Long time Lone Tree softball coach Tom Dickey is stepping down following this past season.

Dickey, who started the softball program at Lone Tree from the ground up back in 1986, has guided the program for 18 years in two stints. The long time coach says coaching the team over the years has given him an opportunity to work with not only some great athletes, but a lot of great kids.

Dickey, who said it was not an easy decision, said his priorities had changed now that both of his sons are married and he is looking forward to having some free time during the summer months.