Hutchinson High School baseball coach Mace Krol had a memorable athletic experience at Hutchinson Community College.

But more than sports, Krol made connections and relationships that he still has to this day. He feels those are more important than any award or accolade.

“My time at HCC was awesome,” Krol said. “I had coaches, educators, and teammates that I developed lifelong relationships with. I’m very blessed to still communicate with most of them.”

Krol attended Hutchinson Community College from 2008 to 2010 and then started coaching, while student teaching in Kansas City. Along with being the head coach for the Salthawks, he also is an assistant coach for basketball and football.

“HCC helped me grow up and mature as a player, but more so as a person,” Krol said. “At the time I didn’t realize how fortunate I was to be around such great people. Coach Crookes (now head coach at Central Missouri) and Coach Nac (HCC educator) were two men I admired at HCC and wanted to be like one day. They impacted me in ways they’ll never know. I can’t ever be around and thank people like those two enough.”

If an athlete is wanted by Hutchinson Community College, Krol said being a Dragon is a no-brainer.

“If you are lucky enough to get recruited and be a Dragon, do it,” Krol said. “Invest in the school, teachers and coaches and your return comes back tenfold.”