Riley Miller
School: Hempfield
Class: Senior
Sport: Softball
Claim to fame: Miller, a Kent State commit who has more than 500 career strikeouts, led No. 2-ranked Hempfield (19-1, 15-1 Class 6A) to a crisp, 1-0 victory over No. 1 Seneca Valley and the program’s 32nd section championship. The right-hander allowed one hit and struck out six to out-duel Raiders’ star Lexie Hames and avenge a 2-1 loss from earlier in the season.
Miller also tossed a one-hitter in a 6-0 win over Norwin.
She is 15-1 with a 0.49 ERA, 125 strikeouts and 14 walks in 85 1/3 innings. She is hitting .439 with four home runs and 16 RBIs.
Hempfield earned the No. 1 seed in the WPIAL 6A tournament and has a bye into the semifinals.
What was it like to get the win against Seneca Valley?
It was super exciting to get the win, and I think it was really good for us as we go into playoffs.
How did the team get focused on the matchup, which had been postponed twice before?
We really focused on hitting. Our goal was to get the strikeouts down and get more balls in play.
What has been working well for you in the circle?
I think my mix of pitches is really working this year. Working every part of the zone has been a key factor for me as well.
Do you consider Lexie Hames your best pitching rival?
Yes.
Do you feed off each other?
Yes, in the bigger games especially.
Do you expect to see Seneca Valley again in the WPIAL final?
Yes.
How does Hempfield avoid another semifinal upset exit like what happened last year against Norwin?
We’re going to focus on the game at hand instead of looking into the future and getting ahead of ourselves.
Who was your favorite Hempfield pitcher to watch when you were growing up?
Morgan Ryan.
What makes this Hempfield team so good?
I would say our chemistry. We are all best friends, and we get along so well. It makes playing with the girls so easy and so much fun.
What will it take to win another WPIAL title?
We have to keep our bats going. That is definitely the biggest key to our success.
How much do you want to get back to the PIAA playoffs?
I would love to get back to the PIAA playoffs.
Have you added any new pitches or worked on perfecting any you already had?
I added a traditional curveball at the beginning of this year, and I’m always working to better my drop-curve.
What does it mean to you to be mentioned among some of Hempfield’s great pitchers?
It is really exciting to hear. It makes me feel like all my hard work has paid off.
People would be surprised to know I ______?
I am very shy.
Did you get to tell legendary coach Bob Kalp Happy 80th Birthday?
I did not get the chance to. I wish I had.
Why do you wear No. 12?
Honestly, I’m not really sure. It was my first jersey number, and it just stuck ever since.
How is Kent State doing this season?
Not the best. They have their moments, but this is definitely a building year for them.
What are some of your hobbies?
I love to play spikeball.
What TV shows have you binge-watched?
I am waiting for all the next seasons of the shows I have watched to come out, but one is “The Summer I Turned Pretty.”
What is a guilty pleasure of yours?
Online shopping.
What other sport are you secretly good at?
Volleyball.
Who is your No. 1 fan?
My grandfather, 100%.
Who will be the Steelers’ starting quarterback next year?
Aaron Rodgers.
Ryan Schiller
School: Norwin
Class: Senior
Sport: Track and Field
Claim to Fame: The senior helped the Norwin boys to their first WPIAL track and field championship since 1977. Schiller won both hurdle events (110 and 300 meters) and helped lead the Knights to the Class 3A title. The boys edged North Allegheny, 78-72, and Butler, 77-73, and knocked off Mt. Lebanon, 118 1/3-33 2/3.
You said a few weeks ago your goal was to help lead the team to a title. What were your emotions when you learned you achieved that goal?
I could not have been happier because it was a goal for both teams. It was an awesome feeling to finally win the title.
I hear you made a bet with some that Norwin was going to win boys and girls. Did that person pay off the bet yet?
No, not yet. But he’s going to.
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Now that you have reached the team goal, what are the goals now?
To win WPIALs individually and go to PIAAs in the 400- and 1,600-meter relay teams. We shattered the 400-meter relay record, and I think we have a good chance of winning.
Did you compete in any other event at the team championship?
Both relays (400 and 1,600).
People would be surprised to know that I’m good at ________ event?
The long jump. I jumped 21 feet, 6 inches earlier this season.
What do you like the most about running track?
At Norwin, the environment. Team bond and wanting to go to practice improving.
What position did you play in soccer?
Right back. I had to be a communicator and make sure people were in the right places. I was an attacker until my junior year.
I plan to compete in what sport in college?
Track.
Have you picked a college yet?
I am undecided.
What do you want from the college you pick?
Honestly, an amazing team bond, team chemistry and good coaches that will make me better. I have my eye on business administration.
People would be surprised that I _______?
Go to Wing Stop before a meet.
My favorite thing I like to do away from the track is _______?
Hanging with my friends.
How did you celebrate the WPIAL title?
We went a friend’s house, sat in a hot tub and ate Crumbl cookies.
Where do you and your teammates go for a snack after a meet or practice? What do you get?
My premeal the day before a meet is I go to Wing Stop with Danial Maddock. We get wings, either barbecue, hot honey, mild or buffalo. During the offseason we go to Chipotle. Chicken bowl with a burrito.
Your favorite meal my mom or dad make is?
Tacos.
My favorite vacation spot is?
Punta Canta.
I would like to visit some day?
Brazil.
The Steelers quarterback this year will be?
For starters, Mason Rudolph.
Who is your favorite athlete?
LeBron James.
Do you have a favorite sports team?
Seattle Seahawks.
Who is your biggest fan?
My family (mom, dad, brother and grandparents).
Have you met someone famous?
Yes. Antonio Brown and Jason Grilli. I met Jason at the Scholar-Athlete banquet this week, and he was funny.
What type of movies do you like?
Depends on the night. Mainly comedy. My favorite is “White Chicks.”
What type of music do you listen to?
I listen to rap pregame. When I want to relax I like to listen to R&B.
If you could have lunch or dinner with someone famous or someone special, who would it be and what would you talk about?
My mom’s deceased brother, Casey (Fitzgibbon). I would have loved to see how similar we are and what we have in common. He was not around for too long of my life but according to my family he was also a great athlete and person, so I think a lot of who I am came from him.