Sports

Razorbacks complete homestand sweep against Charlotte

Published

1 year ago

March 2, 2025

Grant Merrill

(PHOTO: University of Arkansas Sports Information)

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Parker Coil’s immaculate inning in the eighth and Logan Maxwell’s walk-off RBI single in the ninth punctuated No. 4 Arkansas’ 4-3 series-sweeping win against Charlotte (4-6) Sunday afternoon at Baum-Walker Stadium.

With the win, the Razorbacks improved to 10-1 overall on the year, their best 11-game start to a campaign since 2021, and their ninth 10-1 or better start to a season since Dave Van Horn’s first as head coach in 2003. Sunday’s win clinched Arkansas’ second weekend series sweep of the year following its Opening Weekend sweep against Washington State.

Arkansas has won 31 consecutive non-conference home weekend series, a streak dating back to the start of the 2015 campaign. The Razorbacks have not lost or tied a non-conference regular season weekend series inside the friendly confines of Baum-Walker Stadium since 2014, when Arkansas lost two-of-three games to South Alabama.

Maxwell’s walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth capped his three-hit day at the plate. The Razorback outfielder, who finished Sunday’s contest 3-for-5 with an RBI, raised his season slash line to .323/.421/.516 in eight games on the year.

With the game tied at three apiece entering the bottom half of the ninth, Nolan Souza’s leadoff single set the table for Maxwell’s walk-off heroics. After Souza’s single, Ryder Helfrick drew a full count walk and Cam Kozeal, who entered as pinch hitter, singled to second base, bringing Wehiwa Aloy to the plate with the bases loaded and no outs.

The Razorback shortstop, who went 1-for-5 to extend his team-leading reached base streak to 11 games, lined out hard to third base, but Maxwell, the very next batter, made sure the opportunity would not go to waste. He hammered the first pitch he saw into left center, scoring Souza from third to seal Arkansas’ 4-3 series-sweeping win against Charlotte.

Before Maxwell played hero, Razorback starter Landon Beidelschies turned in the team’s first quality start of the season. The left-hander twirled 6.1 innings of one-run ball, striking out seven while allowing four hits and issuing just one walk.

Kuhio Aloy provided Beidelschies with early run support, collecting RBI single in the third inning to put Arkansas ahead, 1-0. Aloy finished the game 2-for-4 at the plate, picking up his team-leading fifth multi-hit effort of the year, extending his team-leading hitting streak to eight games and moving his team-leading season slash line to .556/.636/1.185.

Rocco Peppi chipped in an RBI in the bottom of the sixth on a sacrifice fly to right, growing the Razorbacks’ advantage to 2-0. Charlotte’s only damage against Beidelschies came in the seventh on a leadoff solo home run, but Arkansas re-extended its lead to two in the bottom half of the inning when Helfrick scored on a wild pitch.

Coil took over in relief of Beidelschies and worked 1.2 shutout innings with four strikeouts. In the eighth, the left-hander recorded an immaculate inning with nine pitches and nine strikes for three strikeouts, punching out the first two batters looking on six total pitches before fanning 49ers’ two-hole hitter Dawson Bryce on three pitches – all swinging.

When Coil departed after his immaculate inning, Charlotte broke through Arkansas closer Christian Foutch in the ninth with a pair of runs to knot the game at three. Veteran Will McEntire emerged from the bullpen, however, to prevent the 49ers from doing more damage, recording three outs, including a strikeout, on nine pitches and earning his first win.

Up next, the Razorbacks embark on their first five-game week of the year. Arkansas first plays host to ULM for a double midweek on March 4-5 before welcoming in Portland on March 7-9 for the final non-conference weekend series of the regular season at Baum-Walker Stadium.

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Featured

SouthArk’s Kenner Lauterbach Earns NJCAA All-American Honors

Published

1 month ago

June 17, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

EL DORADO, Ark. — South Arkansas College sophomore third baseman Kenner Lauterbach has been named an NJCAA Division II Baseball Honorable Mention All-American following a standout season for the Stars.

Lauterbach, a native of Benton, Louisiana, completed his junior-college eligibility after serving as a two-year starter for SouthArk.

During his sophomore campaign, Lauterbach posted a .479 batting average, ranking second nationally among players with at least 100 at-bats.

His performance helped lead SouthArk to a 38-17 record during the season.

Lauterbach becomes the second athlete in South Arkansas College history to earn NJCAA All-American recognition.

