TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Indiana State, Iowa, North Carolina, and Wright State all hit the turf at Bob Warn Field Thursday as they prepare to open up the NCAA Tournament Friday.
The #14 Sycamores will open up against Wright State at 1pm after a wild weekend last Saturday in the MVC Tournament.
Head Coach Mitch Hannahs says, “I think last weekend helped us. I know that first game in front of a crowd there were some jitters those guys may not want to admit so I think once we got that out of our system, I think last week really helped as opposed to coming out in front of a sold out crowd right away.”
“For the guys, the bottom line is I think they are ready to play. I think they are ready to put everything aside and play.”
The Iowa Hawkeyes will square off with North Carolina in the nightcap and Head Coach Rick Heller is excited to be back at ISU and see them host a regional.
Rick says,”Lot of great memories. Had the opportunity to coach a lot of awesome kids. Felt like we did a great job when we were here and won the first outright MVC Championship and going to a regional out in Eugene was special. One that I will cherish as one of the best in my career.”
“Just super happy for ISU, for Mitch, for Brian. Mitch has done a tremendous job since he took over and has continued to move the program forward and does it for all the right reasons, does it for all the former players and Coach Warn’s legacy. Just super proud of what he’s been able to do and to be a part of it here in hosting an NCAA Regional is pretty special for me.”
The North Carolina Tar Heels were the third team on the practice field Thursday.
Head Coach Scott Forbes says, “Great place. We are thankful to be here. Excited for you guys and the school to be hosting. I know that’s a big deal.”
“This time of the year, making the postseason is hard people don’t realize that and if you make it a lot you can take it for granted, but I’m not ever going to take it for granted so we are excited to be here.”
Finally, Wright State got their first taste of the facilities with the late afternoon session. The Raiders just had a three hour bus ride over from Ohio.
Head Coach Alex Sogard says, “The guys are excited to be here only being 3 hours away.”
“This is a team that we are familiar with – we played them last year obviously it’s a new season, but a very talented team. We are just fortunate we have the opportunity to still be playing and look forward to competing this weekend.”
ISU vs Wright State begins Friday at 1pm.
Iowa vs North Carolina is set for 7pm.