Arkansas Razorback Baseball: Hogs Sweep Zips, Ready for Bama

The No. 5 Arkansas Razorbacks improved to 16-2 on the season after sweeping a two-game series from Gonzaga Wednesday night. The Hogs shutout the Zips 1-0 in game one and followed that victory with a 5-3 win to close out the mid-week matchup.

The Razorbacks have a day off before hosting Alabama to start their SEC schedule.

Alabama comes to Fayetteville in the middle of a down year. The Tide has posted an 8-9 record (7-5 at home, 1-3 away, and 0-1 on a neutral field) with three wins coming against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Bama was swept in their season opener against Florida Atlantic and lost a three-game series to Tulane. They lost single-game series to Oral Roberts, East Carolina, Southern Mississippi, and Auburn (non SEC scheduled game).

Alabama head coach Mitch Gaspard needs a series win against a top team like Arkansas to help turn the season around for the Tide.

Gaspard will turn to his top offensive leaders (Taylor Dugas, Ben Moore, and Jared Reaves) to help take on the Hogs pitching attack.

Senior outfielder Taylor Dugas leads Bama’s offense with a .350 average, seven extra base hits, walks (11), total hits (21), and total bases (29).

Senior outfielder Jared Reaves, a JC transfer from Southern Union, is second on the team with 20 hits and his among the team leaders in RBI (9), batting average (.303), and total bases (27).

Freshman catcher/outfielder Ben Moore (Cullman, Ala.) has been a blessing for Gaspard. Moore is second on the team in batting average (.321), tops in runs scored (13), and second in total bases (28).

Brett Booth (.241) and Kenny Roberts (.227) have been the primary source of run production for Bama. Respectively they have driven in 12 and 10 runs to pace the Tide.

Bama’s pitching has not been a bright spot for the team to date. The team has a 4.59 ERA over 17 games.

To finish reading the Arkansas vs. Alabama SEC baseball preview go to Razorbackers.com! 

What would you like to clarify? Don't forget to sign up for email notifications and as a reader/follower. Follow HogManInLA on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/HogManInLa

Arkansas Razorback Football: Hogs Spring Practice Starts on Wednesday

Who will replace Bequette and Adams?

College football fans despair no more, spring football practices are starting across the country over the next couple of weeks as teams prepare for the 2012 campaign. Arkansas Razorback head coach Bobby Petrino will begin molding his players for the 2012 season starting on Wednesday.

After Petrino led No. 5 Arkansas to an improbable 11-2 season in 2011 capped by beating then BCS No. 8 Kansas State 29-16 in the Cotton Bowl, he now faces higher expectations entering 2012. With uncertainty at key positions who will earn important starting positions during spring practice is the focus of the Arkansas coaching staff as well as the Razorback fans?

The known production of the Tyler Wilson, the Hogs’ defensive line, and core returning offensive linemen has the makings of another 11 plus win for Arkansas. Filling in the gaps left by graduation could prove to be harder than most Razorback fans expect.

New defensive coordinator Paul Haynes had a crash course with his defensive unit the weeks leading up to the Cotton Bowl after the dismissal of former DC Willy Robinson. If Haynes sticks to the type of schemes ran against KSU the Hogs will spend the spring working on blitzing from the linebacker position and stunts by the defensive line; defensive production that was missing under Robinson.

Haynes will have to replace All-SEC middle linebacker Jerry Franklin and outside linebacker Jerrico Nelson. The only sure bet at starter in 2012 is Alonzo Highsmith Jr. starting at outside linebacker unless moved to the middle by the coaching staff to help stop the run.

Early talk has mid-term junior college transfer defensive end Austin Flynn (6’4”, 250 pounds) getting reps at middle linebacker. The Hogs are deep at defensive end with the return of Tank Wright, Chris Smith, and Trey Flowers.

Returning linebackers Braylon Mitchell and Jarrett Lake will get plenty of opportunities to win a starting job this spring.

The Hogs have three highly recruited linebackers coming to school in the fall to help fill any possible depth issues discovered during the spring- A.J. Turner, Otha Peters, and Vin Ascolese. The difference between immediate playing time in the linebacker rotation, action on special teams and redshirting will depend on the readiness of each newcomer come August.

