OBA Welcomes College World Series Coach Dan Skirka to 2027 Best Ever Coaches Clinic
Murray State University Head Coach Brings Historic College World Series Success, Championship Experience and Elite Player Development Expertise to Ontario
CAMBRIDGE, ON – October 28, 2026 – The Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) is excited to announce that Dan Skirka, Head Baseball Coach at Murray State University and the architect behind one of college baseball's most remarkable postseason runs, will join the speaker lineup for the 2027 Best Ever Coaches Clinic, taking place January 15–17, 2027, at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre.
Skirka brings an impressive résumé of championship success, player development and program building, highlighted by leading Murray State University to its first-ever NCAA Division I College World Series appearance in 2025.
Under Skirka's leadership, the Murray State Racers enjoyed a historic 2025 campaign, setting a program record with 44 victories, capturing their first Missouri Valley Conference championship and advancing through the NCAA Regional and Super Regional rounds to earn a coveted spot in Omaha at the College World Series.
The remarkable season also marked Murray State's fifth consecutive 30-win campaign, with the Racers establishing nine single-season team records along the way.
Since taking over as Murray State's Head Coach ahead of the 2019 season, Skirka has transformed the program into a consistent contender, building a winning culture while developing athletes for success at the collegiate and professional levels.
His commitment to player development has helped numerous athletes advance into professional baseball, including players selected in the Major League Baseball Draft and others who have signed professional contracts with organizations such as the Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles.
Before taking the reins at Murray State, Skirka spent four successful seasons at Walters State Community College in Tennessee, serving as the program's recruiting coordinator. During his tenure, Walters State compiled an outstanding 208–48 record, culminating in a 60–8 season and an appearance in the 2018 NJCAA World Series championship game.
Skirka's coaching background also includes previous stops at Murray State, Ouachita Baptist University and Grand Rapids Community College, where he gained extensive experience in recruiting, player development and building competitive baseball programs.
Beyond the collegiate ranks, Skirka has worked with the Prospect Development League at IMG Academy in Florida, a collaborative initiative involving Major League Baseball and USA Baseball focused on developing elite amateur baseball talent.
An accomplished player himself, Skirka enjoyed a standout collegiate career at Grand Valley State University, earning Rawlings/American Baseball Coaches Association All-Region First-Team honours after batting .400 during his senior season. He was also recognized as a First-Team All-GLIAC selection and Grand Valley State's Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2007.
Skirka's combination of championship-level coaching, recruiting expertise and player development experience will provide attendees with valuable insights into building successful programs, developing athletes and establishing a winning team culture.
His addition further strengthens an outstanding lineup of speakers for the 2027 Best Ever Coaches Clinic, bringing together respected coaches and baseball professionals from across the amateur, collegiate and professional levels.
The Best Ever Coaches Clinic remains one of Canada's premier baseball coaching education events, providing coaches of all experience levels with opportunities to learn, network and bring new ideas back to their teams and local associations.
2027 Best Ever Coaches Clinic Details
Dates: January 15–17, 2027
Location: Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre
Featured Speaker: Dan Skirka, Head Baseball Coach, Murray State University
Registration: Now Open
Coaches are encouraged to secure their spot for an exciting weekend of baseball education, professional development and inspiration.
For more information, speaker announcements and registration details, visit www.playoba.ca/bestever.