Severson to coach Bravettes softball

Tim Severson has been named the head softball coach at Flathead High School.

Severson replaces Dale Beerman, who resigned at the end of the season.

"He really wants to build our program," FHS Activities Director Frank Jobe said.

"I think that's one of his strong points."

Jobe made the announcement on Friday.

Severson was a Bravettes assistant coach this past season. It was his first year with the team.

He's been an assistant football coach at FHS for 13 years.

"I'm very appreciative of the Flathead administration giving me the opportunity to coach Bravettes softball," Severson said.

"We have a lot of high-character kids coming back. I look forward to coaching them this time next year and in years to come."

This is Severson's first head coaching position.

"He came highly recommended," Jobe said.

"Brad Walterskirchen, a former board member, wrote that Severson 'is an experienced, proven, quality individual who is familiar with Flathead Braves and Bravettes tradition, and someone who will carry that tradition into the future.' I thought that was a pretty strong comment."

Walterskirchen sent the letter of recommendation to Jobe.

"With the split (adding Glacier), it was hard numbers-wise last year," Jobe said.

"He will go after kids who aren't playing and should be.

He will go after the younger kids from our feeder schools who will help our program. He really wants to increase the numbers and bring those kids in."

Jobe said Severson has been working on making FHS softball stronger "ever since softball got over.

"He's been around the game a long time," Jobe added.

Severson is an FHS graduate, class of 1983. He was a second-team all-state defensive back and ran the dashes in track.

Severson lettered in track at Pacific Lutheran University.

"I hope to work on the little parts of the game, in terms of fundamentals" he said.

"I will bring a good work ethic and just have fun playing softball."

Severson, 42, will student teach at FHS in the fall. He will teach health and physical education.

He spent 15 years in the banking profession before switching careers.

Severson is a board member with the Kalispell Youth Softball Association. He is currently coaching a 12-U softball team.

He is a co-founder, along with Mike Rauthe, of Flathead Valley Little Guy Football.