Both safety spots will be scrutinized after the loss of Tramain Thomas and Elton Ford to graduation.

Canadian export Brett Weir was recruited as a safety in 2011. Will his size put him at safety, linebacker, or on the offensive side of the ball?

Where will Ross Rasner play in 2012? He lined up at outside linebacker last season but has the ability to play safety. Filling the greatest need come August will ultimately determine Rasner’s final position.

Petrino added two safeties to his 2012 recruiting class that could see playing time this year- Will Hines and Defonta Lowe.

On the checklist for a successful spring for the Razorbacks will include finding quality receivers to replace the 2,009 receiving yards totaled by Jarius Wright, Joe Adams, and Greg Childs. Added to the pressure of losing that trio is finding a punt returner to fill Adams’ All-American shoes.

Cobi Hamilton will be counted on as the lead receiver for the Hogs. All he will have to do is replicate what Jarius Wright did when Wright led the SEC in receiving yards (1,117) and receiving touchdowns (12).  

Hamilton has been known more for his big play ability and yards after the catch than his strict route running and sure-fire hands. The big question that will not be answered until the regular season begins is can Hamilton adjust to life in the SEC as a No. 1 receiver?

He has the size, speed, and ability to do it. Within Petrino’s offense Hamilton could be poised for an All-SEC season next fall.

After Hamilton, Petrino has so many wide receiver prospects to choose from it is hard to know where to start. Javontee Herndon had the most in-game experience when he added eight catches for 137 yards last year. His 17.1 yards per catch average was tops on the team. Julian Horton and Marquel Wade both earned game time in 2011 as well.

Wade’s speed and field vision could help Hog fans recover from the loss of Adams on special teams. Wide receiver Keante Minor is another speedster that will get a chance to return punts for Petrino.

Quinta Funderburk, Davyon McKinney, Kane Whitehurst, and Maurdecus Humphrey are all capable of earning playing time with their efforts in the spring. New comers Keon Hatcher, Eric Hawkins, Mekale McKay, D’Arthur Cowan, and junior college transfer Demetrius Wilson will add more competition to an already talented squad in August.

McKay 6’6” and Wilson 6’3” have the size and speed to become the next Greg Childs kind of receiver. Childs and former Razorback quarterback Ryan Mallett played jump ball in the corner of the end zone before Childs’ injury in 2010. McKay and Wilson could add that red zone threat missing last year.

The warm feeling of knowing Tyler Wilson is back under center has to allow Petrino a full night’s rest. Also knowing he has three starters returning in the backfield between Ronnie Wingo, Jr., Dennis Johnson, and All-SEC running back Knile Davis should bring a smile to his face while he sleeps.

The only thing that could possibly derail Petrino’s running attack is the growth of true sophomore linemen Mitch Smoothers and Brey Cook. Both players will have to replace graduating seniors Grant Cook and Grant Freeman.

Cook and Smoothers both saw extensive playing time early in the 2011 season. Losing a redshirt on both players may cost the Hogs in the long run but what the team gains from their game experience should pay dividends early in the 2012 season. That experience and a quick start to the Hogs running game could be the difference between a SEC Championship game berth or just another great season for the Razorback football team.

The Hogs will take the field for 14 practices before playing their Red-White game on April 21. 

For more Arkansas Razorback sports information check out Razorbackers.com!

What would you like to clarify? Don't forget to sign up for email notifications and as a reader/follower. Follow HogManInLA on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/HogManInLa

Arkansas Sports News Updates

After Sylvan Hills senior guard Archie Goodwin was picked to be one of 10 players on the Junior National Select Team on Friday, he followed that up with a MVP performance in the 5A state championship win over Little Rock Mills on Saturday.

Goodwin, a signee with University of Kentucky in November, scored 27 points in the championship game and ended his prep career with a dunk.

Sylvan Hills made it to the 5A championship game in 2011 but lost to Alma.

This is the first state championship for the Bears.

Not a bad weekend for Mr. Goodwin.

Let the Madness begin!

Several teams have been upset on their way to the NCAA Tournament. The biggest team to be knocked off was No. 1 Kentucky by Vanderbilt (71-64).

