Ankeny Fanatic

"We let them hang around and chip away, and they were able to tie it up. And when you're the visiting team, you don't have a chance to rally when they score in the bottom of the seventh": Courtesy of MJ Properties

Jaguars jump out to early lead, but S.E. Polk rallies for 4-3 win on walk-off HBP Jaguars jump out to early lead, but S.E. Polk rallies for 4-3 win on walk-off HBP June 28, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny Centennial’s Preston Glatt hits the ball during a game at Waukee on May 20. Glatt doubled and drove in a run on Thursday as the Jaguars dropped a 4-3 decision at Southeast Polk. (Phot...

"We pulled it out. It wasn't the prettiest of games, but the guys found a way to get it done": Courtesy of MJ Properties

Hawks rally twice to beat Urbandale on Senior Night, raise their record to 15-21 Hawks rally twice to beat Urbandale on Senior Night, raise their record to 15-21 June 28, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny’s Henry Ha races to first base after hitting the ball during a game at Waukee on May 22. Ha went 2-for-4 and drove in a run on Thursday to help the Hawks to a 6-5 victory over visiting...

"Being in tight games every game all year has kind of built a little bit of resolve. We're used to it. You win some, and you lose some. I think there were several moments where we could have quit, and we didn't. I like this team. I like our chances": Courtesy of MJ Properties

‘I really wanted to beat them’: Arringdale, Ankeny girls earn split against Jaguars ‘I really wanted to beat them’: Arringdale, Ankeny girls earn split against Jaguars June 27, 2024 by Dan Holm The Ankeny players celebrate after the Hawkettes posted an 8-7 victory at Ankeny Centennial in 10 innings in the second game of Wednesday’s doubleheader. The win allowed Ankeny to earn...

"It felt awesome. Everyone was clicking, and the defense was working. It was a really good team win": Courtesy of MJ Properties

Hawks salvage split against Centennial, putting dent in Jaguars’ CIML title hopes Hawks salvage split against Centennial, putting dent in Jaguars’ CIML title hopes June 27, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny Centennial’s Isaac Bruhl dives into third base during the first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader against visiting Ankeny. Bruhl went 2-for-3, scored twice and drove in the go-ahea...

The Class 5A regional softball pairings have been announced: Courtesy of MJ Properties

Regional softball pairings announced: Jaguars, Hawkettes both earn No. 1 seeds Regional softball pairings announced: Jaguars, Hawkettes both earn No. 1 seeds June 27, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny Centennial runner Kori Lincicum reaches second base safely during the Jaguars’ 4-2 win over Ankeny in the Johnston Invitational on May 24. (Photo by Dan Holm) The Ankeny and Ankeny Cente...

The Class 4A substate baseball pairings have been announced: Courtesy of MJ Properties

Jaguars earn No. 1 seed in Substate 4, while Hawks are No. 4 seed in Substate 2 Jaguars earn No. 1 seed in Substate 4, while Hawks are No. 4 seed in Substate 2 June 27, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny Centennial’s Johnathan Carrasco hits the ball during the Jaguars’ 4-3 win at Ankeny on June 5. (Photo by Drue Wolfe) The Ankeny Centennial baseball team has earned a No. 1 seed for po...

The Ankeny Centennial baseball team drops an 8-5 decision at Johnston in a battle for first place in the CIML Conference: Courtesy of MJ Properties

Johnston wins showdown against Oakie, Jaguars to build lead in CIML Conference Johnston wins showdown against Oakie, Jaguars to build lead in CIML Conference June 25, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny Centennial’s Reed Anderson heads back to the dugout after scoring a run during Monday’s game at Johnston. Anderson went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI in the Jaguars’ 8-5 lo...

The Ankeny baseball team falls to Waukee Northwest on the road as the Wolves complete a sweep of the season series: Courtesy of MJ Properties

Hawks get early homer from Clevidence, but Waukee NW rallies for 8-5 triumph Hawks get early homer from Clevidence, but Waukee NW rallies for 8-5 triumph June 25, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny’s Samuel Sandvig takes a lead off first base during a game against visiting Waukee Northwest on June 3. Sandvig had a hit and scored three runs on Monday in the Hawks’ 8-5 loss at Northw...

