On Monday night, the Iowa High School Sports Awards, presented by SCHEELS, honored over 250 Iowa student-athletes. Ankeny boys track and field coach Jordan Mullen and Clear Creek-Amana girls basketball coach PJ Sweeney were recognized as the Boys and Girls Coaches of the Year.
The Boys Team Coach of the Year finalists included Jonathan Rubino of Des Moines Hoover and Gary Swenson of Valley. The Girls Team Coach of the Year finalists were Brett Delaney of Ankeny Centennial and Angela Kessler of Regina.
Under Mullen’s guidance, Ankeny was able to clinch the boys track and field state title this year with a well-rounded team that excelled in sprinting, jumping, distance, and other areas. The team scored 112 points, setting a new record for most points by any boys team in state meet history.
Sweeney led the Clear Creek-Amana girls basketball team to their first-ever Class 4A state title with an undefeated 26-0 season. Known for their strong defense, the Clippers limited opponents and secured victories throughout the season culminating in a dominant performance in the final game. Sweeney’s goal of bringing excitement to girls basketball at CCA has certainly been achieved with three state tournament appearances in five years and now a championship title to their name.
