There is one constant with the University of Arkansas baseball team -- Dave Van Horn.
The coach never gets too high or too low.
The Hogs travel to College Station this week for their last SEC series, this one against No. 19 Texas A&M. With a lot on the line, Van Horn apparently was as cool as a cucumber at Monday's Swatter's Club meeting in Fayetteville.
"We're in good shape," he said. "We've had a good year so far, and we've done what we can do. It's kind of like you can't really worry about those things. We just have to get better and win some games."
What is on the line is the SEC West title, and a sweep could give them the overall championship depending on how Vanderbilt does at Kentucky. The Commodores hold a one-game lead and the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Hogs.
Mississippi State and Georgia are one game behind the Razorbacks.
Van Horn is approaching this series with a great attitude, one that's not too high or too low.
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Most spring sports are faring well for the Razorbacks, and Chad Morris and Eric Musselman are working hard to get the right players to help Arkansas football and basketball regain some respect in the SEC and nationally.
Morris got some big help with the transfer of two quarterbacks -- the Hogs were better at quarterback in the spring with graduate transfer Ben Hicks on campus than they were last season -- and Musselman is looking for immediate help the same way.
Transfers have become a huge part of building a team, so big that the NCAA wanted to alter some rules last month but they were voted down.
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The injury to Golden State Warriors' star Kevin Durant could have a silver lining.
At a time when players are feeling the physical drain of a long season, Durant is sitting out at least the first two games against Portland in the Western Conference finals. If the Warriors are in control or at least tied after two games, he may continue to sit.
Durant has become the best player in the NBA, replacing an aging LeBron James. To give him a break and let his body rest would go a long way in the NBA championship series, especially if the Warriors face Milwaukee.
The Bucks quietly had the best record in the NBA this season at 60-22. Milwaukee and Golden State played twice this season and each won at the other's place.
The more the Warriors handle Portland without Durant, the better their chances are in the championship round.
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As of this morning, there were only two tables and a few random seats remaining for the Arkansas Softball Hall of Fame inductions May 23 at the Benton events center.
Tables are $300 and individual tickets are $30. There is no guarantee anyone can pay at the door, but if you try that please bring correct change because the Hall of Fame is not equipped to take credit cards or checks.
Doors to the event center will open at 5 p.m. Dinner, catered by Corky's, will be served buffet style at 6 p.m., and the ceremony begins at 6:30. There is a cash bar.
Not only will this year's inductees be honored, but past inductees who did not receive their ring last year can this year. Please let Marla Albright know you are there.
The All Arkansas men and women's teams from 2018 also will be honored, as will Glenn Brothers Trucking team.
The first Shane Pique Award will be presented for outstanding contributions to the game of softball.
For tickets or more information, go to arsoftballhalloffame.com.
Sports on 05/15/2019