Highland/Lone Tree Hires Thayne McElhinney as Head Football Coach

McElhinney, an assistant at Lone Tree last season, will lead the new combined varsity football program.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 6:36am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action and movement of a high school football game, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.The new Highland-Lone Tree football program will bring a fresh, collaborative energy to the field this season.Lone Tree Today

The Highland School Board has approved the hiring of Thayne McElhinney as the new head football coach for the combined Highland-Lone Tree varsity team. McElhinney, who was previously an assistant coach at Lone Tree, will now lead the 11-man Class A program that will compete under the Highland-Lone Tree name. All varsity home games and practices will be held at Highland, while Lone Tree will host the junior high program.

Why it matters

The new combined football program represents an innovative partnership between the two neighboring school districts, allowing them to field a more competitive varsity team while maintaining their individual identities. McElhinney's hiring is a key step in establishing the new program and positioning it for success.

The details

McElhinney, who is currently a teacher at Lone Tree, will also be hired as a physical education teacher at Highland. The school boards approved the shared varsity football program in March, with Highland hosting all varsity home games and practices, while Lone Tree will host the junior high program.

  • The Highland School Board approved McElhinney's hiring as head football coach during its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 19, 2026.
  • The shared varsity football program between Highland and Lone Tree was approved by both school boards in March 2026.

The players

Thayne McElhinney

The new head football coach for the combined Highland-Lone Tree varsity team, who was previously an assistant coach at Lone Tree.

Spencer Lueders

The Superintendent of Schools, who expressed excitement about McElhinney's passion for the sport and the students.

Highland School Board

The school board that approved the hiring of McElhinney as head football coach during their regular meeting.

Lone Tree School Board

The school board that partnered with Highland to approve the shared varsity football program in March 2026.

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What they’re saying

“'He has a passion for the sport, a passion for the kids. I'm really excited for him.'”

— Spencer Lueders, Superintendent of Schools

What’s next

The new Highland-Lone Tree football program will begin competing in Iowa's 11-man Class A this upcoming fall season.

The takeaway

The partnership between Highland and Lone Tree to field a combined varsity football team represents an innovative approach to maintaining competitive programs in smaller school districts. McElhinney's hiring as the new head coach will be crucial in establishing the program's identity and success.