Dave Van Horn shares excitement to play at home for Regionals

After a grueling SEC regular season and conference championship tournament, it is time that teams turn their attention to the College World Series. One of the teams that earned a regional host bid is the SEC regular season co-champions, Arkansas Razorbacks.

Shortly following the news that Arkansas would be a host team for the 2023 College World Series regional round, skipper Dave Van Horn revealed just how excited he is to play the opening round at home.

“It’s always good to be at home, really. I mean, we’ve been on the road for 11 days straight,” said Van Horn. “And just driving back, once we got in our cars at the airport the other day, it was nice to be here and regroup a little bit. Let these guys have some freedom yesterday, today, and then have team practice the next couple of days. Then a Thursday workout that’s structured time-wise. It’s really good to be able to play a Baum-Walker in front of our fans, who are extremely loyal, and they show up. It ought to be an exciting weekend.”

The Razorbacks had an impressive regular season and finished the year 41-16 and 20-10 in conference play. But teens in the Fayetteville, AR, regional should be concerned with the Razorback’s home record. In 34 all games this season, Arkansas is a staggering 30-4.

Arkansas pitcher Hagen Smith excited to host too

Van Horn wasn’t the only person representing the ball club to express excitement about hosting this year. Star pitcher Hagen Smith also couldn’t contain himself when addressing the opportunity that lays ahead of Arkansas. Smith described the emotion of hosting a regional and a potential Super Regional if the wins continue to stack up. Not many sets of fans in the SEC provide a better home crowd atmosphere, intimidating opposing teams.

“It’s awesome to stay here and be able to host,” Smith said during a Tuesday appearance on SEC Now. “I know our guys love staying here, playing in front of the fans. And I know the fans love coming here and watching us.”

Arkansas lost just four games at home this season, which is part of the reason why the selection committee rewarded head coach Dave Van Horn’s team. Especially considering the caliber of SEC programs to come through Fayetteville, the Hogs and their fans really showed out.

Smith described his favorite part of gameday at Baum-Walker Stadium, really soaking in the pregame atmosphere. Fans are already ready to get the party started before first pitch on Friday against Santa Clara at 2 p.m.

“I think the first thing I like doing is when I drive by to go to the parking lot, I see all the people lined up in the Hog Pen line,” Smith said. “It gets you fired up a little bit going onto the field. And then, I just think having the fans there to support you — they’re out there right now actually, waiting for the regional to start.”