It’s game day for the Razorbacks at the 2012 College World Series, and no matter what, they won’t feel too far away from home at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha.
5NEWS Jonathan Huskey shows just how dedicated Hog fans can be.
If there’s any question that Hogs fans love their Razorbacks, just come to Omaha. Arkansas has sold over 14,000 tickets to the College World Series, more than any other school.
There was plenty of Razorback red at TD Ameritrade Park on Saturday.
“It makes you kind of proud seeing all the Hog fans,” said Paul Naegle. “I saw somewhere earlier today that we had sold more tickets than any other school out here, so it’s nice to see all the fans come no matter where they’re from.”
Naegle and a couple of friends drove up from Fort Smith, getting to Omaha early this morning.
“Kind of a once-in-a-lifetime deal,” he said. “You don’t get to do this often, so we’re excited to watch the game."
“The Monday night we won the Super Regional against Baylor, we decided to come up," he added.
Rod Stillwell played shortstop for the 1989 Razorback College World Series team, which lost in the second round to eventual national champion Wichita State.
“I was coming anyway, but when the Razorbacks won the Super Regional, we were more excited,” Stillwell said. “Had to dig out all the old Hog stuff from 23 years ago, and we’re excited to watch them play.”
Stillwell has an immediate connection to the current crop of Razorbacks.
“The immediate memory that I have is that Coach Van Horn was our graduate assistant when I was there, so I’ve kept in touch with him,” he said.
Stillwell says he’s here for the full two weeks no matter what.