How the rest faired:

No. 4 UNC lost to No. 17 FSU 85-82, FSU beat No. 6 Duke 62-59 on Saturday

Unranked Colorado won the Pac-12 championship in their first year as a member

No. 18 San Diego State was upset in the MWC Tournament by New Mexico 68-59

Unranked Louisville beat unranked Cincinnati 50-44 to win the Big East Tournament

Cincinnati beat No. 2 Syracuse 71-68 on Friday

Unranked St. Bonaventure beat unranked UMass in the A-10 Tournament- No. 21 Temple was knocked out of the tourney by UMass on Friday

Lamar won the Southland Conference Tournament marking the first time a Pat Knight team has made it to the Big Dance. Only 27 appearances left to tie his father, Bob Knight.

Closed Spring Practices for Red Wolves

New ASU head coach Gus Malzahn has closed spring practice to the public and media as he prepares his group for Sun Belt Conference play. The only game that will be open to the public is the spring game on April 14 at 1:00 p.m. CST.

Spring practices begin Wednesday at 7:30 a.m.

Arkansas vs. Missouri, Petrino is game

At the West Memphis Razorback Club Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino said he was all for the Razorbacks playing Missouri as their permanent SEC East opponent.

The strategy for the Boss Hog makes sense; the Hogs have slowly made headway into Missouri recruiting waters since Petrino took over as head coach. Being able to beat the Tigers on the field can only help the Razorbacks beat Missouri for in-state talent on National Signing Day.

Aaron Ross Commits to Texas Tech

2011 Arkansas Razorback signee Aaron Ross committed to Texas Tech last week. The 6’7”, 220-pound forward played for St. John’s Academy in Wisconsin after academic issues did not allow him to play for the Hogs.

Ross is the second Arkansas product headed to Tech to play for head coach Billy Gillispie, a near Razorback head coach before he took the Kentucky Wildcats job in 2007. Pulaski Academy guard Dusty Hannahs, 6’0”, 165 pounds (2-star per Scout.com) signed with Tech in November. 

View more Arkansas Razorback sports information at Razorbackers.com! 

What would you like to clarify? Don't forget to sign up for email notifications and as a reader/follower. Follow HogManInLA on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/HogManInLa

Arkansas Razorback Baseball: Hogs Sweep Binghamton

The Arkansas Razorbacks improved to 12-2 on the season after taking a three-game series sweep of Binghamton (0-6). The Hogs completed a double header Saturday winning both games- 5-3, 6-0.

D.J. Baxendale took the mound for the Hogs in the first game on Saturday throwing 5.0 innings, striking out three, walked one, and gave up three runs, two earned. Baxendale earned his third win of the season and his seventh straight dating back to the 2011 season.

Relief pitcher Brandon Moore completed four innings of work to earn his first save of the season. He only allowed one hit while striking out five.

Arkansas Head Coach Dave Van Horn’s move of second baseman/shortstop Tim Carver to the top of the order has continued to pay dividends for the Hogs’ offense. Carver went 2-4 with two doubles, and two runs in the opening game on Saturday.

Carver’s first inning double became a RBI for third baseman Matt Reynolds when Reynolds hit his third homerun of the season to give the Hogs an early 2-1 lead.

Left fielder Sam Bates (5) and right fielder Jimmy Bosco (2) both went yard for the Hogs in game two of the Bearcats series.

In Saturday’s second game Randall Fant earned his first win of the season when he shutdown Binghamton for six innings allowing no earned runs while scattering four hits. Four relievers combined to throw three scoreless innings to preserve the Razorback sweep- Ty Wright, Colby Suggs, Michael Gunn, and Barrett Astin.

Carver extended his hitting streak to 13 games in the series finale. He also stole his eighth base of the season and picked up his 12th run scored on the year.

Left fielder Joe Serrano and second baseman Bo Bingham both collected two hits in pacing the Hogs’ to eight total hits in game three of the series.

Dominic Ficociello was back at first base for the Hogs after sitting out the early day game. Fic went 1-3 with a run scored and 13 putouts on the field without an error.  

The Bearcats pitching became erratic in the final game when two pitchers (Lambert and Palumbo) hit three different Razorback players a total of four times- Carver (2), Brian Anderson, and Jacob Morris.

