53 decision at the Knapp Center. "I'm going … [Read more...] about Reiter, Riordan enjoy ‘great experience’ despite 45-point loss at Drake
Nation’s No. 8 team edges Wartburg in 2nd round of NCAA Tournament
An early goal proved to be the difference as the Wartburg College women's soccer team ended its season on Sunday with a 1-0 loss to eighth-ranked Pomona-Pitzer (Calif.) in the second round of the NCAA Division III Championship at Waverly. The Sagehens (19-1-1) scored the game's only goal at the 6-minute mark, when sophomore Anna Ponzio settled a ball in … [Read more...] about Nation’s No. 8 team edges Wartburg in 2nd round of NCAA Tournament
Season ends for Whitaker, Iowa women with 1-0 loss at Kansas
A late scoring opportunity for Riley Whitaker and the Iowa women's soccer team went awry, allowing third-seeded Kansas to hold on for a 1-0 victory in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday night at Rock Chalk Park. The Hawkeyes finished the season with a 15-5-1 record. "That was the game we came here for," said Iowa coach Dave DiIanni. … [Read more...] about Season ends for Whitaker, Iowa women with 1-0 loss at Kansas
Moss interception seals Iowa’s 23-19 victory over undefeated Gophers
The Minnesota Gophers seem to bring out the best in Riley Moss. Moss, a former Ankeny Centennial star, intercepted two passes in Iowa's 48-31 victory at Minnesota last season. On Saturday, the sophomore defensive back came up with perhaps the biggest play of his collegiate career. Moss intercepted another pass on Minnesota's final drive to seal the … [Read more...] about Moss interception seals Iowa’s 23-19 victory over undefeated Gophers
Macke continues to thrive on volleyball court, despite Bulldogs’ struggles
While Drake volleyball standout Kylee Macke has enjoyed another excellent season on the court, the Bulldogs have struggled to build on their recent success. Macke, a former Ankeny Centennial libero, had 20 digs on Friday in the Bulldogs' loss to Northern Iowa before a crowd of 1,245 at the Knapp Center. The Panthers posted a 25-18, 26-24, 25-17 victory to … [Read more...] about Macke continues to thrive on volleyball court, despite Bulldogs’ struggles
Macke moves into 2nd place on Drake’s all-time career digs list
Whitaker, Hawkeyes to play at Kansas in NCAA Tournament opener
Riley Whitaker was relieved when Iowa's name came up during the NCAA Selection Show on Monday afternoon. The Hawkeyes received an at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament for only the second time in the history of the women's soccer program. "It was definitely nerve-racking," said Whitaker, a sophomore defender from Ankeny. "We thought that we had done … [Read more...] about Whitaker, Hawkeyes to play at Kansas in NCAA Tournament opener
Ankeny foursome helps Wartburg advance to Div. III soccer tournament
More than a third of the starting lineup for the Wartburg College women's soccer team hails from Ankeny. Junior midfielder Molly Close and sophomore defender Hailey Osburn both played at Ankeny, while junior midfielder Emily Fontana and sophomore goalkeeper Marissa Lopez are former Ankeny Centennial players. The quartet has helped the Knights to a berth … [Read more...] about Ankeny foursome helps Wartburg advance to Div. III soccer tournament
Wycoff hits go-ahead 3-pointer, lifts Evangels to historic win over Div. I team
Sydney Wycoff and the Mid-America Christian women's basketball team made some history by winning the NCCAA national title last March--the Evangels' second consecutive crown. On Thursday afternoon, Wycoff helped Mid-America Christian to another historic victory. The former Ankeny Centennial star scored 10 points, including a go-ahead 3-point goal with … [Read more...] about Wycoff hits go-ahead 3-pointer, lifts Evangels to historic win over Div. I team
Former Iowa State walk-on Olson nominated for Burlsworth Trophy
Iowa State senior offensive lineman Collin Olson, a former Ankeny Centennial star, has been named a nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy, announced Tuesday by the Burlsworth Foundation. The Burlsworth Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth and is given annually to the nation's most outstanding football player who began his career as a walk-on and has … [Read more...] about Former Iowa State walk-on Olson nominated for Burlsworth Trophy
