Lennox Legion Baseball program announces coaching restructure for upcoming season

The Lennox Legion baseball program is entering a new chapter this season with significant changes to its coaching structure, including the adoption of paid coaching positions and several leadership transitions across all levels of the program.

After extensive research by the Legion baseball group, program leaders have decided to move to a paid coaching system — a model already used by nearly all Legion programs of similar or larger size.

Officials said the change is designed to strengthen the long-term future of the program and align Lennox with other successful Legion organizations.

As part of the transition, Legion coach Curt Lottman will step down from his role this season as his son will be playing in the program. Junior Legion coach Pat Dressen will also step away for the same reason.

Stepping into the senior Legion head coaching role will be JD Kirchner, described by program leaders as a major addition to the staff. Kirchner is an All-American player and currently serves as pitching coach for Dakota State University baseball. In addition to leading the senior Legion team, he will also assist with the junior Legion program.

Joining him will be Conner Eich, a Lennox graduate who played at Minnesota West Community and Technical College and is currently pitching for Dakota State. Eich will serve as head coach of the Junior Legion team while assisting with the senior squad.

Additional changes are also taking place at the 14U level, where coach Jade Veurink will step away as his son also joins the program.

To fill that vacancy, a five-person coaching staff will lead the 14U group, including Isaac Bambas, Cole Spieler, Mason Reischl, Andrew Daughterty and Lottman.