The Hogs opened the first three games of their 10-game home stand by shutting out the Bearcats twice.

Arkansas takes on Gonzaga March 13-14 before starting conference play against Alabama March 16-18. 

Check out Razorbackers.com for more Arkansas Razorback information! 

What would you like to clarify? Don't forget to sign up for email notifications and as a reader/follower. Follow HogManInLA on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/HogManInLa

NFL Draft: Greg Childs Impresses at Arkansas Pro Day

Former Arkansas Razorback wide receiver Greg Childs continued to show healthy improvement on his injured knee from the end of the Hogs 2011 regular season through the NFL draft combine to Arkansas’ Pro Day.

Childs improved his forty-yard scout combine run of 4.55 to 4.41 in front of NFL scouts Tuesday in Fayetteville. His forty-time would have tied him for seventh best at the combine, the same time as former Baylor quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III.

Childs, listed at 6’3”, 219 pound, recorded a long jump of 10’7” at the pro day, besting his 10’5” at the combine, which would have tied him for sixth best among all players. His 40.5” vertical jump would have been the second best during the Feb. 22-28 event.

Childs benched 225 pounds 19 times placing him sixth best among all receivers at the combine. He graded out at 53.5 put in one week’s time has shown improvement in all areas. Some NFL team will take notice.

All-American punt returner Joe Adams tried to improve upon his 4.55 forty-yard dash at the combine but ran the same time at 4.55. He graded out at an 82.5 in front of scouts in Indianapolis.

The 2011 Arkansas Razorback media guide listed Adams at 5’11” 190 pounds. At the combine he weighed 179 pounds. He projects to be a slot receiver at the next level so being undersized is not as big of an issue. The big question is will the increased weight gain teams will put him through slow his explosiveness on the field in the return game.  

Jarius Wright turned in a top 10 performance in the shuttle 20-yard shuttle run during the combine at a timed 4.03. His 4.42 forty-yard dash run was tied for 14th best among all athletes and 9th best among wide receivers. His impressive display of speed and agility during the combine allowed him to sit out of speed drills Tuesday.

Wright graded out at 68.7 during the combine. His speed and quickness are a noted plus as a slot receiver at the next level, his strength off press coverage and ability to sustain blocks worry NFL scouts.

Wright’s vertical jump of 38” was ninth best for his position at the combine.

All receivers participating in receiving drills got help from an old friend. Former Arkansas quarterback and 2011 third round draft pick Ryan Mallett was on hand to throw to his former teammates.

Jake Bequette was a top performer in the three-cone and 20-yard shuttle runs at the combine posting a 6.90 and 4.07 respectively. His 20-yard run was second best among defensive ends (Bruce Irvin, West Virginia, 4.03) while his vertical jump was tied for 11th best (34.0”).

Bequette’s 4.82 40-yard dash was well below his previously listed 4.5 timing. He did not participate in speed drills during the pro day. Reports are he will hold a private workout for scouts in the upcoming weeks.

Recording a grade of 53.7 at the combine had to be frustrating for the first team All-SEC defensive end. In post season all star games and during his pro day scouts have looked at Bequette as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Bequette’s ability to show scouts he can drop into coverage could be the deciding factor on where he ends up in the draft.

How NFL.com projects the grades of all players regardless of position:

100-96, top pick, future Hall of Fame player

95-85, first round pick, immediate starter

84-70, 2nd to 3rd round pick, eventual starter

69-50, 4th to 7th round pick, draft worthy

49-20, free agent player, not draft worthy

Notable 2012 Combine Grades:

Quarterbacks:

Andrew Luck, Stanford, 97

Robert Griffin III, Baylor, 95

Russell Wilson, Wisconsin, 68.5

Darron Thomas, Oregon, 55.0

Case Keenum, Houston, 53.5

Kellen Moore, Boise State, 51.0

Jordan Jefferson, LSU, 40

Running Backs:

Chris Polk, Washington, 86.0

LaMichael James, Oregon, 78.5

Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M, 75.5

Doug Martin, Boise State, 74.2

Chris Rainey, Florida, 73.7

Fozzy Whittaker, Texas, 51.2

Vick Ballard, Mississippi State, 50.5

Wide Receivers:

