Despite having only five returning state qualifiers, the Ankeny boys' swimming team can rebuild its lineup around one of the state's best swimmers. Senior Lance Swanepoel is the defending state champion in the 100 butterfly and a five-time all-American. He led the Hawks to a seventh-place finish at last year's state meet. "Lance made a great jump last … [Read more...] about Butterfly state champ Swanepoel, 4 other qualifiers return for Hawk swimmers
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TOTAL MISMATCH: Jaguars romp to 74-6 victory at East in season opener
The Ankeny Centennial girls' basketball team will play perhaps the most difficult schedule in program history this season--thanks to the formation of the new nine-team CIML Conference. Friday's season opener at Des Moines East might have been one of the few breathers on the Jaguars' schedule. Third-ranked Centennial jumped out to a 28-1 lead at the end … [Read more...] about TOTAL MISMATCH: Jaguars romp to 74-6 victory at East in season opener
‘We have high goals this year’: Hawkettes raise the bar after record-setting season
The bar has been raised for the Ankeny girls' basketball program. The Hawkettes enjoyed a record-setting season last year under coach Dru McAnelly, posting a 16-7 mark and earning a share of the CIML Iowa Conference title. They also reached a Class 5A regional final before dropping a 49-47 decision at second-ranked Des Moines Roosevelt. Now, the Ankeny … [Read more...] about ‘We have high goals this year’: Hawkettes raise the bar after record-setting season
Centennial is 3rd, Ankeny 9th in Class 5A girls’ basketball preseason rankings
Both Ankeny Centennial and Ankeny are ranked in the top 10 in the Class 5A girls' basketball preseason rankings by the Iowa Girls' High School Athletic Union. The Jaguars, who open their season on Friday at Des Moines East, are ranked third. They return three starters from a team that went 20-4 and qualified for the Class 5A state tournament a year … [Read more...] about Centennial is 3rd, Ankeny 9th in Class 5A girls’ basketball preseason rankings
Ankeny’s JV team competes at Ballard; Varsity prepares for trip to Independence
With four meets in six days, the Ankeny girls' wrestling team elected to give its junior varsity wrestlers some more experience on Thursday. Ankeny coach Dustin Roland sent his junior varsity squad to Ballard for a scramble. Assistant coach Olivia Willers was proud of the team's effort. "Our girls did well. They keep improving," she said. "They're very … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s JV team competes at Ballard; Varsity prepares for trip to Independence
Ankeny catcher Enright commits to Iowa Central, will join Palmer on Tritons’ roster
Ankeny catcher Reagan Enright has committed to play softball at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge. Enright joins her teammate Kennedy Palmer, who previously committed to the Tritons. "I liked the coaches at Iowa Central and how welcoming they were!" Enright said. "Also, a goal of mine is to hopefully be able to play at a bigger school after … [Read more...] about Ankeny catcher Enright commits to Iowa Central, will join Palmer on Tritons’ roster
From the 515 to the 319: Ankeny distance standout Hill to run for Northern Iowa
Senior Levi Hill helped lead the Ankeny boys' cross country team to its best season in two decades. His success with the Hawks has taken him to Cedar Falls. Hill has verbally committed to join the Northern Iowa men's cross country and track and field programs. One of his former Ankeny track teammates, thrower Jacob Baier, is a sophomore on the … [Read more...] about From the 515 to the 319: Ankeny distance standout Hill to run for Northern Iowa
‘The junior college route was right for me’: Ankeny’s Watson chooses Ellsworth
Ankeny catcher Max Watson could have followed in the footsteps of his brother Mo. Instead, he'll be joining one of his current Ankeny baseball teammates on the junior college level. Watson has verbally committed to play for Ellsworth Community College. Ankeny pitcher Brock Adamson has also committed to the Panthers. "Brock, who is one of my fest … [Read more...] about ‘The junior college route was right for me’: Ankeny’s Watson chooses Ellsworth
‘Just a fantastic performance’: Gordon places 18th at NCAA Midwest Regional
Former Ankeny Centennial standout Emma Gordon closed out her collegiate cross country career with a personal best. The Iowa senior placed 18th in the NCAA Midwest Regional on Friday at Columbia, Mo. She led the Hawkeyes to a 14th-place finish. Gordon posted a time of 20 minutes 37.1 seconds to become the third Hawkeye in the last 10 seasons to finish … [Read more...] about ‘Just a fantastic performance’: Gordon places 18th at NCAA Midwest Regional
A PERFECT DOZEN: 12 Ankeny wrestlers finish with 2-0 marks at CIML Scramble
In just 24 hours, the Ankeny girls' wrestling team showed a tremendous amount of progress. Ankeny competed in the CIML Scramble on Tuesday at Waukee Northwest and went 33-15 overall as a squad. "That was a great record for us," said Ankeny coach Dustin Roland. "I was very proud of the girls' effort tonight compared to (Monday) at Dallas Center-Grimes. … [Read more...] about A PERFECT DOZEN: 12 Ankeny wrestlers finish with 2-0 marks at CIML Scramble
