KHS Football Team, (Kearney Public Schools, Courtesy)
KEARNEY — Kearney High School (KHS) has once again set a benchmark for academic excellence in high school athletics by clinching the National Football Foundation (NFF) National High School Academic Excellence Award for the 2023-24 season. This prestigious accolade, presented by the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, marks the third consecutive year KHS has been honored, underlining its unwavering commitment to fostering a culture where academic achievements and athletic prowess go hand-in-hand.
The NFF & College Hall of Fame proudly recognizes top academic football teams from each state, with this initiative aiming to inspire a nationwide culture of academic excellence among high school football teams. Kearney High School stands out as one of only seven schools across Nebraska, spanning all classifications, to receive this distinguished honor. KHS is the only Class A school in the state to be recognized.
“This triple recognition is a direct reflection of our athletic organization’s dedication to prioritizing academic excellence,” said Brandon Cool, KHS Head Football Coach. “Our student-athletes consistently demonstrate their commitment to excellence, balancing rigorous academic schedules with athletic commitments and community engagement. This award is a testament to their hard work, discipline, and dedication.”
In the 2023-24 season, the Kearney High School football team reported a cumulative GPA of 3.62, the highest team GPA in Nebraska per classification, showcasing their academic prowess and setting a standard for academic and athletic excellence.
Ryan Hogue, KHS Activity Director, and Assitant Principal, expressed his excitement, “Can you say, THREE PEAT! Even though I am not surprised by this recognition, this goes to show what Kearney High School is all about. We have once again set the standard for what a Student-Athlete looks like and all that we offer both academically and athletically at Kearney High School. Coach Cool and his staff are not only champions on the field with the program they have built over the years but champions in the classroom as well. I am once again impressed with the consistent focus that they place on setting a high standard of academic excellence for their players to live up to is second to none.”
The NFF National High School Academic Excellence Awards, in collaboration with the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, spotlight schools like Kearney High School that exemplify the true spirit of excellence in both the academic and athletic arenas. KHS’s consistent performance and dedication to academic achievement serve as an inspiration to other schools across the nation.
Kearney High School is joined by other Nebraska schools in this prestigious recognition:
- Class A – Kearney High School
- Class B – Lincoln Pius X High School
- Class C1 – Gothenburg High School
- Class C2 – Norfolk Catholic High School
- Class D1 – Exeter-Milligan/Friend
- Class D2 – Niobrara High School-Verdigre High School
- Class D6 – Hampton High School
Kearney High School’s repeated success in the NFF National High School Academic Excellence Awards underscores the school’s holistic approach to student development, where academic success is as celebrated as athletic achievement. This accolade is a proud moment for the Kearney community, reflecting the combined efforts of students, faculty, and staff toward maintaining a culture of excellence.
Attachment: KHS Football Team jpg
NEBRASKA COACHES ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DARIN BOYSEN
“We appreciate the National Football Foundation’s efforts in helping recognize high school student-athletes who are excelling on the football field and within the classroom. Our youth are being pulled in many directions today, but the teams being recognized with the NFF Academic Excellence Award are clearly surrounded by talented coaches and educators who bring out their best. Communities and schools across America should celebrate the cumulative team dedication being recognized through this award.”
ABOUT THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION & COLLEGE HALL OF FAME
Founded in 1947 with early leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl “Red” Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame is a non-profit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship, and athletic achievement in young people. With 120 chapters in 47 states, NFF programs include the criteria, selection and induction of members of the College Football Hall of Fame; the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta; Future For Football; The William V. Campbell Trophy®; the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments; the NFF National High School Academic Excellence Awards presented by the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation & Hatchell Cup presented by the Original Bob’s Steak & Chop House; and a series of programs and initiatives to honor the legends of the past and inspire the leaders of the future. NFF corporate partners include Bruin Capital, Catapult, Delta Air Lines, Fidelity Investments, Hampshire Companies, Hanold Associates Executive Search, Jostens, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, New York Athletic Club, Pasadena Tournament of Roses and Sports Business Journal. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @NFFNetwork and learn more at footballfoundation.org.