Michael Floyd, Notre Dame, 89.5

Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma, 84.0

Tight Ends:

Colby Fleener, Stanford, 85.2

Orson Charles, Georgia, 79.0

Cornerbacks:

Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama, 92.0

Morris Claiborne, LSU, 91.5

Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina, 84.0

Offensive Linemen:

Matt Kalil, Southern California, 94.0

David Decastro, Stanford, 92.5

Cordy Glenn, Georgia, 72.5

Donald Stephenson, Oklahoma, 53.5

Adam Gettis, Iowa, 52.2

Linebackers:

Luke Kuechly, Boston College, 91.0

Dont’a Hightower, Alabama, 85.0

DeMario Davis, Arkansas State, 51.2

Defensive Linemen:

Melvin Ingram, South Carolina, 90.5

Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State, 77.0

Whitney Mercilus, Illinois, 72.5

Safety:

Charles Mitchell, Mississippi State, 54.7

Kelcie McCray, Arkansas State, 51.5

For more college sports news check out http://razorbackers.com/!

What would you like to clarify? Don't forget to sign up for email notifications and as a reader/follower. Follow HogManInLA on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/HogManInLa

Arkansas Baseball: Hogs Prepare for Binghamton after Houston College Classic

http://razorbackers.com/2012/03/06/arkansas-baseball-hogs-prepare-for-binghamton-after-houston-college-classic/


What would you like to clarify? Don't forget to sign up for email notifications and as a reader/follower. Follow HogManInLA on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/HogManInLa

Arkansas Razorback Football: Petrino gets Second 2012 Verbal Commitment

The Hogs picked up their second class of 2013 verbal commitment from the state of Texas on Saturday when three-star wide receiver and defensive back prospect Austin Bennett announced he will sign with the Razorbacks.

Bennett (6’1” 170 pounds, 4.41 40-yard dash) is from Manvel, Tex. and was a teammate of 2012 Arkansas signee defensive end Taiwan Johnson.

According to Scout.com Bennett has scholarship offers from TCU, SMU, Ole Miss, and Utah.

Rivals.com lists Bennett’s 2011 receiving statistics: 41 receptions, 772 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns, for an 18.8 yard per catch average.

Bennett confirmed his announcement via Twitter Saturday night.

Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino also has a verbal commitment from Katy, Tex. running back Jamel James (6’0”, 210 pounds). 

What would you like to clarify? Don't forget to sign up for email notifications and as a reader/follower. Follow HogManInLA on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/HogManInLa

Arkansas Sports Updates

Drew Smyly Getting Tigers’ Attention

Former Arkansas Razorback pitcher Drew Smyly is fighting for a possible roster spot with the Detroit Tigers as the fifth starter.

Smyly was a 2010 second round draft pick for the Tigers. He pitched in A-ball and AA-ball last season.

Due to a lack of overall experience Smyly may be placed at AA or AAA to start the season with an opportunity to be called up before seasons’ end.

Lady Razorbacks Ousted in SEC Tournament

The LSU Tigers shocked the Lady Razorbacks 41-40 in Nashville Friday night to end the Razorbacks magical SEC season.

Despite the loss the Hogs (22-8) are assured of a spot in the NCAA tournament.

Arkansas High School 7-A Basketball Finals

Fayetteville High School will face Little Rock Hall in the 7-A state finals in Hot Springs next weekend.

Fayetteville beat Fort Smith Southside 76-54 to advance to the finals while Hall routed Bryant 73-43 cruising to the championship game.

The girls 7-A championship matchup features Fort Smith Northside against North Little Rock.

Did you know?

2012 NBA Slam Dunk Champion Jeremy Evans (Utah Jazz) is from Crossett, Arkansas?

Evans graduate from Crossett High School and played for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in college.

He was a second-round draft pick of the Utah Jazz in 2010.

Evans award winning slam-dunk was dunking two basketballs at the same time while jumping over teammate Gordon Hayward (Butler).

Fate stepped in to allow Evans the opportunity to compete in the NBA Dunk Contest. He was a last minute replacement for injured New York Knicks’ player Iman Shumpert. 

