Hillman High School has hired Jason Weiland as head varsity softball coach.

Weiland took over for Ken Rundell, who coached varsity softball for seven years finished his career 144-69-2 and was a district and regional Coach of the Year. During Rundell’s tenure, he accumulated three conference championships, two district titles, and two regionals.

Weiland, a 1996 Hillman graduate, comes in with a variety of experience dating back to his playing days as a member of the 1994 state champion and 1995 state runner-up baseball teams. Weiland brings in an extensive background as an assistant varsity baseball and softball coach at Hillman High School for six and five years, respectively. He also led the junior varsity softball program for five years and has coached the Alpena ThunderCats.

“Jason’s background will help him transition into the varsity position well,” Eric Muszynski, Hillman athletic director, said. “He has some familiarity with the girls through being an assistant and JV coach here in Hillman, and we look forward to a good season. Coach has brought in a nice staff which should give the program good balance”

“I am honored to be selected as the Hillman varsity softball coach,” Weiland said. “I look forward to giving my personal best, sharing my passion, and pushing the student-athletes to reach their maximum potential. I am very excited for the upcoming season.”

Hillman is off to a great start with a few weather cancellations but sit at 3-1.

WILDCAT BASEBALL WINS TWO

The Alpena High School Wildcats baseball team improved to 6-3 Thursday night after topping Harbor Springs by a scores of 2-1 and 15-1 in a doubleheader at Harbor Springs.

Coach Eric Mackenzie said that, in the first game, Caleb McEwen and Conner Cameron both pitched well. McEwen got the win, striking out five and walking three. Cameron threw three two-for-three innings in relief and struck out four. Grant Jarema and Jon Rensberry each had an RBI.

Mackenzie said that, in the second game, Kaleb Donjakowski took the win for Alpena, throwing two two-for-three innings, striking out five and walking three.

Brady Chapman and Michael Kreis pitched well in relief.

At bat, McEwen led, going three-for-four.

WILDCATS SOCCER FALLS 2-1

The Alpena High School girls soccer team fell to Cadillac 2-1 on Thursday night.

Coach Gregg Supiran everyone played well and got a lot of opportunities to score, but just couldn’t capitalize enough to pull out a victory.

Alpena’s only goal came from Faith Drageivicz, with the assist from Kelsey Mousseau.

The Wildcats fell to 2-2-1 after the loss.

HILLMAN, ALCONA SPLIT IN DOUBLEHEADER

Hillman High School’s and Alcona High School’s baseball teams each took home a win in a doubleheader on Thursday night at Alcona High.

In the first game, Alcona had 10 runs to Hillman’s 2.

In the second game, Hillman had 13 runs to Alcona’s 5.

Hillman’s Trenton Taratuta had two home runs on the night.

HILLMAN SOFTBALL BESTS ALCONA

Hillman High School’s varsity softball team topped Alcona High School 12-2 and 21-6 in a doubleheader on Thursday.

Head Coach Jason Weiland said Hillman made a strong offensive appearance.

Gretchen Weiland went three-for-four and Nicole Barbeau and Cassidy Benac also collected hits for Hillman. Gretchen Weiland earned the win in the circle, allowing two hits in five innings.

In the second game, multiple Hillman players collected hits and scored runs. Barbeau had a home run while Benac, Hannah Crane, Sydney Klein, Brooke Linseman, and Aubrey Weiland each collected multiple hits for Hillman. Gretchen Weiland earned the win in the circle, pitching three innings and Barbeau appearing in the bottom of the third to relieve Weiland.