Sunnyvale ISD E-News

Sunnyvale ISD Athletic Director and Head Football Coach John Settle has announced that he will retire at the end of February. Settle’s distinguished career has spanned 34 years in coaching.

Settle retires with an outstanding football career record of 159-75 and 109-37 as Sunnyvale’s head football coach.

“I have been in coaching for 34 years and coming to Sunnyvale was easily the best decision for my family that I have ever made," Settle said. "I just want to express my sincere appreciation for SISD for 13 great years. I am very appreciative of the time here and I will miss the kids and coaches of this great district a great deal. I look forward to being a continued part of this community and supporting the district in any way possible.”

Over the past 13 years, Settle has led Raider Athletics to become a regional powerhouse in Texas 4A athletics. Under his leadership, the Sunnyvale community has enjoyed state championships in Baseball, Girls’ Basketball, Girls’ Track & Field and Girls’ Golf along with multiple other teams finishing as state finalists/semi-finalists and individual athletes medaling at state competitions. Additionally, SHS teams have competed and won at regional and area competitions, distinguishing Sunnyvale as a dominant force in the region.

“Coach Settle’s leadership has left an indelible mark on Sunnvyale ISD," Superintendent Matt Kimball said. "He has dedicated himself to building a successful athletic program and successful young adults. I respect and appreciate his influence on educators, coaches, and students over the past 34 years. He will be missed.”

Settle joined SISD late in 2011 after eight successful seasons in Brownsboro. At the time, SHS had just completed it first varsity season in football and was ready for the next level.

Settle took over the football program and created a culture of winning that quickly spread to all athletic programs. Hiring decisions, facility improvements and program leadership are hallmarks of Settle’s approach to Sunnyvale’s success.

“Coach Settle is to be commended for building an outstanding football program and leading what is one of the top athletic departments in the area,” former SISD Superintendent Doug Williams said. “However, his legacy will be in the number of young people he has inspired to be champions on and off the field. He always considered molding the entire student athlete to be his highest calling.”

Building the character of his players has always been at the heart of Settle’s coaching philosophy.

“Coach Settle is a big reason I am the person I am today,” SHS teacher and coach (and former Oklahoma State player and Green Bay Packers recruit) Tré Sterling said. “Before coming to Sunnyvale I was a tiny, scared, and confused kid just trying to achieve my dream of collegiate and professional sports. Coach Settle gave me an opportunity to show what I was capable of and kept me on the right track towards my personal goals. However, the things that are underlying are the reasons so many people love John Settle. Despite my athletic talent and abilities, Coach Settle cared about me and about so many others as people and human beings. He saw what each of his athletes, students and employees were capable of and brought the best out of them everyday. The same is happening even as I work under him, with this being my first year as an educator and coach, he has always been there for me and assisted me in this transition into my new career.”

Settle began his career in 1990 at Pine Tree ISD in Longview. He also coached at New Diana ISD, Royse City ISD and nearby North Mesquite High School prior to his stint in Brownsboro. He is a member of the 1983 state champion Daingerfield Tigers football team that is considered one of the best high school football teams to ever play the game.

Beyond retirement, Settle plans to work in a position outside of public education. The Settles will remain in Sunnyvale and Settle’s wife, Jennifer (SISD’s Director of Professional) is not retiring. The Settles have two children: their son Ben (who recently married Emily) and Haley, their daughter. Ben and Haley are both SHS graduates.

There are so many great things to say about Coach Settle. He is a groomer of men and I couldn’t be more proud to have been coached by a man of his character. Speaking of character, one thing that I think of to this day —18 years later, is a quote he told us the night we played Tatum in the 2006 playoffs for the bi-district championship. As he was preparing a bunch of young boys for a game, we weren’t aware he was preparing men for life at the time. He explained character as, “If you’re driving in the desert and no one is around for hundreds of miles and you come to a four way stop, are you going to stop or continue to drive through it? Answer that question to yourselves but understand how you answer, define your character and I need your absolute best tonight.” Looking back over the years, I’ve said that quote many of times trying to lead young soldiers and be a positive influence in their lives during my time in the Army. John Settle has created many men through his coaching career and I couldn’t be more proud to say that he has played a huge part in my life-and continues to do so. We may not talk often but when we do, it brings me back to the greatest years of my life with a role model many haven’t experience. Congratulations, Coach! This is well deserved and I truly hope you know how many lives you’ve touched, how many young men you’ve created and the tone you have set for us over the years. Good luck to you in your future endeavors and always remember, you don’t have to be the biggest, fastest or strongest, but you will be the most conditioned.

Oran Lewis

Brownsboro High School

John Settle exemplifies Raider Pride in every way. He’s a great leader and man who has always gone out of his way to help me grow and get new opportunities. I never got to play for him but that makes me especially thankful for all he’s done to help me and make my Alma Mater a place to succeed.

Meka Okafor

SHS Class of 2011

Teacher and Coach, Crowley High School

He always said, “If there’s a rock throwing contest, the Sunnyvale Raiders will be competing in it!” He was basically saying that any time anywhere, any event — we were going to compete. He was always about competing and not just competing but winning. It’s a lot easier mentally to get through tough times when the goal is to win. The work you have put in pays off.

Lawson Ayo

SHS Class of 2016