By CURTIS ROCKWELL/Sports Director

Former Pascagoula High head baseball coach Richie Tillman is in the midst of a busy weekend.

And, even though his days on the diamond ended several years back, his recent travels are all still centered around the sport that he has loved for so long.

Tillman is headed to Troy, Ala., on Saturday afternoon to watch his collegiate team, Arkansas- Little Rock, compete in the first-ever NCAA Super Regional round in program history.

Tillman was a standout player for the Trojans in the late 1980’s/early 1990’s.

“Seeing Little Rock in the regional, and being able to head to Troy to watch it in person, has brought back some great memories,” Tillman said, Friday night before heading to his PHS 40th class reunion reception. “My time in Little Rock was amazing.  I met my best friend Cameron there, and had great experiences with my teammates. There is nothing better than being part of a team.”

Tillman was also able to be in Hattiesburg earlier in the week to watch UALR, the fourth seed, win that regional to earn the trip to Alabama for the Super Regional round.

“It’s surreal really,” he continued. “I really enjoyed watching them in Hattiesburg.  It’s so nice to see a team that you used to be a part of be successful. I’m so proud to be a Little Rock Trojan and see the so-called underdog win it.

“I’m not sure I ever thought the program would ever get to this point, but great things can happen when you have the right people in place.”

In addition, Tillman spent some time in front of the television Friday afternoon before getting ready for his reunion, watching both UALR and Troy in game one as well as West Virginia taking on Cal-Poly as well.

That’s because one of his former players, Sean Smith, is a standout for the Mountaineers and is one step away from moving on the the College World Series. In 2021, Smith earned Class 5A All-State honors in leading the Panthers, under the direction of Tillman, to the overall state championship round.

“I think every high school coach dreams of having one of his players in the College World Series,” Tillman concluded. “Sean is without a doubt the hardest working individual I’ve ever coached. He has represented his family, teammates, community, and more importantly himself, in the most positive way.  He has a lot to be proud of. He’s one game away and I would love to see all his hard work continue to pay off.”