The Triton School District has only had one football coach since it was formed about 25 years ago. Don Henderson has held the position ever since Dodge Center, Claremont and West Concord came together as a single district. The hall of fame coach announced he would step down after last season. Longtime assistant Mike Ellingson will be the second coach to head the Cobras' program, pending school board approval on April 16. Ellingson has been on the staff for 15 seasons, the last 14 as the defensive coordinator.

Ellingson was part of a state championship season in 2006 and a Prep Bowl runner-up showing in 2010. Triton won additional state titles in 1994 and 2000 and has made nine state tournament trips. Henderson has won more than 250 games in 30-plus years of coaching. The Cobras finished as section runner-up to eventual state champion Caledonia in 2017.

A news release indicated that candidates from outside the district were also considered for the position. Triton also announced that Shane VanBeek will be the Activities Director, as Henderson steps down from that role as well. VanBeek is also a member of the football coaching staff and had recently been the wrestling coach at Triton.

 

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