BULLARD, Texas — East Texas native Hagen Smith has been named the 2024 Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Year.
Smith, a Bullard alumnus, broke the Arkansas career strikeout record, and is five shy of the Razorbacks’ single-season strikeout mark of 155.
According to the press release, Smith leads the nation with a 1.52 ERA. He is 9-0 this season and is holding opposing batters to a .135 average.
During his senior season at Bullard high school, Smith threw seven no hitters, tying a Texas high school record and helped the Panthers reach the regional quarterfinals.
Arkansas is the second seed in the SEC tournament that begins on Tuesday, May 21. The Razorbacks first game will be on Wednesday, May 22 against the winner of Alabama-South Carolina.