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Hawkettes enter season with high hopes despite injuries to Roush, Schrader

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It's been a rough start to the 2023 campaign for new head coach Liz Baethke and the Ankeny volleyball team. Baethke, who left Urbandale after 23 years to take over the Hawkettes' program, will begin the season without Ankeny's top two returning players. Senior right-side hitter Tanith Roush suffered a broken leg during the preseason, while senior outside … [Read more...] about Hawkettes enter season with high hopes despite injuries to Roush, Schrader

‘I think we are going to surprise people’: Ankeny swimmers seek top-5 finish

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The Ankeny girls' swimming team won't open its season until later this month, but the squad is already putting in a lot of hard work under first-year coach Dustin Rhoads. There are 46 girls on the roster, including several returning state qualifiers. "The practices are off to a great start!" Rhoads said. "We went right into two-a-day practices from the … [Read more...] about ‘I think we are going to surprise people’: Ankeny swimmers seek top-5 finish

Quick Decision: ACA volleyball star commits to play for Bulldogs

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Ankeny Christian Academy volleyball star Katie Quick will be staying close to home after graduation. The junior has verbally committed to play for Drake, beginning in the fall of 2025. She announced her decision on social media Wednesday. "I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to Drake University to continue my volleyball and academic … [Read more...] about Quick Decision: ACA volleyball star commits to play for Bulldogs

Hawkettes return several varsity regulars, led by 2-time state placewinner Beason

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The goals for the Ankeny girls' cross country team haven't changed this season, even with the addition of a new head coach. Quinn Groff has taken over the program after Eric Klingensmith resigned from the position last fall. Groff was the boys' eighth grade cross country coach at Southview for two years before joining the Hawkettes as an assistant under … [Read more...] about Hawkettes return several varsity regulars, led by 2-time state placewinner Beason

Hawk golfers place 2nd at Peck Invite behind Hensen, while Jaguars finish 5th

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Monday's season-opening Jesse Peck Invitational proved to be a good starting point for both the Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial boys' golf teams. The Hawks placed second with a 314 total at Briarwood Golf Club, finishing seven strokes behind Dallas Center-Grimes. This marked the first time that coach Mike Weddingfeld's team has played in Centennial's home … [Read more...] about Hawk golfers place 2nd at Peck Invite behind Hensen, while Jaguars finish 5th

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Evan Hodapp, Ankeny boys’ golf

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Junior Evan Hodapp is one of five returning varsity regulars for the Ankeny boys' golf team. He placed second on the team last year with a 78.5 average. Hodapp placed sixth in a Class 4A district meet at Bent Tree Golf Club in Council Bluffs, where he shot a 73 to qualify for state as an individual. He then went on to tie for 58th place in Class 4A, … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Evan Hodapp, Ankeny boys’ golf

Ex-Jaguar Anderson finds new home, transfers from St. Thomas to Wartburg

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Former Ankeny Centennial volleyball standout Olivia Anderson has found a new home. And it's one that her parents, Taylor and Holly, know quite well. Anderson has transferred from the University of St. Thomas (Minn.) to Wartburg College in Waverly. "Both my parents actually went there and played sports as well so that is a cool connection," said … [Read more...] about Ex-Jaguar Anderson finds new home, transfers from St. Thomas to Wartburg

‘I love many things about Iowa State!’: Ankeny’s Hanfelt commits to Cyclones

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Another Ankeny volleyball player has made her college plans. A day after teammate Baileigh Carlsen verbally committed to play for Auburn, fellow junior Reagan Hanfelt announced her commitment to Iowa State on Thursday. "I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and volleyball career at Iowa State University!" Hanfelt … [Read more...] about ‘I love many things about Iowa State!’: Ankeny’s Hanfelt commits to Cyclones

War Eagle!: Ankeny defensive specialist Carlsen to play volleyball at Auburn

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Ankeny defensive specialist Baileigh Carlsen has verbally committed to play volleyball at Auburn, beginning in the fall of 2025. Carlsen, a junior, announced her decision on social media Wednesday. "I'm super excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Auburn University!" she wrote. "I would love to thank … [Read more...] about War Eagle!: Ankeny defensive specialist Carlsen to play volleyball at Auburn

Ankeny point guard Johnson to play for Minnesota State University Moorhead

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Ankeny senior point guard Carson Johnson has verbally committed to play basketball at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Johnson announced his decision on social media Tuesday. "I am excited to announce that I will further my academic and basketball career at Minnesota State University Moorhead!" he wrote. "Thank you to my family for the endless … [Read more...] about Ankeny point guard Johnson to play for Minnesota State University Moorhead

