Coach “Sonne” brings an academics-first approach to role as Linn’s new head football coach
Posted Wednesday, February 11, 2026 1:28 pm
By Neal A. Johnson, UD Editor
LINN — Coach William “Sonne” Sonnemaker believes everything must begin in the classroom, and plans to approach Linn’s head football coaching position with that in mind.
“We will begin by prioritizing academics and the weight room; these are non-negotiable foundations,” he explained. “Our overarching goal is to ‘close the gap’ through disciplined minds and stronger bodies. By establishing consistent habits in the classroom and in training, we set the stage for steady, sustainable progress on the field.”
A 2004 graduate, Sonne played both football and lacrosse at Smoky Hill High School in Aurora, Colo., and then football at Midland University in Nebraska, competing at the NAIA level in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC).
Now at Linn, he is currently serving as the In-School Suspension (ISS) coordinator at the elementary school. “I truly enjoy working with the younger students (the ‘Littles’), and supporting them as they learn to manage their emotions and navigate challenges,” said Sonne. “It is incredibly rewarding to help build those foundational skills early on.”
Sonne knows a thing or two about success, having just completed a championship run at Tipton as an assistant coach after some time away from the game. “I remain profoundly grateful to Coach Duke for bringing me back into coaching after a period away to grieve and process the loss of my father,” he said, noting he has deep affection for the Tipton community, its players, staff, and coaches. “Those Tipton players truly reignited my passion for the game. As I prayed for guidance on how to move forward in this next chapter of football, clear signs began pointing toward Linn. It felt like the right path forward, even though leaving was bittersweet.”
He chose Linn for a variety of reasons. “Linn is not a stepping stone for me,” said Sonne. “Having coached at various levels, this is precisely the opportunity I was seeking to establish long-term roots. Linn has a rich football heritage that has been dormant since the program ended in 1976, and there is a palpable hunger here to revive it. After meeting with Dr. Cobb and others in the community, I could sense the excitement and energy surrounding football’s return. The buzz is real, and I want to be part of building something meaningful and lasting in this place.”
As Sonne prepares to work with athletes, his favored approach has been centered on people over schemes. “It’s about the ‘Jimmys and Joes’ more than the X’s and O’s,” he said. “The priority is reaching players at a deeper level, connecting with their hearts so we can then effectively coach their minds and bodies. As Lewis Grizzard once said, ‘The game of life is a lot like football. You have to tackle your problems, block your fears, and score your points when you get the opportunity.’ My core philosophy is to develop the whole athlete spiritually, mentally, and physically rather than favoring one side of the ball over the other. Success comes from building well-rounded individuals who compete with purpose on both offense and defense.”
Coach Sonne strives to set the tone for his players. “I draw from a broad range of life experiences to connect authentically with players, always emphasizing honesty and transparency,” he explained. “Most importantly, I strive to lead by example, walking in faith and demonstrating its role in daily life. By building genuine relationships and showing them that character, academics, family, and community matter just as much as athletic performance, players become motivated to pursue excellence in all areas, not because of external pressure, but because they see the bigger picture and its lasting value.”