FAYETTEVILLE — When Arkansas Coach John Pelphrey was growing up in Paintsville, Ky., his family would go to Kings Island, an amusement park north of Cincinnati.

“It was our version of Disney World,” Pelphrey said. “You always wanted a couple of more rides in before the park closed.

“ That’s probably the way these guys are feeling.” Pelphrey was talking about Arkansas’ six seniors, who will play their final home game today when the Razorbacks (19-10, 8-7 SEC ) face Auburn (14-14, 4-11 ) at Walton Arena.

The senior class includes forwards Vincent Hunter, Charles Thomas and Sonny Weems, centers Steven Hill and Darian Townes and guard Gary Ervin.

Hunter is in his fifth year at Arkansas; Hill, Thomas and Townes are in their fourth seasons; and Ervin and Weems are in their second year with the Razorbacks after transferring.

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Combined, the six have played in 609 games and 12, 393 minutes at Arkansas and have been part of 80 victories and 46 losses while having three coaches.

That includes Dana Altman, who was Arkansas’ coach for a day last April before changing his mind and going back to Creighton.

Pelphrey was hired from South Alabama to replace Stan Heath, who recruited the current seniors and is now at South Florida.

“It’s been a roller coaster, but I think there’s been more ups than downs,” Hill said. “We’ve persevered through a lot and had some success.

“ This probably has been the best four years of my life. I’ve had so many good experiences and met so many good people.” Hunter, who redshirted three years ago because of a shoulder injury, said he could write a book about his experiences and call it The Razorback Life.

“We’ve been through a lot together. It’s been a struggle at times,” Hunter said. “But I think we’ve prevailed.

“ We’ve stuck together as a family, stuck together as a team. I’ll be leaving here a happy player. I’m proud to have been a Razorback.” Pelphrey can relate to what Arkansas’ seniors have gone through. He experienced a coaching change as a Kentucky player — with Eddie Sutton forced out and Rick Pitino being hired — as well as a losing season and NCAA probation before helping the Wildcats advance to the East Regional final in 1992, when they lost an epic game to Duke in overtime.

“They have been through a lot,” Pelphrey said. “I am very appreciative of those guys allowing us to coach them.

“ There are memories, some positive and some negative. That’s always the way it goes. They will always be Razorbacks and welcomed around here.” All the seniors said it’s hard to believe today is their final home game.

“I never expected this to come so quick. It’s almost been like the blink of an eye,” Townes said. “I’m going to miss playing in this building.

“ I love the Hog Call and how the fans get us pumped up. That’s what I’m going to miss the most.” Before today’s tipoff, each senior will be introduced to the crowd with his family members on hand and be presented a framed jersey by Pelphrey.

“It’s going to be emotional,” Hill said. “Hopefully, we can handle all that emotion and still play well.” Arkansas is 14-1 at home this season, losing to South Carolina.

“Just because it’s Senior Night is no guarantee of victory,” Thomas said. “We can do all our hugging and kissing and crying, but when it’s time to play, we’ve got to play.”