Ryan Wieneke has spent a lot of time in gymnasiums and on baseball diamonds in Seymour over the past several years.
He began playing both sports at an early age.
“I’ve enjoyed the teammates and all the friends that I’ve made throughout the years,” he said. “Even kids from other teams, you become friends with them. It’s just another side of people when you’re on the court versus when you’re off it. You get to see their competitive side, and it’s always fun.
“The support you get from the school and the community is all great. You can’t replace the feeling when you’re out there playing.”
In basketball, Wieneke started junior varsity his freshman year and dressed varsity.
He started several varsity games as a sophomore and was a full-time varsity starter the past two seasons.
“I played the ‘4’ position the last two years,” Wieneke said. “I could post up, but mainly I was going back-and-forth from the wing to the post, wherever they needed me. I preferred the block mainly. I wasn’t that skilled of a ball handler. I liked getting underneath.”
He said he liked shooting 3-pointers whenever he got the open shot.
“I liked playing against man because it was easier to get inside the paint to create for your teammates,” he said.
His high-point games were 20 against Edinburgh and 18 against Bedford North Lawrence, both this season.
This spring will be Wieneke’s third year as a varsity starter in baseball, and he said he is looking forward to doing a lot of pitching. When he’s not on the mound, Wieneke said he prefers to play third base.
He has played in the infield and outfield in the past.
“I would rather be on the mound and in control of the game,” Wieneke said. “I have a fastball, a curveball and a change-up. I’m not going to overpower anyone with my velocity, but I will throw strikes, and that is why I’m successful. I like keeping the ball outside, and if they make contact, hopefully, it’s going to be a short grounder to the right side.”
Wieneke said it is definitely important to get ahead in the count.
“If you get behind, some people begin to worry or get stressed,” he said. “You’ve just got to stay composed.”
When he goes up to bat, Wieneke said he goes with the pitch, and if he is called to bunt, he said he feels confident doing that.
Wieneke looks forward to the start of the season with a core senior group.
“We just have to play together,” Wieneke said. “If we play together, we can be very successful. We want to win conference. We lost in the championship game of the sectional last year, so we definitely want to get there again.”
Wieneke attributes success to practicing and having a strong mental outlook in both sports.
“Practice is very important,” he said. “If you miss a day here or there, you’re going to be behind. You’ve got to make sure you’re always giving your best.
“You definitely have to have a positive attitude and knowing that your teammates are going to have your back no matter what. That definitely helps a lot to boost your confidence, just the camaraderie on the team, and you have to be positive.”
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Name: Ryan Wieneke
Parents: Matt and Lisa Wieneke
Siblings: Mackenzie, Reid
Sports: Basketball, four years; baseball, four years
Athletics honors: In basketball, defensive player of the year
Organizations: Student Government, Student Athletic Board, dance marathon committee
Plans after high school: Attend Franklin College
Favorite food: Chicken Alfredo
Favorite TV show: “Friends”
Favorite singer: Luke Bryan
Favorite movie: “Lone Survivor”
Favorite team: Indiana University
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Q: What’s it like attending SHS?
A: “The teachers are great, and with my friends here, there is nothing like it. I’m definitely lucky to get to play on the baseball and basketball teams. There is definitely a lot of opportunities.”
Q: What’s the best part of playing on your home diamond?
A: “We have a great field out there. Coach (Jeremy) Richey has made a lot of improvements. We’re lucky to play there.”
Q: What’s your favorite away basketball gym?
Q: “Brownstown, The Pit. It was just a different feeling. It’s just like the fans are on top of you.”
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