![Sophomore Lily Bell posing as a player in the senior assassin game. Seniors participating in the game eliminate others by squirting them with a water gun, and can wear goggles for immunity against others. “People did have to go out and buy [water] guns, but most people have the googles at home, but you don’t even have to use a gun, you can use water of any sort,” senior Gwyn Christensen said.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/unnamed-1-1-900x1200.jpg)
![The shadows against a captivating blue are a nod to the “Catch Me If You Can” musical poster, both for this performance and the blue from the Broadway show. The detectives in this scene are at shooting practice, in preparation for when they finally encounter Frank Abagnale Jr. “We always say our motto is ‘theater is a team sport,’ and really just emphasizing to our students that everyone is welcome in the drama department. There's always a role for you, whether or not, on stage or behind the scenes, in the costume shop, in the scene shop. [There are] all sorts of different things that go into bringing a show to life. So we love our drama hawks and welcome everyone to drama,” Drama Director Mollie Jo Blahunka said.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/cmiyc-1200x800.jpg)
![Henry, Emily (2021). People we meet on vacation [Book cover]. Berkley Books. Image used under fair use for purposes of commentary and review. Haley, Brett (2026). People we meet on vacation [Movie poster]. Movie poster courtesy of 3000 Pictures and Temple Hill Entertainment. Made by Adilyn Hoop using Canva.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/vacay1.png)
![Lockhart, E. (2025). We fell apart [Book cover]. Delacorte Press. Image used under fair use for purposes of commentary and review. The newest book in the “We were liars” collection was released Nov. 4.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/wefell1.png)
![A Group of PEOPEL PE students and helpers set up an obstacle course during class. The “Amazing Race” unit had started in PEOPEL PE where the students and helpers got to compete in a variety of different activities and games. “We try our best to make [inclusion] a school-wide event, but it's just so much more different when you actually engage with the students hands-on and actually get to know them as people.” Sophomore Bree Christensen said. Photo Taken by Ada McNulty.](https://ahstalonnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/unnamed-12-1200x900.jpg)
This year, Ankeny has had many sports moments that have brought fans together, and the most memorable was the volleyball matches against Centennial. Both matches featured top-ranked players and long-time coaches. So many students, parents, and other people came to the games. They bring joy and fun to people, and it also has a ton of support from so many people.
“Sports rivalries in a community bring camaraderie and support from everyone on both sides of the rivalry,” boys basketball head coach Brandt Carlson said.
Sports rivalries are at the top of the crop when it comes to heated games, matches, or events. According to ESPN, High School Athletics have reached an all-time high in participation. The number of student-athletes in the United States is 8.26 million.
High school athlete numbers have skyrocketed over the past year, and participation in sports can help people in many ways. People who come to the games are expected to have high energy and be loud as they show their support. They also enjoy watching the high-stakes rivalry games and playoff games as well.
“Fans watch on Friday nights. Many fans show up at our football games when they could watch livestreams instead,” Ankeny athletic director Mike Bakker said.
The main reason fans come is because of the fun they get to have watching the games and interacting with other fans. Along with getting to watch half-time entertainment with the marching band.
“I would argue that our two student bodies are among the best in the State, if not THE
best. Look at our fan support at state volleyball, basketball, football, etc. I know I don’t take that for granted, and I know our athletes don’t either,” Ankeny Centennial Activities Director Nate Lingren said.
High school sports fans love sports because it brings entertainment and excitement to their days, and the students are always electric. The athletic directors, especially the Ankeny Centennial athletic director, speak highly of the fans. They bring unity between the players, coaches, and fans, allowing for more fun and experiences that some people may not get to experience if they weren’t a part of the team.
“Being involved at the team level naturally builds unity towards a shared
goal,” Lingren said.
Unity is a key part of athletics; it helps bring people closer together. That unity brings people together to get hyped up and excited for different sporting events.
“Students and their families take great pride in their schools. That means wearing school clothes, getting logos painted on their driveways, and showing up to support their teams,” Bakker said.
Pride in sports is huge, and it may motivate athletes to fight for a bigger cause. High school athletics are a key part of a lot of communities. Signing days allow for student-athletes to move into their next chapter of life and go into a new part of their career.
“At Ankeny Centennial, I think of the endless college signing days our kids have going on to play at the next level,” Lingren said.
Signing days for athletes mark a new chapter in their lives. Sports bring new friends and new mentors, including coaches and trainers. Those people are essential to a team’s success and players’ morale.
“To me, sports are about being with friends and teammates and working towards a common goal. Sports is ultimately about achieving and overachieving,” Bakker said.
