OMAHA, Neb. — Tennessee baseball is riding high in the College World Series.
The Vols are 2-0 so far in Omaha and looking to make their first CWS Finals since 1951. The program is in its third College World Series over the last four years.
With the College World Series happening in June, it has meant his father, Greg, has gotten to spend a lot of Father's Days in Omaha watching the Vols compete to win it all. He wouldn't have it any other way.
"It's pretty neat," he said. "Especially since we have been here for Father's Day, it's a neat Father's Day gift. I don't think people understand how difficult it is to get here."
Greg said he feels like his son is hitting all the right buttons when it comes to problem-solving during games but is also finding time to relax — even if it's just for a little bit.
Even then, Greg gets a little tense during the games.
"Watching these games is terrifying for me," he said. Every pitch I am wrapped up in."
The wins seem to keep coming though as the Vols look to do what the program hasn't done since 1951 — making it to a College World Series Finals.
Tony Vitello has turned this program into a national powerhouse with a legitimate shot of winning it all. Tony has often said he wants to build a program like his father did at the high school level winning state championships and finding success.
Greg is happy Tony is building that with Tennessee.
"It means everything," he said. "He grew up as a bit of an overachiever. He claims he wasn't a fantastic athlete. He was a pretty good athlete. But it was always, 'How can I get better? How can I make things better?' I think that's his goal, 'How do I make things better for the University of Tennessee?'"
Greg said it would be special to see his son win it all. He hopes this trip to Omaha results in that.
Tennessee can solidify its spot in the College World Series Finals with a win on Wednesday against Florida State. Game time is set for 3 p.m. EDT inside Charles Schwab Field.
