There are some stories that I never thought I'd have to write. This is one of them. Drue Wolfe, who joined Ankeny Fanatic as a photographer shortly after we launched our website in 2018, passed away earlier this week. He will be greatly missed. Drue touched the lives of countless athletes over the years with his incredible photos. The images that he … [Read more...] about ‘It is a devastating blow’: Ankeny Fanatic photographer Drue Wolfe passes away
Top Sports Stories
Central Bank Athlete of the Month: Brody Brecht, Iowa baseball
The former Ankeny star racks up 10 strikeouts in what will likely be his final appearance in a Hawkeyes' uniform. … [Read more...] about Central Bank Athlete of the Month: Brody Brecht, Iowa baseball
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK: Christensen racks up 18 strikeouts in ACA’s victory
Ankeny Christian Academy pitcher Eli Christensen is already in midseason form. The senior righthander tossed a five-hitter and had a career-high 18 strikeouts to lead the Eagles to a 4-0 victory over Coon Rapids-Bayard in the opener of their high school baseball season on Tuesday at Northview Park in Urbandale. The Crusaders (1-2) were the preseason No. 1 … [Read more...] about KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK: Christensen racks up 18 strikeouts in ACA’s victory
Indian Hills’ Fulk named NJCAA Region 11 D1 Softball Offensive Player of Year
Former Ankeny softball standout Eva Fulk, a sophomore outfielder at Indian Hills Community College, has been named the 2024 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 11 DI Softball Offensive Player of the Year, announced by the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) on Wednesday. Fulk, who was named to the NJCAA All-Region 11 … [Read more...] about Indian Hills’ Fulk named NJCAA Region 11 D1 Softball Offensive Player of Year
Brecht tosses career-high 7 2/3 innings, fans 12 as Hawkeyes sweep Rutgers
Former Ankeny star Brody Brecht tossed a career-high 7 2/3 innings and recorded 12 strikeouts to lead the Iowa baseball team past Rutgers, 5-1, to sweep the three-game series on Sunday afternoon at Duane Banks Field in Iowa City. Brecht allowed just one unearned run and one hit in his best outing of the year. “It felt good to be out there and to feel … [Read more...] about Brecht tosses career-high 7 2/3 innings, fans 12 as Hawkeyes sweep Rutgers
Ex-Jaguar Miller rushes for 26 yards in Iowa State’s spring football game
Former Ankeny Centennial standout Easton Miller was one of the stars of Iowa State's spring football game on Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium. Miller, a redshirt freshman running back who joined the program as a preferred walk-on, had seven carries for 26 yards on the day. He also caught a pass out of the backfield for 9 yards. Former Ankeny … [Read more...] about Ex-Jaguar Miller rushes for 26 yards in Iowa State’s spring football game
‘It was a no-brainer’: Bayless to reunite with coach Plona at Western Kentucky
When Hank Plona was named the 17th head men's basketball coach at Western Kentucky a week ago, it didn't take long for him to be reunited with one of his former players. Braxton Bayless, who played for Plona at Indian Hills Community College, has committed to the Hilltoppers as a graduate transfer. "It was a no-brainer being with coach Hank," said … [Read more...] about ‘It was a no-brainer’: Bayless to reunite with coach Plona at Western Kentucky
‘Kansas City has become my home’: Porter commits to play for Rockhurst
Averi Porter didn't have to look very far to find a new home. The former Ankeny Centennial basketball standout has committed to play for Rockhurst University after playing her freshman season at nearby William Jewell College in the Kansas City area. "I had several offers from schools in the Midwest, but I based my final decision on not just the … [Read more...] about ‘Kansas City has become my home’: Porter commits to play for Rockhurst
Former Centennial star Sauer adjusts to life in Pro Volleyball Federation
After playing for three different schools in a five-year collegiate career, Kenna Sauer thought she was ready to play professional volleyball. But she never expected to get traded. Originally drafted by the Grand Rapids (Mich.) Rise of the fledgling Pro Volleyball Federation, Sauer was then traded to the Las Vegas franchise in February and has since … [Read more...] about Former Centennial star Sauer adjusts to life in Pro Volleyball Federation
Toni Dickey Memorial Golf Tournament slated for May 4 at Otter Creek
The Toni Dickey Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on May 4 at Otter Creek. This is a four-person best shot tournament. Cost is $400 per team. Registration deadline is April 15. Also, hole sponsorships are available for $150. For more information, check out the Toni Dickey Memorial Golf Tournament page on Facebook. Donations are greatly … [Read more...] about Toni Dickey Memorial Golf Tournament slated for May 4 at Otter Creek
Ex-Centennial QB Gibson enters transfer portal, will leave Tennessee Tech