The Ankeny Centennial softball team defeats Interstate 35 for its 14th win in the last 15 games: Courtesy of MJ Properties

Sandholm, Boyle combine on no-hitter; Ott, Wills hit homers in Jaguars’ victory Sandholm, Boyle combine on no-hitter; Ott, Wills hit homers in Jaguars’ victory June 25, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny Centennial’s Lauren Sandholm slides across home plate to score a run during a game against visiting Waukee on June 12. Sandholm helped the Jaguars to a 10-0 victory at Interstate 35 (...

In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America, publisher Dan Holm celebrates the life of Ankeny Centennial boys’ tennis coach Tami Lewton with Centennial Activities Director Nate Lingren, Centennial girls’ tennis coach Alli Gustafson and junior Brayden Wellendorf–who was the Jaguars’ No. 1 player this season: Courtesy of MJ Properties

Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 265 Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 265 June 24, 2024 by Dan Holm In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America, publisher Dan Holm celebrates the life of Ankeny Centennial boys’ tennis coach Tami Lewton with Centennial Activities Director Nate Lin...

Senior catcher Ava Tomlinson, who has helped the eighth-ranked Ankeny softball team to a 17-12 record, is the Ankeny Fanatic prep of the week sponsored by Revive Dermatology Clinic & Spa: Courtesy of MJ Properties

Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Ava Tomlinson, Ankeny softball Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Ava Tomlinson, Ankeny softball June 24, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny catcher Ava Tomlinson watches from the dugout as the Hawkettes bat during a game at Johnston on June 17. Tomlinson has helped her team to a 17-12 record. (Photo by Dan Holm) Senior catcher Ava Tom...

"We did a good job of getting to the bullpen. I thought (Eli) Christensen was sharp. He kept us off-balance with all the different pitches he was throwing. But we got through the lineup a couple of times and got to the bullpen": Courtesy of MJ Properties

‘It was fun competing against them’: Hawks outlast ACA in crosstown battle ‘It was fun competing against them’: Hawks outlast ACA in crosstown battle June 23, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny’s Evan Irlmeier scores a run as Ankeny Christian Academy catcher Tyler Mahoney fields a throw to home plate during the Brent Prange Classic on Saturday at Ankeny. The Hawks went on to po...

"Today definitely boosted our confidence. We got the offense fired up and strung together some hits when we needed them most during the seventh inning. I’m really happy with our performance, and it just reassured us of what we can achieve": Courtesy of MJ Properties

‘I think we flipped a switch’: Hawkettes end North Polk’s 21-game winning streak ‘I think we flipped a switch’: Hawkettes end North Polk’s 21-game winning streak June 23, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny’s Kaylyn Miller hits the ball during a game at Waukee on May 22. Miller blasted a home run on Saturday as the Hawkettes posted a 4-0 victory over North Polk, the No. 1 team in Cl...

"We faced two really good teams, and that's kind of what this tournament is about. Some of the best teams in the state come here, and we played two really good teams. We had good pitching and good timely hitting, and I don't think we committed an error this weekend. So we played well in all three phases": Courtesy of MJ Properties

Centennial tops Davenport Assumption, Carlisle at Brent Prange Classic Centennial tops Davenport Assumption, Carlisle at Brent Prange Classic June 23, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny Centennial’s Emerson Alberhasky hits the ball during a game against visiting Johnston on June 3. Alberhasky went 2-for-3 with a double, a triple and three runs scored as the Jaguars posted an 8-...

Friday's non-conference twinbill matched a pair of softball teams riding long winning streaks: Courtesy of MJ Properties

Boyle uses her arm, bat to lead Jaguars past Lincoln for split of doubleheader Boyle uses her arm, bat to lead Jaguars past Lincoln for split of doubleheader June 22, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny Centennial’s Cora Boyle throws a pitch during a game against visiting Southeast Polk on June 6. Boyle tossed a three-hitter as the Jaguars posted an 11-0 victory at Des Moines Lincoln in...

The Ankeny softball team splits a doubleheader at Southeast Polk: Courtesy of MJ Properties

Hawkettes pound out 15 hits in 12-5 victory before S.E. Polk earns split Hawkettes pound out 15 hits in 12-5 victory before S.E. Polk earns split June 22, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny’s Abby Rusher throws a pitch during the first game of Thursday’s doubleheader at Southeast Polk. The Hawkettes posted a 12-5 victory in the opener before Southeast Polk won the nightcap, 13-...