Ankeny’s Rusher commits to Creighton, cites ‘unparalleled opportunities’
Abby Rusher is the latest Ankeny softball player to make a verbal commitment. The junior pitcher announced on Twitter Tuesday that she has decided to play for Creighton. "I am so excited to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at Creighton University," Rusher tweeted. "I am so thankful for my family and teammates that … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s Rusher commits to Creighton, cites ‘unparalleled opportunities’
Six players from Ankeny earn all-state volleyball honors, led by ACA trio
Six players from Ankeny's three schools earned all-state volleyball honors from the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association, while four others received honorable mention. State champion Ankeny Christian Academy led the way with three all-state honorees in Class 1A. Outside hitter Carley Craighead and setter Katie Quick were both named to the first team, while … [Read more...] about Six players from Ankeny earn all-state volleyball honors, led by ACA trio
‘Wartburg just felt like home to me’: Grider to play baseball for Knights
Ankeny Centennial outfielder Cole Grider has committed to play baseball at Wartburg College. Grider announced his decision via Twitter on Tuesday. "I am proud to announce my commitment to Wartburg College," Grider tweeted. "Thank you to all my coaches, teammates and family for putting me in a position to succeed. Go Knights." Grider helped … [Read more...] about ‘Wartburg just felt like home to me’: Grider to play baseball for Knights
‘Very athletic’ Jags to rely on 3 returning seniors, large sophomore group
Ankeny Centennial girls' basketball coach Scott DeJong always relies heavily on his seniors. This year, DeJong has a trio of senior starters with a lot of experience on the court. Guards Makenna Clark and Averi Porter both played key roles on last year's team along with post player Kennedy White, helping the Jaguars to a 20-4 record and a second … [Read more...] about ‘Very athletic’ Jags to rely on 3 returning seniors, large sophomore group
‘I loved St. Cloud and everything about it’: Ankeny’s Beason to run for Huskies
Ankeny senior Paige Beason is used to running long distances. Now, she'll be attending a college that is nearly 300 miles away from home. Beason has verbally committed to join the St. Cloud State women's track and cross programs next year. "The only thing that made making my decision difficult was being far away from my family, especially my sister … [Read more...] about ‘I loved St. Cloud and everything about it’: Ankeny’s Beason to run for Huskies
ACA quartet, Ankeny foursome, Centennial duo earn all-district honors
The state champion Ankeny Christian Academy volleyball team has placed four players on the Class 1A South Central all-district team by the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association. Setter Katie Quick and middle hitter Anna Weathers were both selected to the squad along with outside hitters Carley Craighead and Macey Nehring. The four sophomores led the Eagles to … [Read more...] about ACA quartet, Ankeny foursome, Centennial duo earn all-district honors
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Rachel Rolow, Ankeny girls’ swimming
Senior Rachel Rolow helped the Ankeny girls' swimming team to a ninth consecutive top-10 finish in the state meet on Friday and Saturday at the Marshalltown YMCA. The Hawkettes finished in a tie for seventh place with 108 points. Rolow placed sixth in the 100 backstroke with a time of 58.59 seconds and took 11th in the 200 individual medley in 2:10.54. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Rachel Rolow, Ankeny girls’ swimming
Hawkettes reach podium in 4 events, finish in tie for 7th place at state meet
The goal for the Ankeny girls' swimming team was to get on the podium in multiple events during the state meet on Saturday at the Marshalltown YMCA. The Hawkettes accomplished their goal. Ankeny earned a top-six finish in four different events and tied for seventh place overall with Cedar Falls with 108 points. The Hawkettes placed among the top 10 … [Read more...] about Hawkettes reach podium in 4 events, finish in tie for 7th place at state meet
‘We have a lot of opportunities to score points’: AHS advances 4 girls in 7 events
Four Ankeny swimmers qualified for the finals in a total of seven different events during the preliminaries of the girls' state meet on Friday at the Marshalltown YMCA. Anja Peck, Rachel Rolow and Caroline Walker each qualified in a pair of events. Gracie Lindaman qualified in the 50 freestyle and just missed qualifying in the 100 freestyle. "It was a … [Read more...] about ‘We have a lot of opportunities to score points’: AHS advances 4 girls in 7 events
Ankeny’s Adamson to play for Ellsworth, while Sandvig commits to NIACC
Ankeny baseball players Brock Adamson and Ben Sandvig have both elected to continue their careers at the junior college level. Adamson, a lefthanded pitcher, is headed to Ellsworth Community College. Sandvig, an outfielder, will play for North Iowa Area Community College. Both seniors announced their verbal commitments via Twitter on Thursday. "I … [Read more...] about Ankeny’s Adamson to play for Ellsworth, while Sandvig commits to NIACC