The Ankeny baseball team moved back above the .500 mark with a pair of victories in the Brent Prange Classic on Saturday. The Hawks rolled to an 11-1 win over Carlisle in five innings, then followed with a 3-1 triumph over Sioux City East. They extended their winning streak to four games while improving to 16-15 on the season. "Every win is important … [Read more...] about Hawks pound Carlisle, then beat Sioux City East to move back above .500 mark
News
Jaguars beat Van Meter in matchup of top-ranked teams at Prange Classic
Emerson Alberhasky and the Ankeny Centennial baseball team had a little extra motivation on Friday. Alberhasky went 2-for-3 and drove in a run as the top-ranked Jaguars posted a 6-3 victory over Van Meter, the No. 1 team in Class 2A, in the Brent Prange Classic at Saydel. "We were definitely motivated," said Alberhasky, who also stole two bases. "We … [Read more...] about Jaguars beat Van Meter in matchup of top-ranked teams at Prange Classic
Rusher, Winfrey lead Hawkettes past Davis County, Estherville Lincoln Central
Junior Abby Rusher and senior Kendra Winfrey have handled most of the pitching duties this season for the Ankeny softball team. On Friday in the Brent Prange Classic, the duo combined for a pair of shutouts while also going 7-for-13 at the plate with five RBIs. "I like splitting games," said Rusher. "It helps keep the opponent on their toes. Me and … [Read more...] about Rusher, Winfrey lead Hawkettes past Davis County, Estherville Lincoln Central
James blasts two homers as Jaguars rebound from loss with pair of victories
The Ankeny Centennial softball players were unhappy with the way Wednesday's doubleheader against visiting Valley ended. After committing five errors and dropping a 9-3 decision in the second game for their first loss in CIML Conference play, the top-ranked Jaguars rebounded on Friday with a pair of victories over Class 3A ranked opponents at the Brent … [Read more...] about James blasts two homers as Jaguars rebound from loss with pair of victories
Swanepoel earns all-American honors in 100 butterfly for 4th consecutive year
Ankeny boys' swimming star Lance Swanepoel has earned all-American honors in the 100 butterfly for the fourth consecutive year. Swanepoel was named an all-American in four events by the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association. The Wisconsin recruit was an 11-time all-American in his high school career. Swanepoel ranked fifth nationally in … [Read more...] about Swanepoel earns all-American honors in 100 butterfly for 4th consecutive year
Ankeny, Centennial softball teams earn No. 1 seeds for Class 5A regional play
The Class 5A regional softball pairings have been announced by the Iowa Girls' High School Athletic Union. Both top-ranked Ankeny Centennial and No. 3 Ankeny earned No. 1 seeds in their respective regions. The Jaguars (22-4) will host Des Moines East (6-26) or Des Moines North (0-17) in a Region 4 semifinal on Saturday, July 8 at 7 p.m. Ames (19-13) will … [Read more...] about Ankeny, Centennial softball teams earn No. 1 seeds for Class 5A regional play
Hawks top S.E. Polk, complete sweep of season series behind Halverson, Watson
When the Class 4A substate baseball pairings are announced next week, fourth-ranked Southeast Polk will be among the CIML Conference teams that could earn a No. 1 seed. But even if that happens, the Rams likely won't want to see Ankeny in their bracket. The Hawks got a brilliant pitching performance from sophomore Zach Halverson and posted a 5-1 … [Read more...] about Hawks top S.E. Polk, complete sweep of season series behind Halverson, Watson
Jaguars move closer to CIML Conference crown after splitting twinbill with Valley
Despite suffering its first loss in CIML Conference play, the Ankeny Centennial softball team moved closer to the league crown on Wednesday. The top-ranked Jaguars rolled to a 13-3 victory over No. 7 Valley in six innings before the visiting Tigers salvaged a split of the doubleheader with a 9-3 triumph in the nightcap. "We've been working really hard … [Read more...] about Jaguars move closer to CIML Conference crown after splitting twinbill with Valley
Central Bank Athlete of the Month: Mackenzie James, Centennial senior
The centerfielder helps the top-ranked Jaguars move closer to the CIML Conference softball title with a 13-3 win over Valley in 6 innings in the first game of a doubleheader. … [Read more...] about Central Bank Athlete of the Month: Mackenzie James, Centennial senior
EASTON PRIDE: Miller returns, Pratt hurls gem in Jaguars’ sweep over Valley
Easton Miller didn't enjoy watching his Ankeny Centennial baseball teammates succeed without him. On Wednesday night, the senior centerfielder rejoined the Jaguars' lineup and helped his squad to a doubleheader sweep over visiting Valley. "It was hard," said Miller. "I was kind of bummed out at the wins that they got. It was a long week, but I'm glad … [Read more...] about EASTON PRIDE: Miller returns, Pratt hurls gem in Jaguars’ sweep over Valley
‘We just didn’t make enough plays’: Ankeny lets lead slip away at Fort Dodge