The Ankeny baseball team wins another extra-inning game to earn a split at Southeast Polk: Courtesy of MJ Properties

Hawks rally for 9-8 victory in 8 innings, salvage twinbill split at No. 10 S.E. Polk Hawks rally for 9-8 victory in 8 innings, salvage twinbill split at No. 10 S.E. Polk June 21, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny’s Samuel Sandvig swings at a pitch during the first game of Thursday’s doubleheader at Southeast Polk. The Hawks dropped a 4-2 decision in the opener, but then earned a split wit...

The Ankeny Centennial baseball team bounces back to win the second game of a non-conference doubleheader: Courtesy of MJ Properties

Stewart remains unbeaten, helps Jaguars earn split at No. 7 Iowa City Liberty Stewart remains unbeaten, helps Jaguars earn split at No. 7 Iowa City Liberty June 21, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny Centennial’s Sean Stewart throws a pitch during a game against visiting Waukee on June 12. Stewart tossed a five-hitter on Thursday as the Jaguars posted a 7-2 victory in the second game ...

"Tami was very talented as a player and an amazing developer of talent, especially in coaching high-level high school boys' doubles play. She was unapologetically competitive and had everyone’s utmost respect. She was a superb coach and an even better person. She will be missed by the entire coaching and overall tennis communities": Courtesy of MJ Properties

‘She will be greatly missed’: Centennial boys’ tennis coach Lewton passes away ‘She will be greatly missed’: Centennial boys’ tennis coach Lewton passes away June 20, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny Centennial boys’ tennis coach Tami Lewton discusses strategy with Nick Hiney (left) and Brayden Wellendorf during a Class 2A district tournament at Ames in 2023. Lewton, who coache...

"I felt really good. I love the girls around me, and they've been really supportive of my recovery and me being comfortable coming back": Courtesy of MJ Properties

‘I’ve been itching to get back’: Johnson returns, blasts homer in win over Dodgers ‘I’ve been itching to get back’: Johnson returns, blasts homer in win over Dodgers June 20, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny’s Cassie Johnson circles the bases after hitting a two-run homer during the first inning of Wednesday’s game against visiting Fort Dodge. She returned to the team’s lineup ...

"I've got to get them to work harder and to get ready for Fort Dodge Wednesday on our Senior Night": Courtesy of MJ Properties

‘We’ve got to get back to some basics’: Hawkettes tumble twice at No. 3 Johnston ‘We’ve got to get back to some basics’: Hawkettes tumble twice at No. 3 Johnston June 19, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny’s Aubrey Lensmeyer is greeted at home plate by her teammates after hitting a home run during the first game of Monday’s doubleheader at Johnston. She also homered in the nightc...

In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America, publisher Dan Holm celebrates the life of Fanatic photographer Drue Wolfe with fellow photographers Jerrad Downer and Mike Hughes, KCCI sports anchor and reporter Shannon Ehrhardt, and Des Moines Roosevelt baseball coach Randy Wee: Courtesy of MJ Properties

Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 264 Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 264 June 19, 2024 by Dan Holm In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Coldwell Banker Mid-America, publisher Dan Holm celebrates the life of Fanatic photographer Drue Wolfe with fellow photographers Jerrad Downer and Mike Hughes, KCCI-T...

"I hope everyone in Ankeny has had a chance to watch him and remembers him in the future. He's a special guy, and not just as a baseball player but as a person. It's great to see people like him have the success that he's having": Courtesy of MJ Properties

‘He’s something special’: Oakie tosses another gem in Jaguars’ win over Dowling ‘He’s something special’: Oakie tosses another gem in Jaguars’ win over Dowling June 18, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny Centennial’s Joey Oakie throws a pitch during the first game of Monday’s doubleheader against visiting Dowling Catholic. Oakie tossed a two-hitter and had 10 strikeouts to lea...

"We had to battle the elements in the first game, so it was really a team effort. I'm not sure if we hit a ball past the middle part of the outfield. We just had to execute some small things and take advantage of the mistakes that they made": Courtesy of MJ Properties

‘Tonight was a special night’: Seniors help Jaguars to another sweep, into first place ‘Tonight was a special night’: Seniors help Jaguars to another sweep, into first place June 18, 2024 by Dan Holm The eight seniors on the Ankeny Centennial softball team were honored during Monday’s doubleheader against visiting Dowling Catholic. They helped the Jaguars to a sweep of the twinb...

