From the Desk of Hunter Yurachek: April 5
April 5, 2022
Sweet Sixteens and Beyond
What a tremendous time to be a Razorback! Our programs have been on a roll advancing through NCAA competition, while others are holding more than their own in Southeastern Conference play.
Elite Finish
For the first time since the magical 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons, the Razorback men’s basketball team advanced to the Elite Eight for the second straight NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. It is a tremendous accomplishment that demonstrates that the Arkansas Razorbacks have indeed returned to the national stage.
Arkansas was the last SEC team standing, after wins over Vermont, New Mexico State and No. 1 ranked Gonzaga . The Razorbacks became the first team in history to defeat both a regular season No. 1 team (Auburn) and a No. 1 team (Gonzaga) in the NCAA Tournament.
Although the quest for a Final Four ended in a hard-fought battle with Duke in the West Regional Final, there is no question that Coach Eric Musselman, his coaching staff and most importantly our student-athletes have served noticed the Hogs not only can consistently qualify for March Madness, they like to dance!
Postseason Presence
The Razorback women’s basketball team earned a bid to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Coach Mike Neighbors and his team made the Big Dance officially for the second-consecutive season, after also being primed for a bid in the 2019-20 season before the pandemic sidelined the tournament.
After a loss to Utah in the opening round, we said goodbye to fifth-year senior Amber Ramirez, but a talented roster of returning players and newcomers should have us right back in the mix again next season.
Celebrating the GymBacks Sweet Sixteen
Coach Jordyn Wieber and the Razorback gymnastics team made their own run to the Sweet Sixteen. Arkansas outscored Arizona and Arizona State to advance to the NCAA Gymnastics Regional Final at No. 1 Oklahoma. A bid to advance to the NCAA Championships fell just short. However, the momentum of a late-season run will help vault this team into next season.
Our women’s swimming and diving team also represented the Razorbacks at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships. Arkansas finished 28th in the team competition .
Extended Series Streaks
Coach Dave Van Horn and the Razorback Baseball team just keeps on rolling! The Hogs won a pair of games over the defending national champion Mississippi State Bulldogs at Baum-Walker Stadium this past weekend. It marked the 13th consecutive SEC series win for the Razorbacks and the 10th-straight SEC series win at Baum-Walker Stadium.
Arkansas is ranked No. 2 this week in the D1Baseball poll and hosts UCA on Tuesday night before heading to Florida for a Thursday-Saturday series in Gainesville, Florida. Games are set for 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and Noon CT on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, respectively.
Softball Successful on the Road
The No. 9 Arkansas softball team took its winning ways on the road this past weekend. The Razorbacks won two of three games at Ole Miss. Senior Danielle Gibson became the Razorbacks’ all-time RBI leader and Mary Haff hurled a two-hit shoutout on Sunday to lead the Hogs to a series win.
Coach Courtney Deifel and the Razorbacks travel to UCA on Tuesday, before returning home for a series with No. 17 Auburn at Bogle Park. Friday night action begins at 6 p.m. with Saturday’s and Sunday’s games both starting at 1 p.m.
GMA from the Home of the RazorbacksZ
Arkansas alum and co-host of Good Morning America T.J. Holmes will be broadcasting live from the University of Arkansas this Wednesday from 6-10 a.m. Holmes, an Arkansas graduate, will be doing several live segments featuring the University of Arkansas Band, spirit squads, mascots and various Razorback student-athletes. Be sure to tune in to your local ABC affiliate on Wednesday morning!
Mark Your Calendars
A number of special events are coming up at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium including an open Razorback Spring Football practice as part of Wooo Pig Weekend, a Garth Brooks concert and TopGolf. For more information click on each event below.
Wooo Pig Weekend (April 14-17)
Garth Brooks Concert (April 23)
Topgolf Live at DWRRS (May 5-7)
Razorback Family News
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bogle family with the recent passing of Bob Bogle. Bob and the late Marilyn Bogle were longtime supporters of Razorback Athletics and the University of Arkansas.
Also sending condolences to all those who had the privilege to know former Razorback Ticket Manager and Guest Services Director Mark Scobey. Mark retired in 2020 after more than 35 years with the Razorbacks. He passed away late last month.
Additional Updates
Arkansas will be hitting the links in the coming weeks. The men’s team is headed to the Aggie Invitational this weekend while the women’s team will be competing at the SEC Championship in Birmingham, Alabama next weekend.
Best of luck to all our former Razorbacks beginning their professional baseball seasons this week, including nine former Hogs who are expected to start the season on a Major League roster.
The support our Razorback Foundation member and fans provide our student-athletes is paying dividends and will continue to do so in the months to come. Thank You!!
Go Hogs!
Hunter
