Murray State Director of Athletics, Allen Ward, announced the hiring of Dan Skirka as the ninth head coach of the Racer Baseball program.
Skirka is coming off four successful seasons at Walters State Community College (Morristown, Tennessee) where he was recruiting coordinator with a program that played in the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) World Series championship game in 2018 and finished with a record of 60-8.
With Skirka on staff, the Walters State Senators enjoyed tremendous success in four seasons with an amazing record of 208-48 for a winning percentage of .812.
In 2018, Walters produced an offense that was top-10 nationally in 13 categories which pushed the team to first in three different national polls. In 2017, the Senators were 44-12 and placed second nationally and produced a pitching staff that ranked among the top-3 in several categories in NJCAA. The 2016 team produced a record of 47-16 and the NJCAA Pitcher of the Year and 2015 saw Walters go 57-12 and place third nationally with seven NJCAA All-America selections including the NJCAA Player of the Year.
Skirka recruited infielders Hunter Wolfe and Austin Henry who are headed to play at Texas Christian in the fall, while pitcher Hayden Lehman and catcher Luke Berryhill are each signed at South Carolina. A total of five Walters players are headed to Power-5 Conference schools in 2018 including: third baseman Duncan Pence (Tennessee) and pitcher Peyton Alford (Virginia Tech).
At a level of baseball where the goal is to produce players that can advance to play NCAA D-I or professionally, Skirka was a big part of sending 36 players to NCAA D-I schools and saw another eight drafted by Major League Baseball teams.
Skirka returns to Murray State where he served as assistant coach from 2009-14 under Coach Rob McDonald. Skirka was recruiting coordinator and produced eight All-Ohio Valley Conference selections including 2014 OVC Pitcher of the Year Brock Downey. Skirka also worked with 2010 OVC Player of the Year and Murray State 2016 Hall of Fame inductee Wes Cunningham and 2009 OVC Pitcher of the Year Daniel Calhoun.
Skirka’s first collegiate assistant coaching position was at Grand Rapids Community College in 2007-08 where his team advanced to the NJCAA World Series. He spent the 2008-09 season at Ouachita Baptist working under former Murray State player Chris Moddelmog.
“I want to thank Allen Ward and President Davies for believing in me and my vision for the Racer baseball program,” Skirka said. “My family and I couldn’t be more excited to be back with this great program and community. I am looking forward to working with our student-athletes and helping them be successful on the field and off it.”
“I couldn’t be more excited about Coach Skirka taking the reins of our baseball program,” Ward said. “He’s one of the top young coaches in the game with an extraordinary eye for talent. He’s someone with impeccable character and a knowledge of the game that’s undeniable. It didn’t take me long to become sold on what his plan is for Racer Baseball.”
“This is a really good day for Racer Baseball,” Ward added. “Dan’s energy and passion for Murray State is infectious and our returning players and incoming signees will quickly realize just how special it is to be part of this program under Coach Skirka’s leadership. He will lead by example while teaching and developing his players to be champions both on and off the field. His four years at Walters State may be the most successful stint for a coach I’ve ever observed. 208 wins in four seasons is unprecedented and I don’t recall ever hearing of a team winning 60 games in a single season. It’s just remarkable and Dan is given immense credit for that success.”
“We’ve got a very passionate group of baseball alums that are going to love working with Coach Skirka to elevate the program,” said Ward. “He’s the type of coach that will create a buzz around the program and former players will want to be a part of what’s happening. With this hire, I believe we’ll soon see that the years of mediocrity are over.”
Skirka is married to the former Kelsey Hanson, they have a son, Keegan, age two.
What Others Are Saying About Coach Skirka37014
“Dan is one of the brightest young coaches in the country. I would put his ability to recruit and develop players up against anyone at any level. Not only that, he is one of the best human beings I have had the opportunity to be around. His personality and temperament are perfect for helping young players grow into men. Murray State is extremely fortunate to have someone with such a unique ability to make everyone around him better, and I cannot wait to see what he is able to accomplish there.”
Dave Shelton – Head Baseball Coach – Walters State Community College
“Coach Dan Skirka embodies everything that a coach should be and more. In my three years with him at Walters State, I am truly grateful that I was able to be taught by one of the best baseball coaches in the country, no matter the level of play. Coach Skirka has the unique ability to make coming to the ballpark each and every day a new and exciting challenge for his players. I am personally thankful for Coach Skirka as he helped me through some tough times in my life while I was at Walters State. When I needed to talk to someone I turned to Coach Skirka, as he just wasn’t my coach in those moments but my mentor. Murray State is getting one of the best minds in the sport and it won’t take long for the administration, the current players, and the fan base to see just how special of a coach they are getting.”
Hunter Wolfe – Walters Shortstop – Texas Christian University Junior – Two-time MLB Draft Selection
“I couldn’t be more impressed with Murray State’s coaching hire. Coach Skirka is a tireless recruiter with a professional eye for talent who has demonstrated the ability to consistently identify and develop ‘under the radar’ prospects. He has the infectious energy and unwavering character to lead ball players and mold young men. Absolute home run hire!”
Reed Dunn – East Coast Cross Checker – Atlanta Braves
“Murray State has found a very good baseball guy and great person to lead our program. Dan is very skilled recruiter, but more importantly, he is a teacher of the game on the field and the game of life as well. He is very intelligent and will bring great energy, character and passion each and every day. I had Dan work for me early in his career and it has been fun to see him grow in the profession in each step along his journey back to MSU. There’s not a better guy to lead my alma mater on and off the baseball field.”
Chris Moddelmog – Murray State Baseball Class of 1994 – Former Head Coach at Ouachita Baptist University – Former Assistant Coach at Murray State and Belmont
“Coach Skirka is a great hire for Murray state University. As a former player of his, I know the attitude and expectation that he will bring to the program. I am confident that aligns with the culture of Murray state athletics. I am excited to see where coach Skirka takes this program in the future.”
Brock Downey – Murray State Baseball Alumni – 2014 OVC Pitcher of the Year
“Coach Skirka was only my coach for a year, but during that time, he helped me grow immensely as a baseball player. His hitting instruction allowed our players, me especially, to fully reach our potential. Murray State is lucky to have Coach Skirka back at Reagan Field, I know that he will lead the team to success!”
Wes Cunningham – Murray State Baseball Alumni – 2010 OVC Player of the Year – 2016 MSU Hall of Fame Inductee