"They're a pretty established program, and they don't really rebuild--they reload. Coach (Michael) Barta does a tremendous job with what goes on over there. We just went out there to play hard and to have fun, and I told the guys some good things would happen if we did that": Courtesy of MJ Properties

‘It’s hard to win over there’: Hawks salvage split at No. 4 Johnston with 8-7 victory ‘It’s hard to win over there’: Hawks salvage split at No. 4 Johnston with 8-7 victory June 18, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny’s Samuel Sandvig slides across home plate to score a run during the first game of Monday’s doubleheader at Johnston. The Hawks dropped a 15-11 decision, but then bounced b...

Senior infielder Carson Riggs, who has helped the Ankeny baseball team to a 10-16 record, is the Ankeny Fanatic prep of the week sponsored by Revive Dermatology Clinic & Spa: Courtesy of MJ Properties

Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Carson Riggs, Ankeny baseball Revive Clinic and Spa Prep of the Week: Carson Riggs, Ankeny baseball June 17, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny’s Carson Riggs crosses home plate to score a run during the first game of a doubleheader against visiting Waukee Northwest on June 3. Riggs has helped the Hawks to a 10-16 record. (Photo courtesy...

"It was really fun to be back in Fort Dodge and getting a feel for the state tournament environment again. The whole team is starting to feel more comfortable hitting. I think everyone on the team had some clutch hits this weekend and contributed to these wins": Courtesy of MJ Properties

Jaguars cruise to championship of Fort Dodge Invitational; Ankeny places 4th Jaguars cruise to championship of Fort Dodge Invitational; Ankeny places 4th June 17, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny Centennial’s Payton Drefke scores a run during the Jaguars’ doubleheader sweep over visiting Southeast Polk on June 6. Drefke helped Centennial to the championship of the Fort Dodge Invi...

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Drue Wolfe, who left us on June 11, 2024, gone too soon at the age of 54. A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 10:30 AM at Keystone Church in Ankeny. A visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Community Baptist Church.

Born on July 8, 1969, Drue lived a life filled with compassion, humility, and devotion to his family, his profession, and his Lord.

Drue was a beacon of resilience and strength, being preceded in death by his father, James Wolfe, and his grandparents, Harland and Leona Sauser, and Everette and Nel Wolfe. His selfless character and kind warmth served as guiding lights to his family, leaving an indelible legacy.

Drue lives on in the hearts of his surviving family. His mother, Mary Wolfe, his sister, Melissa Wolfe, along with a host of family and friends. The void left by his passing will be filled with the memories of his vibrant spirit and the love he imparted to all those fortunate enough to have known him.

His absence is deeply felt, but his impact and the lessons he taught us will remain. In these moments, we remember him for his love, his wisdom, and the joy he brought to our lives.

Drue was a man of many talents and passions. From a young age, he displayed an insatiable curiosity for the world around him. He was given his first camera at the age of 7 by his Grandmother. From that point on there was no turning back. His love for all sports and a keen eye for detail was why he was able to capture so many amazing photos.

Drue accepted Christ as His Savior during the summer of 1974 and was baptized May 6, 1979. As Drue committed his life to Christ, he served the Lord in a variety of different ministries over the years. God used Drue’s passions and hobbies in instrumental ways throughout his life. He loved the outdoors and helped organize and lead many wilderness trips. He developed many good friendships through his love for hiking, biking, skiing, camping, and other activities. Drue was an involved member of Keystone Church in Ankeny, where God used that time to impact his life and grow his walk with God.

Throughout his life, he exemplified an unyielding love for those around him. Drue's memory will forever be a comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.

We rest in the assurance that we will see him again one day in Heaven!

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The Ankeny baseball team runs into one of the state's hottest squads and drops both ends of a doubleheader: Courtesy of MJ Properties

Linn-Mar snaps Hawks’ winning streak, extends its own to 8 games with sweep Linn-Mar snaps Hawks’ winning streak, extends its own to 8 games with sweep June 15, 2024 by Dan Holm Ankeny coach Joe Balvanz watches from the dugout during the Hawks’ doubleheader sweep at Dowling Catholic on Wednesday. Ankeny dropped both ends of a twinbill on Friday against visiting Linn-Mar...