One bad inning proved to be costly for the Ankeny softball team. The second-ranked Hawkettes dropped a 7-3 decision in a non-conference game on Wednesday at Fort Dodge, the No. 3 team in Class 4A. The Dodgers scored all seven of their runs in the sixth inning to erase a 2-0 deficit. Ankeny committed five errors in the loss, leading to four unearned … [Read more...] about ‘We just didn’t make enough plays’: Ankeny lets lead slip away at Fort Dodge
Sandvig sets school record for HBPs, helps Hawks earn split at Linn-Mar
Senior Ben Sandvig is more than willing to wear a pitch for the Ankeny baseball team. Sandvig was hit by a pair of pitches and scored two runs to help the Hawks to a 5-3 victory at Linn-Mar (Marion) in the second game of a non-conference doubleheader on Tuesday. He has now been plunked 17 times this season, breaking the school record of 15 that was … [Read more...] about Sandvig sets school record for HBPs, helps Hawks earn split at Linn-Mar
Ankeny girls’ track coach Jumper named At-Large Coach of the Year in Class 4A
Ankeny girls' track coach T.J. Jumper has been named an At-Large Coach of the Year in Class 4A. Jumper guided Ankeny to a fifth-place finish in last month's state meet at Drake Stadium. The Hawkettes finished with 50 points. Ankeny trailed eventual champion Waukee Northwest by a single point heading into the final day of the meet. "As a team, you … [Read more...] about Ankeny girls’ track coach Jumper named At-Large Coach of the Year in Class 4A
Ankeny boys’ track coach Mullen named At-Large Coach of the Year in Class 4A
Ankeny boys' track coach Jordan Mullen has been named an At-Large Coach of the Year in Class 4A after leading the Hawks to a runner-up finish at the state meet in his first season at the school. Ankeny battled CIML Conference rival Johnston down to the wire before the Dragons captured the Class 4A crown with 84 points. The Hawks finished with 80 … [Read more...] about Ankeny boys’ track coach Mullen named At-Large Coach of the Year in Class 4A
Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 224
In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America, publisher Dan Holm discusses the Ankeny Centennial baseball team's quest to win the CIML Conference title and earn the program's first trip to the Class 4A state tournament with head coach Mark Hey and senior catcher Nick Severson. Coldwell Banker realtor … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 224
No. 1 Jaguars outlast Dowling Catholic twice, complete sweep of season series
For the first time this season, the Ankeny Centennial baseball team was forced to battle deep into the late innings in both ends of a doubleheader on Monday. The top-ranked Jaguars went on to sweep No. 5 Dowling Catholic by scores of 2-1 and 5-1 on their home field, completing a sweep of the season series. They improved to 14-2 in the CIML Conference and … [Read more...] about No. 1 Jaguars outlast Dowling Catholic twice, complete sweep of season series
Hawks top Johnston on walk-off single in 9th inning; Dragons sweep next 2 games
It's going to be a long week for the Ankeny baseball team. Monday's trip to Johnston was just the beginning of a six-day stretch where the Hawks will play nearly every day. Ankeny posted a 3-2 victory in nine innings in the completion of a game that was suspended due to rain on May 30. The third-ranked Dragons then followed with a pair of victories, … [Read more...] about Hawks top Johnston on walk-off single in 9th inning; Dragons sweep next 2 games
Dickey inducted into Iowa High School Golf Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame
The late Toni Dickey was one of several coaches inducted into the Iowa High School Golf Coaches' Association Hall of Fame on Monday at Veenker Golf Course in Ames. Dickey, who passed away last August at the age of 63, coached the Ankeny girls' golf team for 31 years before retiring after the 2017 season. She compiled a record of 1,114-590 during her … [Read more...] about Dickey inducted into Iowa High School Golf Coaches’ Association Hall of Fame
Kennedy hits her 9th home run, but Jaguars fall to Waukee NW in 9 innings
The Ankeny Centennial softball team remains unbeaten in the CIML Conference, despite Monday's loss at Waukee Northwest. Ava Smith hit a walk-off home run with two outs in the ninth inning to give third-ranked Northwest a 2-1 victory over the No. 1 Jaguars. The contest was a non-conference game because the two teams had already played a conference … [Read more...] about Kennedy hits her 9th home run, but Jaguars fall to Waukee NW in 9 innings
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Mariah Belzer, Ankeny Centennial softball
Senior shortstop Mariah Belzer has helped the Ankeny Centennial softball team to a 21-2 record and a No. 1 ranking in Class 5A. Belzer is batting .380 with two home runs, five doubles and 16 RBIs. She has also stolen seven bases in seven attempts. Here is some inside info on Belzer: Congratulations on an outstanding season thus far. What has been … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Mariah Belzer, Ankeny Centennial softball