Senior spotlight: Kiana Weiler in control for Stratford softball team
STRATFORD - Opposing players have learned that they better be ready to swing the bat when facing Kiana Weiler as the Stratford pitcher almost never allows a free pass to the base path.
The Tigers veteran surrendered just two walks in Marawood Conference South Division play last year and just six in the season overall. That control is a reason why Weiler managed a 9-3 record with a 1.90 ERA in conference play. She also had 58 strikeouts in 63 innings.
Weiler, who batted third in the lineup, also had a .462 batting average in the Marawood South and earned first-team all-conference honors.
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She is one of the key returners for a Stratford team coming off a season in which it tied for second with Marawood for second place in the Marawood South and finished with a 17-7 record.
"She has been a key part of our program for four years," Stratford coach Mandy Pankratz said earlier this week. "She shared some innings with Lorrie Luepke in her freshman and sophomore years and they were a nice combination. She shared that role and knew when the time came it would be her full role, and it was last year and will continue to be this year. She is someone who can throw all four of her pitches for strikes and has the trust in the defense behind her."
Weiler, who has been part of the varsity team since her freshman year, recently sat down with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to talk about her stellar junior season, her thought on the Stratford team, and some of her top athletic memories over her career, among other topics.
Looking at your pitching stats from last year, you had some pretty crazy numbers. You allowed two walks in conference play and five or six for the year overall. Has that control always been your strength? Or something you have worked on the past few years?
I am always working on (control). I try to keep the walks low and limited, I just try and stay ahead in the count and control the situation, basically.
What do you enjoy most about pitching and being in that circle and in control of the game in some ways?
Just that you're in every play and it's fun to be in charge of the field in a sense.
What would you say is your top sports memory?
I don't really have a favorite. I just think every moment I'm with the girls is just a fond memory to have.
Is there a pitching performance that sticks out, a game in which you felt you were especially dominant?
I don't remember what year it was, but we played Marathon and it was just a really good game for me and something that I remember.
Do you have a certain nickname which your teammates, friends or family members call you?
None really sticks but last year I had 'K-Swizzle' or just 'Kay.'
Where would your dream vacation be?
Just somewhere warm.
Stratford returns about four starters from last year. What stands out about this group?
Everyone just has their unique personality and we come together. It's just fun to be around everyone and it's easy.
Stratford had a strong season last year and finished just a few games out (of first) in the (Marawood) South. Assumption seems like the favorite again but do you feel this team can compete for the title?
There's always that chance. You never know what's going to happen with other teams. You just kind of go with the flow and hope for the best.
You are one of seven seniors for Stratford. What does that leadership role mean to you?
It means a lot to me. I know I am a quiet leader but the actions show for that. It's fun to kind of teach the younger (players) what to do and show them the ropes so when they get older they can take that and use it.
FAVORITES
Sport: Softball.
Pro or college athlete: Jennie Finch.
Movie: Comedies.
Music: Pop or rap, but I will listen to anything.
TV show:"Impractical Jokers."
App on phone: Snapchat.
Food or meal: Chicken.