BRYANT, Ark. (KTHV) - How did we get to the College World Series? Some say it’s teamwork or pure talent. Others say its luck, but if you ask someone from Bryant, Arkansas:
"Blaine Knight did it," said Reed White.
"Without Blaine, I don't know they’d be where they are right now,” said coach Kirk Bock who coached Knight at Bryant High School.
The Bryant native broke the record for most wins in a season with his 14th win. His strong pitching, six strikeouts and allowing only one run helped the hogs win the first championship game, leading us game two in the final round.
"It is super cool to be able to say he's from Bryant. I know him, I went to school with him, I’m friends with him,” said Anna Heath.
Fans at Larry's Pizza in Bryant are proud of the pure talent that came from their home.
"He’s been such a powerhouse and such a beast on the mound,” said Jay Holland.
Bock believes it’s not just his talent, but his mentality that’s helped him succeed.
“What you see is what you get. He’s just a country boy who likes to hunt and fish and play ball,” said Bock who believes his impact is beyond just the mound. “For our youth, it’s huge because they can grow up and say ‘I want to be like Blaine Knight.”