At a presentation during the annual Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA) convention in San Antonio, Texas, the National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced that Klein Cain High School (Texas) is being recognized as the top high school football program in the state for their outstanding achievements in the classroom, on the field, and in the community. As part of this recognition, “The Original” Bob’s Steak & Chop House will make a $5,000 donation to support the football program.
“The NFF commends Klein Cain High School for their exceptional accomplishments,” said NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell. “The dedication of the players, coaches, administrators, and their families is truly commendable. By fostering the same competitive spirit in the classroom as on the field, we aim to better prepare high school football players for lifelong success.”
Led by Head Coach James Clancy and Athletics Director Darby Young, the 2023 Hurricanes team boasted an impressive 3.874 GPA. Among its 65 roster players, the team had 47 Academic All-District Selections, 12 Academic All-State Selections, and one Academic All-State Elite Team Selection. Additionally, 23 players were enrolled in AP, honors classes, or international baccalaureate programs. The team went 8-4 last season, claiming their fourth consecutive bi-district championship, with the senior class finishing the year with the most wins as a class in program history.
The team is also active within the community, taking part in the Gridiron Heroes Pledge Drive, the Salute to Service Dedication for First Responders, Our Day to Shine (THSCA Coaches Benevolence Fund), and the Future Hurricane Youth Football Night Service Program.
“The Original” Bob’s Steak & Chop House is the presenting sponsor of the NFF Hatchell Cup, which recognizes the top high school football team in the nation for excellence in the classroom, on the field, and in the community; the award was earned for the 2023-24 by Indianapolis Cathedral High School (IN). Klein Cain was a finalist for the Cup.
Related: 2023 High School Football America Academic All-Americans
In consideration of his 31 years of business in Texas, his support of the NFF, and in appreciation of Texas High School Coaches Association as the original partner of the award, Bob’s Steak & Chop House founder Bob Sambol felt it was important to celebrate the accomplishments of the state’s top program.
“‘The Original’ Bob’s Steak & Chop House extends heartfelt congratulations to Klein Cain High School for their exceptional performance,” said Sambol. “This recognition is a testament to the outstanding leadership of the coaches and the dedication of the players to excel both on the field and in the classroom. Steve Hatchell has long championed the positive impact of football, and Klein Cain High School truly embodies those ideals.”
The NFF Hatchell Cup is named in honor of NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. Since taking over the helm of the NFF in 2005, Hatchell has overseen numerous programs expanding the NFF’s reach and impact as it continues to promote the scholar-athlete ideal.
For more information on the NFF National High School Academic Excellence Awards presentation by the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation and Hatchell Cup presented by The Original Bobs Steak and Chop House or to learn how your state high school coaches association can participate next season, please contact the NFF at [email protected].
The above is a news release from the National Football Foundation