Hawkins sets Central school record with his 59th career TD pass
Blaine Hawkins has been steadily climbing the charts in the Central College football record book over the last three seasons. Now, after Hawkins passed for two touchdowns during Saturday's game against Nebraska Wesleyan, there is nobody else left for the junior quarterback to surpass on the school's list for career touchdown passes. The former Ankeny … [Read more...] about Hawkins sets Central school record with his 59th career TD pass
Larson blocks PAT in overtime, helps Loras to 40-39 win over Buena Vista
During his high school football career at Ankeny Centennial, Riley Larson was consistently a valuable member of the Jaguars' special teams. Larson has continued that trend at Loras College. On Saturday, the senior defensive back blocked an extra-point attempt in overtime to help the Duhawks to a thrilling 40-39 victory over Buena Vista in an American … [Read more...] about Larson blocks PAT in overtime, helps Loras to 40-39 win over Buena Vista
Ankeny Centennial to host middle school state cross country meet on Saturday
Ankeny Community Schools is pleased to announce that Ankeny Centennial High School will be hosting the Iowa Association of Track Coaches middle school state cross country meet on Saturday. A 2-mile course has been laid out on the ACHS campus at 2220 NW State St. Spectators are welcome to park in lots on the west and east sides of the building for $5. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Centennial to host middle school state cross country meet on Saturday
Moss returns to action, but Penn State, Pinegar leave Kinnick with 17-12 win
More than a few No. 92 Penn State jerseys could be spotted in Kinnick Stadium on Saturday night. Jake Pinegar, the Nittany Lions' sophomore place-kicker from Ankeny, had his own cheering section. The former Ankeny Centennial star didn't disappoint his fans. Pinegar booted a 33-yard field goal in the second half to help ninth-ranked Penn State to a … [Read more...] about Moss returns to action, but Penn State, Pinegar leave Kinnick with 17-12 win
Gibson to make first bet at Wild Rose sportsbook in Jefferson
Ankeny native Dennis Gibson will place the first official bet at the state-of-the-art sportsbook at Wild Rose Casino & Resort in Jefferson on Thursday. DraftKings and Wild Rose will be unveiling its sportsbook with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. Wild Rose is located at 777 Wild Rose Road in Jefferson. Gibson, an Iowa State Hall of Famer who … [Read more...] about Gibson to make first bet at Wild Rose sportsbook in Jefferson
Hawkins hurls 6 TD passes, leads Dutch past Larson’s Duhawks in final matchup
While preparing for Saturday's game against Loras College, Central College quarterback Blaine Hawkins recognized a familiar name--Riley Larson--in the Duhawks' secondary. "I saw the scouting sheet and I'm like, 'Yeah, I know that guy. I've played against him a lot,'" Hawkins said. "It's probably five or six games now, so it's always fun." The rivalry … [Read more...] about Hawkins hurls 6 TD passes, leads Dutch past Larson’s Duhawks in final matchup
Robinson helps U.S. team to first-ever gold medal at U18 World Championship
Devyn Robinson is now a world champion. The Ankeny Centennial volleyball star played a key role as the U.S. Girls Youth National Team won its first-ever gold medal at the U18 World Championship, outlasting Italy in five sets in the final of this year's edition on Saturday night at Cairo, Egypt. The Americans, who had previously missed two chances at … [Read more...] about Robinson helps U.S. team to first-ever gold medal at U18 World Championship
Ballenger helps Bluejays to 3-0 mark at Cedar Falls, earns all-tourney honors
Megan Ballenger's final trip to her home state as a member of the Creighton volleyball team was a memorable one. Ballenger, a former Ankeny star, was named to the all-tournament team after helping Creighton to three victories at the UNI Tournament last weekend at Cedar Falls. The Bluejays posted four-set wins over No. 12 Kentucky and No. 15 USC as well as … [Read more...] about Ballenger helps Bluejays to 3-0 mark at Cedar Falls, earns all-tourney honors