Ankeny Fanatic

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‘This team is never out of it’: Eagles rally from 7-0 deficit to win postseason debut

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Ankeny Christian Academy pitcher Katie Quick wasn't too concerned when the Coon Rapids-Bayard softball team scored seven runs in the top of the first inning during Wednesday's Class 1A regional quarterfinal at the Prairie Ridge Sports Complex. "I was a little worried, but I know we can score that many (runs)," said Quick. "I was just thinking we need to … [Read more...] about ‘This team is never out of it’: Eagles rally from 7-0 deficit to win postseason debut

Eagles overcome shaky start to beat Madrid, will meet Earlham in district final

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For the second game in a row, the Ankeny Christian Academy baseball team used a big rally in the bottom of the fifth inning to keep its season alive. The Eagles scored twice in the fifth to erase a 3-2 deficit and went on to beat Madrid, 5-3, in a Class 1A district semifinal on Tuesday at Northview Park in Urbandale. "Madrid's a good team," said ACA … [Read more...] about Eagles overcome shaky start to beat Madrid, will meet Earlham in district final

Eagles rally past Panorama, will host Madrid next in Class 1A district semifinal

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Eli Christensen and Tyler Mahoney combined on a three-hitter to lead the Ankeny Christian Academy baseball team past Panorama, 4-1, in a Class 1A district quarterfinal on Saturday at Northview Park in Urbandale. The Eagles (16-8) used a three-run fifth inning to erase Panorama's early 1-0 lead. They then added an insurance run in the sixth. "I was … [Read more...] about Eagles rally past Panorama, will host Madrid next in Class 1A district semifinal

‘It is a devastating blow’: Ankeny Fanatic photographer Drue Wolfe passes away

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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

KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK: Christensen racks up 18 strikeouts in ACA’s victory

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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