FAYETTEVILLE — Standing on the infield grass, just beside the pitcher’s mound, University of Arkansas baseball Coach Dave Van Horn glanced down at his new merchandise. Tiny lettering read “Super Regional,” and in giant font, “CHAMPS” was centered on the hat. But he didn’t have much time.
Relief pitchers Will McEntire and Dylan Carter, who have been with the program a combined 10 seasons, soaked their coach with an ice bath. Van Horn nodded in approval and then ceremoniously removed his Arkansas hat and put on the new one — keeping his foothold as second among SEC coaches in College World Series appearances (8) since 2003, when he took the job.
The NCAA Fayetteville Super Regional trophy was thrust into Van Horn’s arms faster than he could process it. He lifted and presented it, and then took off the hat to salute the crowd. The Razorbacks had been denied this very moment for the past two seasons, booted in their home regional. They hadn’t clinched the trip to Omaha, Neb., on their home turf in six years.
“A little bit of relief,” Van Horn said Sunday. “The last couple of years been a little tough, losing on your own field.
Arkansas assistant coach Bobby Wernes lingered. But he left the group and jogged to where the dirt meets the outfield, as if he were doing his stutter-step running routine to third base every game without fail as the Hogs’ baserunning coach. His toddler made the long and unsteady walk from right field right into Dad’s arms. Wernes swooped up his kid onto his shoulders
“Think of the early spring when the weather’s, like, crappy and 35 degrees and chilly, and there’s still a ton of people here,” Kozeal said. “We have unbelievable support and it’s so much fun to play in crowds like that and play here at Arkansas.”
Along with giddy encouragement from the team, Ben Bybee waved home Steele Eaves, who threw himself into a shallow part of the pond — “Lake Norm” — beyond the center-field wall at Baum-Walker Stadium. Wehiwa Aloy carried the super regional trophy and led the snake of Razorback players through the grandstands on the first-base side and up onto the concourse. They were met by a raucous, double-sided handshake line of Arkansas fans.