Hayes Gibson is looking for a new home. The former Ankeny Centennial quarterback announced this week on social media that he will be transferring. "I have entered my name into the transfer portal as a graduate transfer," Gibson tweeted on X Wednesday. "Thank you Tennessee Tech!" Gibson played in four games last season at Tennessee Tech, an NCAA … [Read more...] about Ex-Centennial QB Gibson enters transfer portal, will leave Tennessee Tech
‘I’m looking to play my game and be myself’: Bayless enters transfer portal
Former Ankeny basketball star Braxton Bayless has entered the transfer portal. Bayless, a 6-foot-2 guard, appeared in 29 games for Niagara this season, averaging 11.5 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists. The grad transfer will have one season of eligibility remaining. Bayless helped the Purple Eagles to a 16-16 record. He started only one game, but … [Read more...] about ‘I’m looking to play my game and be myself’: Bayless enters transfer portal
Cold-shooting Grand View drops 72-53 decision in first round of NAIA tourney
A rough shooting night resulted in a season-ending loss for Cleao Murray and the Grand View women's basketball team. The fifth-seeded Vikings shot just 27.5 percent from the field (19-of-69) and dropped a 72-53 decision to No. 12 seed Indiana South Bend in the opening round of the NAIA Championship on Friday at Madison, S.D. Indiana South Bend (31-1) … [Read more...] about Cold-shooting Grand View drops 72-53 decision in first round of NAIA tourney
Niagara falls to Marist in MAAC quarters, but ex-Hawk Bayless plans to return
The season ended on Thursday for Braxton Bayless and the Niagara men's basketball team. However, Bayless' college career isn't over. The senior guard scored eight points and dished out four assists in the Purple Eagles' 65-59 loss to Marist in the quarterfinal round of the MAAC Championship at Jim Whalen Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. "I do … [Read more...] about Niagara falls to Marist in MAAC quarters, but ex-Hawk Bayless plans to return
Runchey scores 12 points, but Wartburg falls to Smith College in OT at Final 4
The final game of Taylor Runchey's college basketball career resulted in some bittersweet feelings. The former Ankeny Centennial standout scored a season-high 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting, but the Wartburg College women's team dropped a 61-54 decision to Smith College in overtime in the NCAA Division III Final Four on Thursday at Bexley, Ohio. The … [Read more...] about Runchey scores 12 points, but Wartburg falls to Smith College in OT at Final 4
Murray leads Grand View to conference tourney title, into NAIA Championship
Cleao Murray has led the Grand View women's basketball team to unprecedented heights. The former Ankeny Centennial star scored 19 points to help the Vikings to a 65-62 victory over visiting Benedictine (Kan.) in the championship game of the Heart of America Conference Tournament on Tuesday at Sisam Arena. She went 8-of-19 from the field, including 2-of-6 … [Read more...] about Murray leads Grand View to conference tourney title, into NAIA Championship
Wartburg women’s squad reaches Div. III Final 4 for 3rd time in program history
Taylor Runchey's final collegiate basketball season will conclude at the NCAA Division III Final Four. The former Ankeny Centennial standout helped the Wartburg College women's team to a 68-58 victory over Washington and Lee University in the Elite 8 on Saturday at Providence, R.I. She had three rebounds, an assist and a block in 29 minutes of … [Read more...] about Wartburg women’s squad reaches Div. III Final 4 for 3rd time in program history
Runchey, Wartburg advance to Elite 8 with last-second win over Bates College
Taylor Runchey and the Wartburg College women's basketball team have reached the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament. Runchey, a former Ankeny Centennial standout, helped the Knights to a 54-53 victory over Bates College in the Sweet 16 round of the Division III tournament on Friday at Providence, R.I. She had two points, five rebounds and four assists in the … [Read more...] about Runchey, Wartburg advance to Elite 8 with last-second win over Bates College
Ex-Jaguar Porter enters transfer portal after freshman season at William Jewell
Former Ankeny Centennial basketball standout Averi Porter is looking for a new home. Porter, a freshman guard for the William Jewell women's team, announced Wednesday on social media that she has entered the transfer portal. "I’d like to thank my teammates for an amazing first year at William Jewell," she tweeted on X. "I will always be grateful for … [Read more...] about Ex-Jaguar Porter enters transfer portal after freshman season at William Jewell
‘It’s a way of life’: Bakker excited to take on new role as Ankeny Activities Director
Mike Bakker has officially been named the Activities Director at Ankeny High School. Bakker, who previously served as the Activities Director at Southview Middle School, has been filling the role on an interim basis since last month, when Adam McDonnell left for a new position in Cedar Rapids. "I'm really excited about maybe providing some stability to … [Read more...] about ‘It’s a way of life’: Bakker excited to take on new role as Ankeny Activities Director