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Indiana State is in the midst of a spectacular season, and it now sits just two wins away from a trip to Omaha. After winning the Missouri Valley Conference tournament, the Sycamores breezed through the regional round of the NCAA postseason.
Now, they enter the super regionals with a chance to advance to just the second College World Series field in program history. Unfortunately, a logistical issue will keep the Indiana State baseball team from hosting in that second round.
ISU has been one of college baseball’s best teams this year, going 38-14 (24-3 in MVC) this season. More impressively, they did so after starting the campaign just 2-8.
The on-field performance led to its being named one of 16 host sites for the NCAA regionals.
The Sycamores made easy work of the field, sweeping its three games in Terre Haute to move on to the supers where they’ll take on a TCU squad that upset the top-seeded team in its Fayetteville, AR regional.
Due to the Horned Frogs having been a two-seed in their four-team field, that would’ve typically given Indiana State the nod to host a second straight baseball weekend. Unfortunately, a previously scheduled event in town is forcing the series to Fort Worth.
The ISU athletic department announced that it will be unable to host the next round due to a Special Olympics event that will take place this weekend.
“Due to prior commitments, accommodations not available and the community preparing to welcome Indiana Special Olympics for the 51st year, we are unable to host the NCAA Super Regionals in the coming week,” a press release read.
Not only will the event potentially affect hotel accommodations for traveling fans and team members, it appears the school is also staffing the operation. That limits not only room and board, but also workforce available to run the baseball series.
“We have a great relationship with Special Olympics coming to Terre Haute. We welcome them to our community this weekend and look forward to putting on another great event for them this year,” the release continued.
“As such, our baseball team will be heading on the road this weekend for the Super Regionals.”
The announcement certainly comes as a blow to the team’s Omaha chances, given that the Sycamores notched an impeccable 22-4 home record this year.
Fans were quick to comment on the situation on social media. Some agree with the decision while others believe the school should’ve pushed through.
This fan referenced last weekend in Lexington, KY, where opposing teams were forced to stay in dorms due to hotels being booked for a previously scheduled country music festival.
Lexington, KY says hello. They were putting teams and fans in dorms down there. This is unacceptable.
— Ragin Review (@RaginReview) June 5, 2023
Others commended Indiana State for continuing its support of the Special Olympics.
Hats off to you for not taking away resources from the Special Olympics event. Obviously a hard decision.
— Lake Toho Man (@bigtimehoo1) June 6, 2023
Some TCU fans even offered to donate to the cause. It’s the least they can do after landing the super regional bid.
Can you post a link for us to donate to the special olympics?! We will spread it around!
— Funky Frog (@FunkyTown_Frogs) June 5, 2023
This fan gave a potential solution, though it seems this option is no longer on the table.
Do it in Bloomington or south bend . No reason the state of indiana shouldn’t host after their hard work
— Brandon Markovich (@Buckeyes927) June 5, 2023
The Indiana State baseball team will instead travel to Fort Worth to take on TCU. We’ll see if they can overcome the unfortunate situation and book a ticket to the CWS.