The mid-August temperature is getting a little warmer. Team practices are ramping up. And, mainly, a young team is getting older. This football season has the potential to be one of historic proportions for the Ankeny Hawks, because of what kind of a roster they are putting on the field. Last season, the team started eight sophomores--all of … [Read more...] about ‘We feel so much more confident’: Hawks enter season with big goals
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‘It was very nerve-racking’: Hawkettes outlast Waukee in 5 sets in opener
Dave Whims and his Ankeny volleyball players are still getting used to each other. On Tuesday, it proved to be a winning combination. The third-ranked Hawkettes rallied from a 2-1 deficit to beat No. 5 Waukee, 19-25, 27-25, 27-29, 25-18, 15-9, in a season-opening match at Ankeny. It was the first win for Whims since the 2014 season, when he retired … [Read more...] about ‘It was very nerve-racking’: Hawkettes outlast Waukee in 5 sets in opener
Jaguars win 11/12 division, place second overall at Centennial Invite
After Ankeny Centennial's Gabriel Vicker crossed the finish line on Tuesday, he immediately focused his attention on his cross country teammates. Vicker placed second in the 11/12 race at the season-opening Centennial Invitational at DMACC, posting a time of 16 minutes 17 seconds. Three other Jaguars earned top-10 finishes, helping the team to the … [Read more...] about Jaguars win 11/12 division, place second overall at Centennial Invite
Vortherms leads Jaguars to runner-up finish; Ankeny girls place fourth
Ankeny Centennial cross country runner Kathryn Vortherms had two different messages written on her arms for Tuesday's season-opening Centennial Invitational at DMACC. She wrote the word "positive" on her right arm. "I give up control" was written on her left arm. "It's a lyric from a song. It's for King & Country--one of their songs," Vortherms … [Read more...] about Vortherms leads Jaguars to runner-up finish; Ankeny girls place fourth
Blimpie Sub of the Week: Millie Hill, Ankeny Centennial volleyball
Junior Millie Hill is a member of the Ankeny Centennial volleyball team. "Millie is a hard worker," said Centennial coach Jessica Rinehart. "She's a great communicator on the court, and we can always count on Millie to come in and provide us a spark. She is super athletic and can make some incredible defensive plays that can change a match." The … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Millie Hill, Ankeny Centennial volleyball
Jaguars are inexperienced, but look to contend for another Class 5A crown
There's no doubt that Jessica Rinehart faces one of the biggest challenges of her coaching career. Rinehart has guided the Ankeny Centennial volleyball team to four state titles in her six seasons at the school, but the Jaguars return only three players this fall with any varsity experience. And one of them, Devyn Robinson, will miss the first part of the … [Read more...] about Jaguars are inexperienced, but look to contend for another Class 5A crown
Hall of Famer Whims returns to coach loaded Ankeny volleyball squad
A familiar face will be back on the bench Tuesday when the Ankeny volleyball team opens its season against visiting Waukee. Legendary coach Dave Whims is beginning his second stint as the Hawkettes' head coach. He took over the program following the departure of Joe Morton, who guided Ankeny to a 31-13 record and a state tournament appearance last … [Read more...] about Hall of Famer Whims returns to coach loaded Ankeny volleyball squad
Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Scout Bergwall, Ankeny girls’ swimming
Senior Scout Bergwall is one of seven returning state qualifiers for the Ankeny girls' swimming team. She helped the Hawkettes to a second consecutive fourth-place finish at the state meet last November. Bergwall placed fifth in the 100 butterfly in a time of 57.15 seconds, which set a school record. She took 25th in the 100 backstroke and also swam on … [Read more...] about Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Scout Bergwall, Ankeny girls’ swimming
‘Mama Meg’ Ballenger ready for larger leadership role on Bluejays’ squad
There's a reason why Megan Ballenger's teammates on the Creighton volleyball team call her "Mama Meg". The former Ankeny star has been a longtime leader for the Bluejays both on and off the court. "I do cook some food and do some other things for certain people sometimes," Ballenger said on Friday after the Bluejays played Iowa State in an exhibition … [Read more...] about ‘Mama Meg’ Ballenger ready for larger leadership role on Bluejays’ squad
Centennial golfers top Urbandale at Briarwood, then fall to Ames at Veenker
The Ankeny Centennial boys' golf team split a pair of CIML Central Conference dual meets on Thursday and Friday, topping Urbandale before falling to Ames. The Jaguars (1-1) dropped a 312-329 decision to Ames on Friday at Veenker Golf Course. Jack Winkel was the runner-up with a 77, finishing one stroke behind Ames' Sam Vertanen. Centennial's Johnny … [Read more...] about Centennial golfers top Urbandale at Briarwood, then fall to Ames at Veenker