Longtime Urbandale coach Baethke hired to take over Ankeny volleyball program

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The new head coach of the Ankeny volleyball team is already familiar with the Hawkettes' program. Longtime Urbandale coach Liz Baethke has been hired to replace Dani Kohut Lynch, who guided Ankeny to a 35-5 record in her only season at the school. Baethke accepted the position more than a month ago, but her hiring wasn't approved by the school board until … [Read more...] about Longtime Urbandale coach Baethke hired to take over Ankeny volleyball program

Jaguars begin new era as former Ankeny player Reedy takes over as head coach

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When the boys' golf season kicks off next week, the Ankeny Centennial squad will feature a new lineup as well as a rookie coach. Former Ankeny player Andrew Reedy has been hired to take over the program from Rick Fee, who resigned from the position last fall to spend more time with his family. Fee had been a part of the program since it began in 2013 and … [Read more...] about Jaguars begin new era as former Ankeny player Reedy takes over as head coach

Hergenreter wins Youth Development Women’s title at Triathlon Championships

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A strong finish allowed Alexis Hergenreter to emerge victorious in the 2023 USA Triathlon National Championships last week in Milwaukee, Wis. Hergenreter, who will be a freshman at Ankeny in the fall, pulled away in the running portion of the event to win the Youth Development Women's Draft-Legal Division (ages 13-15). Representing Team Z3 Triathlon, she … [Read more...] about Hergenreter wins Youth Development Women’s title at Triathlon Championships

Turbo Track Club places 2nd in 4×100 relay at AAU Junior Olympic Nationals

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Jack Belding and Tyler Sickerson of Ankeny helped the Turbo Track Club to a runner-up finish in the 4x100 relay in the 17-18 division at the AAU Junior Olympic Nationals last week at Drake Stadium. Belding and Sickerson teamed up with Colton Manock of North Polk and Logan Fairchild of Winterset to post a time of 41.12 seconds in the final. The team ran a … [Read more...] about Turbo Track Club places 2nd in 4×100 relay at AAU Junior Olympic Nationals

ACA sophomore earns 10th-place finish at 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games

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Ava LaBounty is one of the fittest teenagers in the world. LaBounty, who will be a sophomore at Ankeny Christian Academy in the fall, competed in the 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games last week at Madison, Wis. Competing against girls from around the world, she placed 10th in the 14-15 year old girls' division. The CrossFit Games are the ultimate proving … [Read more...] about ACA sophomore earns 10th-place finish at 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games

Experienced Ankeny golfers seek trip to Class 4A state meet at Otter Creek

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A total of 38 players will be trying out for the Ankeny boys' golf team on Monday and Tuesday at Otter Creek Golf Course. "Then we'll cut down to 24 (boys) as that is the number the golf course will allow us to have," said Ankeny coach Mike Weddingfeld. This should be one of Weddingfeld's most experienced teams. Seniors Drew Hensen and Jacob Adams are … [Read more...] about Experienced Ankeny golfers seek trip to Class 4A state meet at Otter Creek

Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Easton Miller, Ankeny Centennial baseball

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Senior outfielder Easton Miller helped the Ankeny Centennial baseball team to a 30-8 record this season. He batted .330 with 18 RBIs and led the Jaguars with three home runs. Miller was named to the Class 4A all-state second team by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association. He was also selected to the CIML Conference second team and to the Class … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Easton Miller, Ankeny Centennial baseball

Oakie named to All-State Super Team, selected captain of Class 4A squad

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Ankeny Centennial junior pitcher Joey Oakie has received a pair of honors from the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association. Oakie, an Iowa recruit, was one of 16 players from across Iowa to be named to the 2023 All-State Super Team. He was also selected the captain of the Class 4A all-state team. Oakie compiled a 7-3 record with a 1.13 ERA and 91 … [Read more...] about Oakie named to All-State Super Team, selected captain of Class 4A squad

Centennial running back Porter commits to play for Northern Iowa

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Ankeny Centennial running back Elijah Porter has verbally committed to play football at Northern Iowa, beginning in 2024. Porter announced his decision on social media Friday. He becomes the second player from Ankeny to commit to the Panthers this week after Ankeny linebacker Connor Kayser committed on Monday. As a junior, Porter helped the Jaguars to … [Read more...] about Centennial running back Porter commits to play for Northern Iowa