ANKENY, Iowa — Ankeny exceeded all expectations in 2023 under first-year head coach Jeff Bauer.
With just five returning starters, the Hawks made it to the 5A State Championship game before losing to Southeast Polk.
"(We) started out kind of as an underdog, flew under the radar, kept competing, hit a couple bumps in the road," said senior safety Kinnick Vos. "But to get that feeling of satisfaction after all that hard work of making it to the dome and being able to play there was it was pretty awesome."
The run to the dome final was memorable, taking down three CIML conference foes in the playoffs. The experience and production returning from that team is hopeful to bring confidence.
"This time last year, we had five returning starters," said head coach Jeff Bauer. "We didn't know what we had, you know, and I think we discovered who we were. So obviously, at this time compared to last year, there's a lot more confidence."
The Hawks open the season against crosstown rival Ankeny Centennial on Aug. 30.