What would you like to clarify? Don't forget to sign up for email notifications and as a reader/follower. Follow HogManInLA on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/HogManInLa

Arkansas Razorback Baseball: Hogs Upset by Cougars in Houston

View updated news about the Razorbacks at:

http://razorbackers.com/2012/03/04/arkansas-razorback-baseball-hogs-upset-by-cougars-in-houston/

What would you like to clarify? Don't forget to sign up for email notifications and as a reader/follower. Follow HogManInLA on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/HogManInLa

Official Press Release: HogManInLA’s New Website Razorbackers.com

Fans of Just to Clarify will be happy to know that HogManInLA has teamed up with FanSidedNetwork.com to bring you a new website called Razorbackers.com.

FanSidedNetwork.com is a grouping of all major professional and collegiate sports written by individual team writers like HogManInLA.

Razorbackers.com will represent the Arkansas Razorbacks sports information and news on FanSidedNetwork while adding content to additional SEC sports sections.

As a reader on Razorbackers.com you can explore other team pages receiving the latest news and information on all of your favorite sports teams through the FanSidedNetwork.com connection.

We hope that all of you will continue to follow the writings, analysis, and deep coverage of Arkansas Razorback sports provided by HogManInLA, a.k.a. Ryan Wright, on Razorbackers.com.

Our thanks to all of you for your loyal support.

HogManInLA

Ryan Wright

What would you like to clarify? Don't forget to sign up for email notifications and as a reader/follower.

Follow HogManInLA on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/HogManInLa

Arkansas Razorback Football: Petrino Looks to Complete 2012 Recruiting Class

Arkansas Head Coach Bobby Petrino has one scholarship offer left to give to complete his 25-player 2012 recruiting class. His new target is athletic wide receiver Mekale McKay from Moore High School in Louisville, Kentucky.

McKay is listed anywhere from 6’4” to 6’6” between Scout.com and Rivals.com but both recruiting services agree on his 4.4 forty-yard dash speed.

The three-star prospect on Scout.com and Rivals.com took official recruiting trips to Ole Miss, Houston, and Arkansas after being offered by Kentucky, Louisville, West Virginia, Michigan State, Illinois, and Indiana among other schools.

His final two choices are reportedly between the Hogs and Ole Miss. McKay is to make his final decision within a week to two weeks.  

Scout.com ranks McKay as the 110th best wide receiver in the 2012 recruiting class.

In October McKay committed to University of Texas El Paso before de-committing and continuing the recruiting process.

Wherever McKay ends up enrolling for college he plans on taking his two-sport star abilities of football and basketball in high school to his new team.

McKay must like to know that Petrino has been supportive of his high-profile backup quarterback Brandon Mitchell’s role with the Razorback basketball team during the 2012 season. 

What would you like to clarify? Don't forget to sign up for email notifications and as a reader/follower. Follow HogManInLA on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/HogManInLa

Vote for a College Campus Champion of Change finalist: Arkansas

A message from the Chancellor's Office at the University of Arkansas


Dear friends: 

Your online vote today could decide the outcome! 

One of the University of Arkansas' most valuable student-led programs, Full Circle Food Pantry, is one of 15 finalists in a national competition recognizing student innovation and action called the "Campus Champions of Change Challenge." 

Led by student volunteer Julia Lyon, the food pantry helps those who are in personal crisis and do not have the financial resources to meet all of their nutritional needs. Julia and the food pantry were recently highlighted in USA Today and in other national media. 

The competition winners will be determined by an online vote, which ends Saturday evening. If the food pantry volunteers win, they will be honored in Washington, D.C. at a White House ceremony and will be featured in a national TV program. 

Voting has begun and these U of A students currently are in the top three -- and gaining! We urge you to support Julia and the other U of A volunteers, all of whom work extremely hard to serve individuals and families in need. Click here now to receive and cast your online ballot. (You may cast up to three votes for Full Circle.) 

Thank you in advance for supporting our students and their service to others! 

Sincerely, 

Dave and Jane Gearhart 

P.S. Please share this message with your online contacts and ask them to cast their votes as well. Like Julia and the other food pantry volunteers, we, too, can make a difference!

