By Joseph T. O’Connor Explore Big Sky Senior Editor
BIG SKY – Lone Peak High School’s first head football coach has resigned the position.
Tony Beardsley, who built the Big Horns’ football program in 2010 and led the team as head coach,
stepped down on Jan. 22 to focus on requisite duties as LPHS athletic director and health enhancement teacher, according to a press release from Big Sky School District Supt. Jerry House.
“From recruiting first time players, purchasing football equipment, lining the football field and helping build the bleachers, Coach Beardsley had his hands in all aspects of making our Big Horn program a winner,” wrote House in the statement.
Beardsley developed All-Star caliber players over the last two seasons, and was voted to coach the East-West All-Star game in Custer in June 2013. Since the school district requires players to remain academically eligible to stay on the team, Beardsley also set up after-school study periods for those athletes who required additional study time.
“Due to his excellent leadership, the Big Horn football program is in excellent shape for future seasons to come,” House wrote.
House said a replacement head coach will be named at the Feb. 25 school board meeting.