OUR Q&A

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Wietholder: My main expectation was that I was going to find a program that fit my criteria. What I didn’t expect tho was all coaches reaching out within a couple day span and I thought it was going to be a slower gradual thing. The main things I was looking for was a program that was halfway close to home, and going to give me an opportunity to have an immediate impact with playing time early on. 

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Wietholder: Yes, it did play a factor because I wanted to be within 4 hours of home but it wasn’t the main decision decider for me. 

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

Wietholder: Before the recruiting rules changes it was slow and I was in contact with a couple of coaches during that time. But after the PBR future games it heated up dramatically and I saw coaches from all over reaching out and showing interest. The PBR future games is where SLU first saw me play at. 

PBR: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Wietholder: I like that SLU is close to home being 2 hours away, as well as them always competing in their conference being at the top in wins, etc. Another thing I like about SLU is that the coaching staff and I both have very close visions and mindsets which all played roles in making the final decision. 

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Weitholder: Indiana State, SIUE and others

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

Weitholder: The best player I’ve faced is Ben Smith (Springfield Catholic, 2023; Missouri signee), and I played against him in the state championship of my freshman year. He had a very good bat that amazed me; paired with a low 90’s arm. Another great player I’ve faced was Jack Nobe (St. Francis Borgia, 2024; Xavier signee) which plays in our conference so we play him a lot. His arm was very good with great movement on his off speed. I really like watching him play just because of the way he carries himself on the field. 

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college-caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Weitholder: The summer before 8th grade was when I realized I would have a chance to play baseball in college. This is always the point when I became serious about my game and started to workout at Big Hitters with Danny Hill more often and became more consistent. 

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Weitholder: I would tell them to focus on being consistent in the cages while developing a routine as well as being present in the weight room often and early. 

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Weitholder: My most memorable baseball moment was winning state my freshman year for the first time in school history.

PBR: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

Weitholder: We have some competitive depth in our lineup with Cam Lee (Father Tolton, 2024; Missouri Western signee), and Will Bretwieser. We also have a pair of good arms in Jake Ryan (Father Tolton, 2024), and Sam Ryan and we are expecting to compete at the highest level possible while playing a very competitive schedule as well. 

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