He joins former SouthArk teammate Justin Szymanski, who received the same honorable mention distinction last year after completing his junior-college eligibility with the Stars.

The recognition adds another milestone for the SouthArk baseball program as it continues building its presence on the national junior-college stage.

News

Calling the Hogs Event Draws Strong Crowd in El Dorado

Published

2 months ago

June 5, 2026

J.W. Misenheimer

EL DORADO, Ark. — Razorback fans and community supporters packed the First Financial Music Hall at the Murphy Arts District Thursday evening for Calling The Hogs – Stories from the Booth, an event that brought together Arkansas sports stories, dinner, fellowship and fundraising.

The evening featured Chuck Barrett, the well-known voice of the Arkansas Razorbacks, who shared stories from his years behind the microphone and offered guests an inside look at some of the most memorable moments in Arkansas sports. Longtime Arkansas broadcaster and storyteller Rex Nelson served as Master of Ceremonies, helping guide the evening with humor, insight and plenty of Hog spirit.

The catered event, with dinner provided by Madhouse 101, drew a strong turnout, with venue tables filled throughout the evening. In addition to the program, guests also took part in an auction, where every auction item was sold.

Organizers said the event was a great success, bringing together Razorback fans, local supporters and community members for an evening centered on storytelling, sports nostalgia and South Arkansas hospitality.

Watch a quick highlight from the event!

Sports

Magnolia High School Names New Baseball Coach

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2026

Grant Merrill

MAGNOLIA — The Magnolia School District has announced the promotion of Jacob Richardson as the new head baseball coach at Magnolia High School.

Richardson takes over the Panther baseball program after serving as an assistant coach and helping guide Magnolia to a berth in the Class 4A State Semifinals during the 2026 season.

The new head coach brings seven years of coaching experience to the position, including stops at Southern Arkansas University, England High School and the Academies of West Memphis. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Southern Arkansas University in 2018 and completed a Master of Science degree in 2022.

Richardson is no stranger to success on the baseball field. As a player at Southern Arkansas University, he was named an All-American and the Great American Conference Player of the Year in 2018. As a coach, he helped lead England High School to the Class 2A State Semifinals in 2021 and was selected as head coach of the East All-Stars in the Arkansas Activities Association All-Star Game in 2024.

Richardson said Magnolia’s tradition and community support made the opportunity especially meaningful.

“Magnolia Panther Baseball has a rich tradition built by the leadership of great coaches, strong administrative and community support, and exceptional talent,” Richardson said. “Although Magnolia is not my hometown, it has always felt that way. I am a Mulerider, and I am a Panther.”

He said the pride surrounding Magnolia athletics was evident from the moment he arrived on campus.

“From the first time I stepped on campus, I could see the pride the students, staff, and community take in wearing the Panther red,” Richardson said. “I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead Magnolia Panther Baseball and make a positive impact in the lives of young men through the game of baseball.”

Richardson inherits a program coming off a strong season and said his goal is to continue building on the foundation established by previous coaches.

“We return a very talented group for 2027 that fell just short in 2026,” Richardson said. “Our goal is to build on that momentum and compete for a state championship. Long term, we want our program to be known for winning championships, building relationships, and earning high academic honors in the classroom.”

He also emphasized the culture he hopes to establish within the program.

“Attitude and effort are the two absolutes in our program,” Richardson said. “We want our student-athletes to be disciplined, respectful, hardworking individuals both in competition and in the classroom.”

Outside of coaching, Richardson enjoys golf, bow hunting, fishing and maintaining Magnolia’s athletic facilities. He and his wife, Haley, a dentist in El Dorado and fellow Southern Arkansas University graduate, welcomed their daughter, Anniston, in January 2026. The family also includes their Australian Shepherd, Millie.

School officials said they look forward to the continued growth and success of Magnolia Panther Baseball under Richardson’s leadership as the program pursues its goal of competing for future state championships.

Sports

Camden Fairview Head Baseball Coach Announces Departure

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2026

Grant Merrill

CAMDEN — Camden Fairview High School Head Baseball Coach and Head Golf Coach Austin May has announced he is stepping away from his positions after two years with the district.

In a message shared with the Camden Fairview community, May said the decision came after “much thought and prayer” as he prepares to accept a new opportunity.

May reflected on his time at Camden Fairview, describing the experience as one that created lasting memories and relationships.