Full Circle Food Pantry - Julia Lyon, Volunteer Action Center, University of Arkansas

The Volunteer Action Center (VAC) Board, a program of the Center for Community Engagement, launched a student food pantry in February 2010 to serve the needs of students on and off campus who are in personal crisis and do not have the financial resources to meet all of their nutritional needs. The VAC launched a weekly program that provides food for students who make requests through an online, email system with goals that the program be accessible to students in proximity (on campus), free of obstacles, and that it must be dignified. Donations are at the heart of the work of the pantry, and student groups and offices from across campus filled the pantry in the Campus-Wide Food Fight. So far, more than 1,300 individuals gathered 1000’s of food items to stock the shelves.

What would you like to clarify? Don't forget to sign up for email notifications and as a reader/follower. Follow HogManInLA on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/HogManInLa

Arkansas Razorback Baseball: Hogs Prepare for 2012 Houston College Classic

The No. 4 ranked Arkansas Razorbacks (9-1) take their first road trip of the season to Houston when they make an appearance in the 12th Annual Houston College Classic March 2 through March 4 at Minute Maid Park.

The Hogs headline the Classic which also features No. 5 Rice, No. 21 Texas, University of Houston, Texas Tech, and SEC East rival Tennessee during the three day event.

Arkansas is scheduled to be the first team playing each day drawing Texas Tech on Friday, Houston on Saturday, and Texas on Sunday.

The hometown Rice Owls are set to be the crowd favorite drawing the last evening game of each day. Rice plays Texas on Friday, Texas Tech on Saturday, and Tennessee on Sunday.

The Hogs head into the weekend led by three players that have started all 10 games and are hitting over .400 on the season- Tim Carver (.462), Matt Reynolds (.429), and Dominic Ficociell (.417).

As a team the Razorbacks have outhit their opponents 111-72, scored more runs 88-33, and produced more RBI 81-29. Much of the Hogs gaudy offensive numbers versus their opponents can be contributed to the excellent work on the mound from head coach Dave Van Horn’s pitching staff.

Van Horn and pitching coach Dave Jorn ended the 2011 season ranked No. 27 in ERA out of the 292 Division-1 teams. The Razorbacks have improved upon last year’s team ERA dropping their average from 3.20 to 2.90 after their two-game series against BYU.

D.J. Baxendale (3-0, 2.25 ERA), Ryne Stanek (2-0, 1.80 ERA), and Brandon Moore (1-0, 2.00 ERA) have each began the season with strong starting pitching efforts for the Hogs.

Reliever Nolan Sanburn and Colby Suggs are tied with the most appearances for the Hogs, each pitching in five games.

Sanburn has the lone Razorback loss but has produced 11 strikeouts in his seven innings pitched. He is trailing starting pitcher Cade Lynch by two KO’s for a share of the team lead.

The one area for improvement among the position players is the high number of errors committed. The Hogs have registered 17 errors to their opponent’s 18 inside the friendly confines of Baum Stadium.

Last year Houston won the three-day event by finishing the weekend 3-0. Rice went 2-1 with their lone loss coming to then No. 3 University of Texas.

TCU catcher Bryan Holaday earned 2011 MVP honors after hitting .538 with three extra base hits.

Friday’s schedule:

Texas Tech at Arkansas, 12:00 p.m.

Tennessee at Houston, 3:30 p.m.

Texas at Rice, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday’s schedule:

Arkansas at Houston, 12:00 p.m.

Texas at Tennessee, 3:30 p.m.

Texas Tech at Rice, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday’s schedule

Arkansas at Texas, 11:00 p.m.

Houston at Texas Tech, 2:30 p.m.

Rice at Tennessee, 6:00 p.m.

