Bio

Tony Hurla was named the first head baseball coach in Kansas Christian College history in January of 2019. Hurla fielded a 20 man roster in the pandemic shortened season of 2020. In the 2021 season, Hurla led the Falcons to a 33-13 overall record and a trip to the NCCAA World Series in their first full season as a baseball program. The Falcons would capture the 2021 NCCAA Non Dual Affiliate Group (NDAG) Tournament Championship and finished the season with a 22-7 record against teams in their region. In Hurla's third season at the helm, the Falcons' baseball program earned a 34-18 record and moved up as high as #5 in the NCCAA rankings on their way to a second consecutive NCCAA World Series berth where they finished fifth. Hurla was also instrumental in bringing the NCCAA Baseball and Softball World Series as Kansas Christian College was named the host from 2022-2024 at their home field, the Kansas City Royals MLB Urban Youth Academy. 

Prior to joining KCC, Hurla served as the Associate Head Coach and Sports Information Director at the University of Saint Mary for seven years where he held several roles including sports information, directing recruiting, working with hitters and baserunners, and coaching the outfield and catchers. Hurla was an integral part in the Spires back-to-back winning seasons in 2014 and 2015. It was the first time the Spires had finished with records over .500 in back to back seasons in 10 years.

Prior to coaching at Saint Mary, Hurla was a Graduate Assistant Baseball Coach at Ottawa University where he was instrumental in leading the Braves to a 2010 KCAC Championship. Hurla recruited/coached one NAIA All-American and 35 all-conference award winners between his time at Ottawa and Saint Mary. Seven all-conference selections were first team. He has also coached nine players earning gold glove awards.

Hurla earned two degrees from Ottawa University where he attended college and played baseball. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation and Sports Administration and a Master's Degree in Education. As a player, Hurla was a starter on the 2006 KCAC Championship team and ranked in the top 10 of all career offensive categories upon graduating. He was an all-conference selection twice.

In 2009, Hurla was a player/coach for the Dohren Wild Farmers in the Baseball Bundesliga in Germany. Hurla served as a coach and player on the top team in the organization while also serving as a coach for all other teams. He also taught baseball to kids at local elementary schools. Hurla led the Wild Farmers to their first berth in the top German league in program history and the junior team earned German National Championship Runner-Up.

He was born in Kansas City, Kan. and attended Shawnee Mission Northwest High School.