Kearney High School 2024 Varsity Football, (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 2024-25 season.
This prestigious accolade, presented by the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, marks the fourth 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 the 63 State Winners of the top academic football teams, 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.
“Success in athletics and academics isn’t a matter of choosing one over the other—it’s about the discipline, dedication, and determination to excel in both,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning. “We are proud to recognize these football teams as the top academic performers in their respective states. The administrators, communities, and families should all be incredibly proud of the accomplishments of these players and coaches. By inspiring teams to compete in the classroom with the same competitive spirit that it takes to win on the field, we are helping to prepare high school football players for lifelong success.”
“This fourth 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 2024-25 season, the Kearney High School football team reported a cumulative GPA of 3.60, 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 Assistant Principal expressed his excitement, “Can you say 4-peat? Even though I am not surprised by this recognition, this goes to show what it means to be a Kearney Bearcat Student-Athlete. 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.
Other Nebraska schools join Kearney High School in this prestigious recognition:
Nebraska
Class A Kearney High School
Class B Omaha Gretna East High School
Class C1 Hastings Adams Central High School
Class C2 Hartington Cedar Catholic High School
Class D1 8-Man Hemingford High School
Class D2 8-Man Mullen High School
Class D6 6-Man – Arthur County 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.
FROM THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION ANNOUNCEMENT
https://footballfoundation.org/news/2025/1/28/football-state-winners-announced-for-2024-25-nff-national-hs-academic-excellence-awards.aspx
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 NFF College Football Hall of Fame; the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame museum in Atlanta; Future For Football; I Played; the William V. Campbell Trophy®; the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards Presented by Fidelity Investments; the NFF National High School Academic Excellence Awards presented by the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation & the Hatchell Cup presented by 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, CAA Executive Search, Catapult, Delta Air Lines, Fidelity Investments, Hampshire Companies, Jostens, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, New York Athletic Club, Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, SideQuests and the Sports Business Journal. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, @NFFNetwork and learn more at footballfoundation.org.
