The cupboard is hardly bare for the Ankeny football team. The Hawks suffered heavy losses to graduation after winning the Class 4A state title last fall, but several standouts are back from the squad that finished with an 11-1 record. Some talented newcomers have joined the roster as well. Ankeny is third in the new Class 5A division in the preseason … [Read more...] about ‘It’ll be fun to watch’: No. 3 Hawks look to contend for first Class 5A crown
Braden Simonsen
Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 150
Publisher Dan Holm previews the high school football season in this edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America as he stopped by practice to interview seniors Braden Simonsen and Brady McCullough along with head coach Rick Nelson of Ankeny, and seniors Trey Porter and Carter Cahill along with co-head coach Jerry … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 150
Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 124
Check out the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America. Publisher Dan Holm interviews Ankeny girls' basketball coach Dru McAnelly and sophomore point guard Jenna Pitz, along with Ankeny boys' basketball coach Brandt Carlson and junior post player Braden Simonsen, and previews the boys' state swim meet with … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 124
‘I knew I had to get in the lane’: Simonsen draws charge to seal Hawks’ victory
As a defensive lineman on the Ankeny football team, Braden Simonsen did a lot of the dirty work in the trenches to help the Hawks to the Class 4A state title. On Friday, Simonsen showed that he can do the dirty work on the basketball court, too. The junior post player stepped in front of Mason City's Cory Miner and drew a charging foul with 2 seconds … [Read more...] about ‘I knew I had to get in the lane’: Simonsen draws charge to seal Hawks’ victory
Blimpie Sub of the Week: Braden Simonsen, Ankeny football
Junior defensive lineman Braden Simonsen played a key role in the Ankeny football team's run to the Class 4A state title last month. Simonsen made 37 tackles for the Hawks, who boasted one of the state's best defensive units. He had 16 solo tackles, 14.5 for losses and four sacks. Simonsen also filled in at tight end during the playoffs when teammate … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Braden Simonsen, Ankeny football