Sideline superstars

AZLE — At the conclusion of a recent Azle ISD coach’s convocation, Athletic Director Michael Sain named three Azle coaches the best of the bunch. Sain recognized junior high coach of the year, assistant high school coach of the year and head high school coach of the year with a rousing speech about the merits of each and an engraved trophy as a reward during the July 31 ceremony.

“This coach often goes to great lengths to ensure student success in the classroom and athletics.” Sain said of Kari Crosby, his first awardee. “This coach loves coaching and has been a great asset. This coach has worked very hard this year to help our athletes get better in each of their sports. She has a genuine love for kids and wants to see them succeed in life. In the classroom she is always prepared and is always looking for new ways to do things. She doesn't stop learning. In history class, she received a grant that was able to bring authentic colonial era artifacts for AJH for students to see and touch.”

Crosby was named junior high coach of the year. She coaches volleyball, girls’ basketball and girls’ track at Azle Junior High where she also teaches history. Crosby began her teaching and coaching career in 2022 at Azle ISD. Prior to teaching, she was a stay-at-home mother for much of her adult life and then was a private investigator for Weatherford-based Morrison Investigations for seven years. Crosby was also recognized as Junior High Coach of the Month for April earlier this year.

“This coach’s professionalism is evident in every aspect of the job,” Sain said of assistant high school coach of the year Randon Knoll. “He consistently sets high standards, with his unwavering dedication to the sport and all of our athletes. His integrity is beyond reproach. He conducts himself with honesty and fairness at all times. Loyalty is a hallmark of his, as evidenced by his steadfast commitment to the growth and success of our program year after year. Additionally, his tireless effort and passion for his role has not gone unnoticed. There is nothing that he cannot do or is unwilling to do. His presence in our program not only elevates the team but has also inspired countless athletes to strive for excellence both on and off the mat.”

Sain kept coy during each coach’s introduction, slowly revealing more information about the subject until their identity was announced. Under Knoll, AHS had 11 student-athletes qualify for the State Wrestling Tournament in Cypress in February. He teaches social studies at the high school and coaches wrestling. Knoll has previously been named assistant coach of the year and has been coaching wrestling at AHS for about five years. Knoll was formerly a career United States Marine. He grew up wrestling in Iowa through his youth and high school years.

“I don’t know if they know just how near and dear to me they are,” Sain said of head high school coach of the year, Amy Estes. “The first few thoughts that come to mind when I think of this coach are unselfish and Hornet Pride. She exudes a level of genuine love for all things Azle. She is constantly looking for ways to get involved and to give back. Whether coaching multiple sports, serving as an event worker, serving on the city council or simply trudging through water during April cleanup day, this Hornet ‘bleeds green.’”

Estes has been teaching for almost 30 years and was named the high school’s head swimming coach in 2020. According to reporting from Azle High School’s student newspaper, The Sting, Estes herself started the swim program at AHS as a student. She described herself as a “one-person swim team” during her freshman year where she received All American, All State, and placed third at the state competition. Estes has held Azle City Council Place 2 since 2022, after beating incumbent David McClure; she was re-elected to serve a second two-year term this year.