MONTICELLO, Ark. – Weevils Baseball welcomed fans and supporters of the program to its first-ever Lead-Off Banquet on Tuesday night at Pauline Baptist Church.
Ryan Tow
Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Communications, University of Arkansas at Monticello
The event featured buffet-style dining from local staple, Ray’s, door prizes, team autographs, and an appearance from Hall of Fame College Baseball Coach nicknamed the “Father of Southeastern Conference Baseball”, Ron Polk. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet the program’s 2025 squad.
Headlining the banquet, veteran head coach, and 2024 Great American Conference Coach of the Year, John Harvey and legendary college baseball coach Ron Polk each spoke. Over his career, Polk led three different teams to 8 College World Series appearances over a 35-year head coaching career, which included stops at Georgia Southern (1972-75), Mississippi State (1976-97, 2002-08), and Georgia (2000-01). He was named National Coach of the Year in 1973 and 1985 and SEC Coach of the Year in 1979, 1985, 1989, and 2001. Over his impressive tenure, Polk gathered 1,373 wins (9th on the all-time wins list nationally for 10+ year Division I coaches) and saw 187 players sign professional contracts, with 29 in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame Inducted in 2009.
“Our first lead-off banquet was definitely a success,” said Head Coach John Harvey. “I, and the team, appreciate everyone that came out. It was awesome to see so many kids there and to see them getting autographs from our guys after the event. It’s always great to hear Coach Polk speak and last night was no exception. He is a legend in the college baseball coaching world and it’s easy to see why after hearing him speak.”
Fans will have another opportunity to experience a first for the Boll Weevils on Saturday, Feb. 8, when they play their first home night game held at Weevils Field at Union Bank Park in the program’s history. The doubleheader against Missouri Western State will begin at 2 p.m.
UAM will begin its 2025 campaign in Houston, Texas, at the newly named Houston Astros stadium, Daikin Park (previously Minute Maid Park). They will compete in the annual Houston Winter Invitational hosted by the University of Central Missouri. The Weevils’ tournament run begins on Friday, Jan. 31, against Mississippi College, with the game scheduled for 10 a.m.
All live streams and stats will be available as clickable links on the UAM Baseball schedule.
How to follow the Weevils: For more information on Arkansas-Monticello Weevils Baseball, visit www.uamsports.com and follow the team’s social media channels by searching “Weevils Baseball” on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
