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Dave Van Horn downplays past issues with Tony Vitello: ‘We’re good’
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Dave Van Horn says he and Tony Vitello are on good terms heading into Friday’s series opener between No. 5 Arkansas and No. 16 Tennessee.
The Razorbacks and Volunteers have had some memorable meetings on the diamond over the past couple of seasons with UT’s re-emergence as one of the top teams in the SEC. Van Horn and Vitello had a heated on-field exchange in Knoxville after the conclusion of the 2021 regular-season series, which went 2-1 in Arkansas’ favor.
Tony Vitello and Dave Van Horn exchanging pleasantries after the hard fought series. pic.twitter.com/ADtxlrsiaX
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) May 16, 2021
Tony Vitello made sure to find Dave Van Horn after he got done speaking to his team.
Pretty intense conversation that resulted in both coaches walking away without a handshake. pic.twitter.com/aP5Cx4Y0o2
— Ben McKee (@benmckee14) May 16, 2021
Van Horn now says that the 2 are back on good terms. In an SEC Radio interview this week, Van Horn said that he and his former assistant had a friendly meeting in Nashville. The Arkansas head coach indicated that past issues were rooted in the way a couple of recruitments played out.
Dave Van Horn puts to rest any rumors of beef between him and former assistant / current Vols HC Tony Vitello:
“I just laugh at everybody. Tony and I hung out together in Nashville…we’re fine.”
#5 @RazorbackBSB hosts #16 @Vol_Baseball in a 3-game series beginning tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/bnUtpkAZyu
— College Sports on SiriusXM (@SXMCollege) April 13, 2023
Arkansas is 26-7 overall in 2023, with an 8-4 record in SEC play. The Hogs are 21-3 at home. Tennessee comes in with a 23-10 mark but 5-7 in conference contests. The Vols are just 1-6 in road games this year.
Friday’s series opener is set for 7 p.m. CT/8 p.m. ET, airing on the SEC Network.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.