The Sunnyvale Alumni Association has announced former Texas History teacher, PE teacher and coach Mike Krone, who worked in SISD from 1994 to 2016, as the 2025 Legacy Award recipient. Krone will be honored at the Homecoming game on October 17 at Raider Stadium.
The Legacy Award, presented annually, was designed by the Alumni Association as a way to honor members of the SISD faculty and staff who have made a lasting impact on students, colleagues and the community.
Alumni Association President Codie Lunt (SJH ‘96) said that each chosen Legacy Award recipient has built his/her reputation on values and leadership, and demonstrates continual pride for Sunnyvale ISD.
“Throughout his career at SISD, Mike ‘Coach’ Krone has been a positive role model, leading with pride and passion,” Lunt said. “His influence has been deeply impactful, instilling the importance of strong core values that extend far beyond the field, court or classroom. Coach Krone's leadership has always been rooted in respect, dedication, and a genuine care for those around him.”
In addition to teaching PE and Texas History at Sunnyvale ISD during his 23-year tenure, Krone also served as athletic director, head football coach, both boys and girls basketball Coach, boys and girls track coach, tennis and golf coach, and sponsor for Modern Oratory and Impromptu Speaking with UIL Academics.
“My philosophy for coaching was you were first and foremost a teacher,” Krone said. “Therefore, it did not matter whether you were in a sport setting or in the classroom; you were helping someone learn a skill or passing along knowledge in some form. Many life lessons can be learned in sports as well as in a classroom setting.”
Krone reflected on his teaching experiences and the impact he hopes to have made throughout his years in the classroom.
“I hope the students realize how much I truly cared for them,” Krone said. “There is an old saying ‘They don’t care how much you know till they know how much you care’ And I did care for each and every one of them.”
Lunt shared that Krone stood out as a Legacy Award recipient because he has the ability to not just lead in the moment, but to have a lasting effect on the lives of those he has coached and taught.
“He continues to have meaningful friendships with his former students, players, and colleagues, celebrating their growth and successes long after he retired from SISD,” Lunt said.
On receiving the Legacy Award this year, Krone said that being recognized is a huge honor.
“Over the years there have been many outstanding teachers, administrators, and support staff who have contributed to the success of Sunnyvale ISD,” he said. “I feel blessed to be included in that group and thankful for the support that I had through those years throughout the community.”
Krone shared that he is married to Jann Krone, has two children, four grandchildren and a great grandchild due in November.