“Camden Fairview welcomed me from day one, and I am incredibly grateful for the support shown to me and our student-athletes,” May wrote.

During his tenure, the Cardinals baseball program experienced significant success. May noted that the team’s accomplishments included qualifying for the state tournament, earning a second-place finish in conference play and competing at a high level throughout the season. The Cardinals advanced to the conference tournament championship game and earned a berth in the state tournament, where they battled to the end against the eventual state champions in a closely contested 2-1 loss.

While proud of the team’s on-field achievements, May said the relationships built with student-athletes were the most rewarding part of his time at Camden Fairview.

“I am even more proud of the young men who represented Camden Fairview with character, toughness, and pride,” May said. “Championships and wins are important, but the relationships built, lessons learned, and growth of our student-athletes will always mean the most to me.”

May expressed gratitude to players, parents, fellow coaches, teachers, administrators, staff members and supporters for their encouragement and commitment to Camden Fairview athletics.

He said he believes he is leaving the program in a stronger position than when he arrived and offered his best wishes for the future success of all Camden Fairview athletic programs.

“Thank you for two unforgettable and memorable years,” May wrote.

The school district has not yet announced plans for filling the coaching vacancies.

Sports

GAC Baseball, Softball Championships Set For This Weekend

Published

3 months ago

May 7, 2026

Grant Merrill

Grant Merrill · Commissioner Will Prewitt – Great American Conference

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — Championship season has arrived for the Great American Conference as the league’s baseball and softball postseason tournaments take center stage across Arkansas this weekend.

The GAC Baseball Championship Series begins Thursday at Baswell Field in Russellville, where the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys will host the East Central Tigers in a best two-out-of-three showdown for the conference title and an automatic berth into the NCAA Division II Tournament.

Meanwhile, the GAC Softball Championships begin Thursday in Bentonville with quarterfinal action before shifting to the Tiger Athletic Complex for the semifinals and championship game.

Great American Conference Commissioner Will Prewitt said the baseball championship matchup has all the ingredients for an exciting weekend.

“We have a Cinderella story in East Central,” Prewitt said during an appearance on the River Country Breakfast Show with Grant Merrill. “The number eight seed who hasn’t won a conference championship of any sort since 1972.”

Prewitt noted that East Central battled through the upper bracket by defeating regular season champion and top-seeded Arkansas-Monticello before advancing to the finals.

On the other side, Arkansas Tech rolled through its bracket to earn a spot in the championship series.

“Arkansas Tech swept their way through bracket two,” Prewitt said. “And believe it or not, Arkansas Tech hasn’t won a postseason tournament championship of any sort since the 1984 NAIA District 17.”

Because of those long title droughts, Prewitt said one team will make history this weekend.

“So someone’s going to break a really long streak this weekend,” he said. “Again, it’s fun to have this on campus.”

Prewitt said the atmosphere at Baswell Field is expected to be electric.

“Great crowd last night,” he said. “Expect another close-to-packed house night over at Tech, and the winner goes on to NCAA regional play next week.”

GAC Baseball Championship Series Schedule

Baswell Field – Russellville

Game 1 — Thursday
Game 2 — Friday
Game 3 — Saturday (if necessary)

The series will feature No. 2 seed Arkansas Tech against No. 8 seed East Central.

Softball Championship Begins Thursday in Bentonville

The GAC Softball Championships open Thursday with four quarterfinal contests at the Wolverine Athletic Complex in Bentonville before moving to the Tiger Athletic Complex for Friday’s semifinals and Saturday’s championship game.

Prewitt said the regular season race created plenty of drama heading into postseason play.

“An incredible three-way battle for the conference regular season championship,” he said. “Tech finished a half game ahead of Southern Arkansas.”

Prewitt noted that Southern Arkansas played one fewer game than the other title contenders after severe weather disrupted part of a conference series at Southeastern Oklahoma State.

“We had a game last month down in Durant where storms came through and blew over the backstop at Southeastern,” Prewitt said. “So we couldn’t complete the series, and it ended up having championship implications.”

Despite the unusual circumstances, Prewitt praised Arkansas Tech for earning the regular season crown.

“You have to give Tech all the credit in the world,” he said. “Coach Jones and her team, they’re really balanced, strong pitching staff.”

Arkansas Tech enters the tournament as the top seed after clinching its first regular season conference title since 2022. Southern Arkansas earned the No. 2 seed, followed by Oklahoma Baptist and Harding.