Imagine being able to play football under the lights at the Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Elkhorn North High School junior Kyree Bennett got the opportunity to do just that when he played for the Westland Meteors in middle school. “I’ve never played on national television before, so it was very exciting to be named a World Champion along with my teammates,” he said. His mom, Nina Hall, was so proud. “It has been an amazing experience for him to play football,” she said. “I see the passion in his eyes and hear it in his voice when he talks about it.”
Elkhorn North varsity football coach Sam Stanley values Kyree’s talent and leadership. “Kyree is a very gifted football player, but he brings so much to our team beyond his athletic abilities. Kyree is highly respected by all of our players and coaches, and he does a tremendous job of leading by example through his hard work and dedication. He makes his academics a top priority and works very hard to achieve at a high level in the classroom just as much as he does on the field.”
Even though Elkhorn North lost its first game of the season, Bennett was impressed with the team’s resilience. “Most teams wouldn’t come back out the next game with the same mentality to keep getting better, but that’s what we did. We approached every single game as another time to get better no matter the score at the end of it.” He attributes the positive attitude to the coaching staff as well. “We have the best coaching staff in Nebraska, and they believe in us every step of the way.”
Bennett plans to attend a Division I or II school, playing football and studying engineering. He gets much of his motivation from watching college and NFL teams. “It makes me think about what I have to do to make it to where they are at.” He also finds motivation from his family. “They are very hard workers, and I want nothing but the absolute best for them. Making it to the NFL will give me a chance to give them what they truly deserve.”
