Nov. 13—The Kalispell Lakers named a new baseball coach and the Flathead Braves named their first ever.
On Wednesday Mike O’Connell was named as the Kalispell Lakers Legion Program new Director of Baseball and AA head coach.
The same day the Flathead school district announced Richard Burland as its first baseball coach; the Braves begin play next spring.
O’Connell, a Kalispell native and former Lakers standout, returns home after an accomplished tenure at Miles Community College, where he served as head baseball coach. O’Connell, whose younger brother Patrick is on the Seattle Seahawks practice squad, was named MonDak Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2024.
Before taking over as MCC head coach O’Connell served as an assistant for the Pioneers and also worked with the Glacier Range Riders, Kalispell’s Pioneer League team.
His coaching career began with the Lakers organization.
“It’s an incredible feeling to come back home and lead the program that shaped me as both a player and a person,” O’Connell said in a release from the Lakers. “The Kalispell Lakers mean a great deal to me, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to continue building on the strong foundation of success and community pride that defines this organization.”
O’Connell will oversee all aspects of player development, coaching, and program operations for the Lakers organization.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Mike back to Kalispell,” said Brad Nikunen, Kalispell Lakers Board President. “His passion for the game, proven record of success, and deep local roots make him the ideal leader to guide our players both on and off the field.”
The Kalispell Lakers are preparing for the upcoming 2026 American Legion Baseball season with renewed excitement and momentum under O’Connell’s leadership. Tryouts will be held at Logan Health Performance Center on Jan. 24.
Flathead selects Burland
Richard Burland brings more than 20 years of coaching experience across all age levels, from 9U to 18U baseball.
A release from the school district noted his extensive background includes leadership roles with the Kalispell Sluggers (2020-2025), Kalispell Jr. Lakers 15U All Stars (2020-2021), and various Spokane-area travel teams.
As a player, Burland earned all-conference honors at shortstop and was selected to the Eastern Washington All-State team in 1995.
“I’m honored to be chosen for the first head baseball coach of Flathead High School, and I’m excited to build this program and help the development of these young athletes,” Burland said in the release. “Flathead players will excel both on and off the field. This is a great time to join the Brave nation. Let’s Go Braves.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Burland to Flathead High School,” Flathead athletic director Matt Allison said. “Starting a new program from the ground up requires someone with energy, vision, and a deep commitment to our core values of unity, character, and work ethic.
“Coach Burland’s passion for developing the whole student and his extensive baseball background make him the perfect fit to lead this program.”
The Board of Trustees voted to approve the hire during the Nov. 11 regular business meeting.
