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Since his debut as Flathead High School’s activities director in August, Randy Russell has breathed new life into many corners of Flathead High School. Now, Russell is now looking to rejuvenate Kalispell’s baseball team, the Lakers.
In late October, former head coach Randy Shipman left his position with the Lakers. Shipman is headed to Whitefish to coach the Laker’s rivals, the Glacier Twins, adding more fuel to the fire of rivalry. Russell, along with coaches Bill Sapa and John Graham of the Twins, are ready to lead the Lakers into post-season glory.
“I think that the Kalispell players will deal with the rivalry well,” said Russell, “but it is definitely going to heat up.”
Despite Shipman’s move the Twins, Laker players do not seem to frown upon him for it.
“It was a better opportunity for him,” said senior Beau Mathiason. “I don’t look down on him for it. He’s a great guy.”
Laker players, meanwhile, welcome Russell as the new coach.
“I think it’s awesome to have Mr. Russell as our coach,” said senior Justin Brakefield. “I went to a lot of his baseball camps. I’m really excited because he is a good coach with college experience.”
Players also hope his connection with the high school will bring more kids out.
“It’s great that the Laker program will be associated with the high school,” said senior Nate Sloan. “It will bring more players out and into the program.”
With the change of coaches, the players look forward to a great season.
“Yeah, I’m really looking forward to our season,” said senior Chris O’Boyle. “A lot of new people are going to come out and we are going to have a great season.”
Russell, a former Lakers player, hopes to return the team to the competitive days he enjoyed.
“When I was playing for the Lakers, we were very competitive,” said Russell. “Thirteen out of 18 players either went pro or went on to play in college.”
Russell himself went on to play for Whitworth College in Spokane, Wash. During his junior and senior year in college, he was assistant coach for the Glacier Twins. That lead him to the position of assistant coach for Whitworth College in ’89-’90 and later head coach at the college from ’91-’93.
Russell will now bring his expertise to Kalispell.
“When Shipman went to the Twins I applied for the job,” said Russell. “I went through the whole interview and they thought I was the best man for the job.”
Russell is focusing on what the Lakers need to make a winning ‘99 season.
“I think there are three things you need to have a competitive team,” said Russell. “First, you need a good coaching staff; second you have to put to together a schedule that sets you up for success; and third you need to go out and recruit guys that can play. I think the Lakers have all of these this season.”
With new coaches, new playing style and new players, this year’s Lakers are looking to create a new future for the program.
“Looking ahead to the future, our number one goal is to make it to the state tournament,” said Russell. “In any case, where we are headed will be bright.” |
