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‘It’s been a super long process’: Ex-Jaguar hoops star Crews to play for Ashland

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Former Ankeny Centennial basketball standout Jaron Crews has found a new home. Crews, a guard, announced on Friday that he has committed to play for Ashland University, an NCAA Division II program. The school is located in Ashland, Ohio, which sits about halfway between Columbus and Cleveland. "I built a good relationship with the coaching staff and … [Read more...] about ‘It’s been a super long process’: Ex-Jaguar hoops star Crews to play for Ashland

‘Everything happens for a reason’: Brecht selected by Rockies with 38th pick

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Brody Brecht had to wait a little longer than expected to hear his name called. But in the end, it all worked out. The former Ankeny and Iowa pitcher was selected by the Colorado Rockies with the 38th pick in the 2024 Major League Baseball amateur draft on Sunday night. He was chosen in the Competitive Balance Round A, becoming Iowa's first first-round … [Read more...] about ‘Everything happens for a reason’: Brecht selected by Rockies with 38th pick

‘We’ve never been here before’: Eagles advance to substate final for first time

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The Ankeny Christian Academy baseball program has reached unprecedented heights. The Eagles advanced to a Class 1A substate final for the first time in school history by defeating Earlham, 5-3, in a district final on Saturday at Ankeny High School. "The guys have put in a ton of work this year," said Ankeny Christian coach Ryan Johnson. "It's the first … [Read more...] about ‘We’ve never been here before’: Eagles advance to substate final for first time

‘We’re pretty happy about the season’: Eagles close out debut campaign at 18-7

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(Story by Stephen McDaniel) There’s no question that Ankeny Christian Academy’s softball team knew they had some serious talent in the lineup. But with it being the first season in the program’s history, the 2024 season was all about laying the foundation. So while the Eagles saw their season come to an end following a 7-0 loss at fifth-ranked … [Read more...] about ‘We’re pretty happy about the season’: Eagles close out debut campaign at 18-7

Five questions with former Ankeny star and MLB draft prospect Brody Brecht

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Former Ankeny star Brody Brecht is projected to be a first-round pick in the MLB amateur draft that gets under way on Sunday. Iowa's all-time and single-season strikeout leader is considered one of the top collegiate pitching prospects in this year's draft. While his command could push him into a relief role at the next level, his big-time stuff is the … [Read more...] about Five questions with former Ankeny star and MLB draft prospect Brody Brecht

‘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