*All times are CST

What would you like to clarify? Don't forget to sign up for email notifications and as a reader/follower. Follow HogManInLA on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/HogManInLa

2012 University of Arkansas Baseball Schedule

Overall Record: 9-1
SEC Record: 0-0

Date/Opponent/Site/Time/Result

Feb. 17, Villanova, Faytetteville, 11-5 (W)

Feb. 18, Villanova, Faytetteville, 13-1 (W)

Feb. 19, Villanova, Faytetteville, 17-1 (W)

Feb. 21, Northwestern State, Faytetteville, 8-7 (W)

Feb. 22, Northwestern State, Faytetteville, 6-2 (W)

Feb. 24, Valparasio, Faytetteville, 7-3 (W)

Feb. 25, Valparasio, Faytetteville, 4-3 (W)

Feb. 26, Valparasio, Faytetteville, 9-10 (L), 10 innings

Feb. 28, BYU, Faytetteville, 5-0 (W)

Feb. 29, BYU, Faytetteville, 8-1 (W)

March 2, Texas Tech, Houston, Texas, Minute Maid Park, 12:00 p.m.

March 3, Houston, Houston, Texas, Minute Maid Park, 12:00 p.m.

March 4, Texas, Houston, Texas, Minute Maid Park, 11:00 a.m.

March 9, Binghman University, Fayetteville, 3:05 p.m.

March 10, Binghman University, Fayetteville, 1:05 p.m.

March 11, Binghman University, Fayetteville, 12:05 p.m.

March 13, Gonzaga, Fayetteville, 6:05 p.m.

March 14, Gonzaga, Fayetteville, 3:05 p.m.

March 16, Alabama*, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.

March 17, Alabama*, Fayetteville, 3:00 p.m.

March 18, Alabama*, Fayetteville, 1:05 p.m.

March 20, Nevada, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.

March 21, Nevada, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.

March 23, Mississippi State*, Starkville, Miss., 6:30 p.m.

March 24, Mississippi State*, Starkville, Miss., 2:00 p.m.

March 25, Mississippi State*, Starkville, Miss., 12:00 p.m.

March 30, LSU*, Baton Rouge, LA, 7:00 p.m.

March 31, LSU*, Baton Rouge, LA, 7:00 p.m.

April 1, LSU*, Baton Rouge, LA, 1:00 p.m.

April 6, Georgia*, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.

April 7, Georgia*, Fayetteville, 2:05 p.m.

April 8, Georgia*, Fayetteville, 12:05 p.m.

April 10, Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 6:30 p.m.

April 13, Kentucky*, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.

April 14, Kentucky*, Fayetteville, 2:05 p.m.

April 15, Kentucky*, Fayetteville, 12:05 p.m.

April 17, Stephen F. Austin, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.

April 20, Ole Miss*, Oxford, MS, 6:30 p.m.

April 21, Ole Miss*, Oxford, MS, 4:00 p.m.

April 22, Ole Miss*, Oxford, MS, 1:30 p.m.

April 24, Oral Roberts, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.

April 27, Florida*, Gainesville, FL, 6:00 p.m.

April 28, Florida*, Gainesville, FL, 6:00 p.m.

April 29, Florida*, Gainesville, FL, 2:30 p.m.

May 1, Missouri, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.

May 2, Missouri, Fayetteville, 3:05 p.m.

May 4, South Carolina*, Fayetteville, 7:00 p.m.

May 5, South Carolina*, Fayetteville, 12:00 p.m.

May 6, South Carolina*, Fayetteville, 1:05 p.m.

May 10, Auburn*, Fayetteville, 6:30 p.m.

May 11, Auburn*, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.

May 12, Auburn*, Fayetteville, 2:05 p.m.

May 15, Louisiana Tech, North Little Rock, Ark., 7:05 p.m.

May 17, Tennessee*, Knoxville, Tenn., 5:00 p.m.

May 18, Tennessee*, Knoxville, Tenn., 5:00 p.m.

May 19, Tennessee*, Knoxville, Tenn., 1:00 p.m.

May 22-27, SEC Tournament, Hoover, Alabama, TBA

June 1-2, NCAA Regionals, TBA

June, 8-10, NCAA Super Regionals, TBA

June 15-25, College World Series, Omaha, Neb., TBA

* SEC Game

North Little Rock game will be played at Dickey-Stephens Park

All Fayetteville games are played at Baum Stadium

All game times are CST

Razorback Ticket Office: 800-982-4647 (HOGS)

What would you like to clarify? Don't forget to sign up for email notifications and as a reader/follower. Follow HogManInLA on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/HogManInLa