Vicker, Jaguars are motivated after falling short at last year’s district meet
Throughout most of the 2018 season, Ankeny Centennial's Gabriel Vicker was one of the top cross country runners in the state. After qualifying for the boys' Class 4A state meet as a freshman in 2017, Vicker followed up with a standout sophomore season in which he recorded six top-five finishes. He won the freshman/sophomore race at the Centennial … [Read more...] about Vicker, Jaguars are motivated after falling short at last year’s district meet
Hawks have ‘right attitude to be great’ despite heavy losses to graduation
Opponents of the Ankeny boys' cross country team might be expecting the Hawks to take a big step backwards this season. That could be a mistake. Ankeny coach Jon Lindaman said his team has had a great summer of training and is ready to open the season on Tuesday at the Ankeny Centennial Invitational. "I always say that summer is really the first … [Read more...] about Hawks have ‘right attitude to be great’ despite heavy losses to graduation
Centennial girls to rely on deep, talented packs to reach their goals
A No. 1 runner has yet to emerge for the Ankeny Centennial girls' cross country team. But head coach Eric Cogdill is completely fine with that. "I don’t expect us to have a clear No. 1 runner all season, and that is a great asset," said Cogdill. "We currently have a very nice pack of three that is right there with any top three we’ve had at Centennial. … [Read more...] about Centennial girls to rely on deep, talented packs to reach their goals
Experienced Hawkettes seeking first trip to Class 4A state meet since 2016
The date of Nov. 2 is already circled on the calendar for the Ankeny girls' cross country runners. That's when the Class 4A state meet will be held at Kennedy Park in Fort Dodge, and the Hawkettes are planning to be there as competitors. Ankeny has placed fourth in the regional meet in each of the last two years, falling just short of qualifying for … [Read more...] about Experienced Hawkettes seeking first trip to Class 4A state meet since 2016
Robinson named to 2019 ALL-USA Preseason Girls Volleyball Team
Ankeny Centennial volleyball star Devyn Robinson has been named to the 2019 ALL-USA Preseason Girls Volleyball Team. Robinson, a senior middle hitter, was one of 21 players from across the nation to be selected to the team. The selections were made by Sloane Green of PrepVolleyball.com in coordination with USA TODAY High School Sports based on past … [Read more...] about Robinson named to 2019 ALL-USA Preseason Girls Volleyball Team
Blimpie Sub of the Week: Colin McAleer, Centennial boys’ golf
Junior Colin McAleer is a member of the Ankeny Centennial boys' golf team. He carded an 85 on Monday to help the Jaguars to the team title in the Centennial Invitational at Briarwood Golf Club. McAleer is the fourth member of his family to play for Centennial. Brothers Matt, Mitch and Chris previously played for the Jaguars. McAleer and his teammates … [Read more...] about Blimpie Sub of the Week: Colin McAleer, Centennial boys’ golf
Ankeny swimmers return 7 state qualifiers from 4th-place team
In 2017, the Ankeny girls' swimming team placed fourth at the state meet, its highest finish ever under coach Michelle Stout. The Hawkettes finished 32.5 points behind third-place Bettendorf. Last year, Ankeny duplicated its fourth-place performance, but moved considerably closer to a top-three finish. The Hawkettes scored 185 points and finished just … [Read more...] about Ankeny swimmers return 7 state qualifiers from 4th-place team
Twin titles: Winkel, Jaguars capture individual, team crowns at home invite
The Ankeny Centennial boys' golf team entered Monday's Centennial Invitational with an inexperienced lineup. The Jaguars left Briarwood Golf Club with an emphatic victory. Centennial posted four scores in the 70s and shot a 299 to win the team title by 14 strokes over Ottumwa. Three other schools participated in the season-opening tournament. "I was … [Read more...] about Twin titles: Winkel, Jaguars capture individual, team crowns at home invite
Walker earns runner-up honors, leads Hawk golfers to victory over Ames
It's only one meet, but it was a great start for the Ankeny boys' golf team. The Hawks opened their season on Monday with a 296-300 victory over visiting Ames in a CIML Central Conference dual meet at Otter Creek. The Little Cyclones are coming off a fifth-place finish in last year's Class 4A state meet. "I was very happy with how we played today," … [Read more...] about Walker earns runner-up honors, leads Hawk golfers to victory over Ames
Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Drake Ellgren, Centennial boys’ golf
Senior Drake Ellgren is the top returning player for the Ankeny Centennial boys' golf team. He placed fourth on the squad a year ago with a 40.7 average. Ellgren helped the Jaguars to a 3-2 record. He carded a 37 to earn medalist honors in a victory over Urbandale and later shot a 78 to place ninth at the CIML Central Conference meet. Here is some … [Read more...] about Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Drake Ellgren, Centennial boys’ golf