Nick Mingione reflects on Kentucky setting program record for SEC wins in a year
Kentucky has won more than 20 conference games on the diamond in the SEC for the first-time in school history after their 10-5 victory over Vanderbilt on Thursday. It was the latest, historic achievement for this group of Wildcats, which is why Nick Mingione commended them as much as anyone.
Mingione couldn’t believe his team’s accomplishment during his postgame press conference after the five-run win over the Commodores. To do something that the previous 81 teams didn’t do in the record books of the program doesn’t require much to say, especially since he hopes that this isn’t the last thing of this nature that they do this season.
“We’ve had 82 seasons – 82 seasons,” said Mingione. “When you think about that? I mean this team – hopefully they can continue to do things that have never been done before.”
That moment earned a congratulations from the Wildcats’ head coach in the midst of his eighth season. He has seen plenty in their conference, which is why he fully understands why this should be such a big deal for Kentucky.
“I congratulated them,” said Mingione. “I’ve been in this league for 18 years and there’s amazing teams – amazing. I will never take any win in this league for granted.”
“For us to have 21 SEC wins? Just truly amazing. That’s the word I just keep coming back to,” Mingione said. “It’s amazing because there are so many good teams, so many things that have to go your way. You have to force your will on so many things.”
More history could be on deck for the Wildcats against Vandy tonight or on Saturday. With one win, they could guarantee at least a share of their second-ever regular-season crown in the conference. A second could win it for them outright.
If they were to do so, Kentucky could be a No. 1 seed in Hoover for the SEC Tournament. It would also improve their chances of taking the top-overall seed in the bracket for the NCAA Tournament, which would at least mean hosting a Regional and a Super Regional in Lexington.
Mingione says these moment are about his players as much as they are about the program they represent. It’s something they can look back on regardless of what happens the rest of the way, even though they expect even more to come over the next few weeks in the postseason.
“I’m happy for them because they obviously have done something that has never been done before,” said Mingione. “They’ll have that for the rest of their life.”