Ankeny Fanatic

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Dustin Rhoads

‘There’s something magical about Senior Night’: Ankeny swimmers edge Dragons

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The biggest win of the season for the Ankeny girls' swimming team came on its Senior Night. Seventh-ranked Ankeny won eight of the 12 events, including all three relays, and posted a 95-91 victory over No. 4 Johnston in a CIML Conference dual meet on Tuesday at Trail Point Aquatics Center. It was the first conference win for the Hawkettes, who improved … [Read more...] about ‘There’s something magical about Senior Night’: Ankeny swimmers edge Dragons

‘We just couldn’t win any races’: Ankeny swimmers drop 105-81 decision at Valley

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The Ankeny girls' swimming team just couldn't get over the hump. The seventh-ranked Hawkettes lost several close races on Tuesday and dropped a 105-81 decision at No. 4 Valley in a CIML Conference dual meet. The Tigers captured every event, including a sweep of the top three places in the diving competition. Valley won five of the swimming events by … [Read more...] about ‘We just couldn’t win any races’: Ankeny swimmers drop 105-81 decision at Valley

Ankeny swimmers edge Pleasant Valley for 2nd place at Little Hawk Invitational

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The Ankeny girls' swimming team won two events and placed second overall in the Little Hawk Invitational on Saturday at Mercer Park Aquatic Center in Iowa City. Iowa City West won the team title with 435.5 points. Ankeny finished with 349.5 points, edging Pleasant Valley (348) and Waukee (341) for the runner-up spot in the six-team field. "We had a … [Read more...] about Ankeny swimmers edge Pleasant Valley for 2nd place at Little Hawk Invitational

‘This was our best meet’: Ankeny tankers make progress in 125-61 loss to Dowling

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The final score of Tuesday's dual meet at Trail Point Aquatics Center was deceiving. Even though the Dowling Catholic girls' swimming team posted a 125-61 victory over host Ankeny, coach Dustin Rhoads was happy with his team's performance. "This was our best meet as a whole so far," said Rhoads. "I am pleased with how we raced, and the times we put up … [Read more...] about ‘This was our best meet’: Ankeny tankers make progress in 125-61 loss to Dowling

‘A lot of people had to step up’: Ankeny swimmers hold on for win at Newton

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The Ankeny girls' swimming team won the final event, the 400 freestyle relay, to hold on for an 87-83 victory at Newton in a non-conference dual meet on Thursday. Ankeny raised its overall record to 3-1 on the season. "It was an interesting meet," said Ankeny coach Dustin Rhoads. "We were kind of sluggish from the start. It was a short-course meters … [Read more...] about ‘A lot of people had to step up’: Ankeny swimmers hold on for win at Newton

‘This is humbling’: 2-time defending champs spoil Ankeny’s home opener

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If the Ankeny girls' swimming team needed a measuring stick for its progress, Tuesday's opponent provided just what the squad needed. Waukee, the two-time defending state champion, won 11 of the 12 events and defeated host Ankeny, 134-52, in the CIML Conference opener for both teams at Trail Point Aquatics Center. “It was a fun night hosting No. 1 … [Read more...] about ‘This is humbling’: 2-time defending champs spoil Ankeny’s home opener

Ankeny swimmers roll past Roosevelt, Mason City while setting 8 pool records

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The Ankeny girls' swimming team opened its season on Tuesday with a pair of lopsided victories in Mason City. Competing in a non-conference double dual meet, Ankeny rolled to a 140-28 win over Des Moines Roosevelt and a 126-42 triumph over Mason City. "It was a great way to start our season!" said first-year Ankeny coach Dustin Rhoads. "Picking up two … [Read more...] about Ankeny swimmers roll past Roosevelt, Mason City while setting 8 pool records

‘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

After 3 years at Luther, Rhoads returns to Ankeny to take over swimming programs

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Former Ankeny assistant boys' coach Dustin Rhoads has been named the head coach of the Ankeny boys' and girls' swimming programs. Rhoads was the associate head coach at Luther College for the last three years, helping both the men's and women's programs to American Rivers Conference championships in 2021-23. "I've had a great time at Luther," Rhoads … [Read more...] about After 3 years at Luther, Rhoads returns to Ankeny to take over swimming programs