Broncos named 5A state winner for Academic Excellence
KAREN RUDOLPH | BELTON ISD
The Lake Belton High School football team is celebrating a state championship of sorts.
The National Football Foundation on Thursday named the Broncos as the Texas 5A winner of the 2022-2023 NFF National High School Academic Excellence Award.
“I am so, so proud of this team,” said Brian Cope, the Broncos’ head football coach. “We stress to our kids every day the importance of showing up and finding a way to ‘rise up’ in the classroom just like they do on the field and in the weight room. This recognition honors their daily commitment to their academics. Their 212 effort and hard work is being noticed — and not just by their coaches and teachers.”
To be named a finalist, teams have to maintain a 3.0-grade point average or above throughout the regular football season. The Texas High School Coaches Association honored 53 different high schools this year, with Lake Belton being one of only 13 5A schools to be recognized. The Broncos were also finalists last year.
The state award goes to the top academic football team from each level of play in 12 states.
The 60 winning teams will now vie as finalists for the NFF Hatchell Cup, presented by “The Original” Bob’s Steak & Chop House, which will be announced Feb. 8. The NFF Hatchell Cup recognizes the top individual high school football team in the nation for excellence in the classroom, on the field and in the community.
The 2022 season — the Broncos’ first UIL-eligible season — ended with an 8-3 record, a tie for second in their district and a trip to the playoffs. The team also accumulated more than 200 hours of community service by supporting elementary school events and projects with the cities of Belton and Temple.
Athletic Director Sam Skidmore applauded the good work happening at LBHS.
"I am so proud of this team and this program,” he said. “They represent exactly what athletes in Belton ISD are supposed to strive for — academic and athletic success. Our goal is to set them up for a bright future, and these Broncos are well on their way."
LIKE THIS STORY? PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO SUPPORT MY WORK. THANKS
