Class 2012: Robert Kennedy, RT/LS, Cobequid Education Centre Cougars

Today, CFC features class 2012 star right tackle/long snapper from the Cobequid Educational Centre Cougars, Robert Kennedy. Robert started his football career with the peewee Truro Blue Bombers.

Robert Kennedy

Positions:
Right Tackle, Long Snapper, Defensive end, Defensive Tackle, Nose Tackle, and Offensive Centre

Height/Weight:
6’0, 220 lbs (235-245 lbs during football season)

Teams:
Cobequid Education Centre Cougars (high school)
Highland Bears (under 17)
Truro Freightliners (bantam)
Truro Blue Bombers (peewee)

Commitment:
None

Consideration:
Dalhousie, St. Francis Xavier, Lethbridge, Mount Allison, Open

Class:
2012

In the fall of 2007, Robert Kennedy joined the peewee Truro Blue Bombers and played on both the offensive and defensive lines. He was named the teams’ defensive rookie of the year.

The next season, Robert moved on to play center with the bantam Truro Freightliners (occasionally played defense). He was awarded team lineman of the year. Furthermore, he played spring football for the under-17 Highland Cougars in 2008 and 2009.

A childhood dream was realized in the fall of 2009. The star player started his high school football career with the Cobequid Education Centre Cougars as a right tackle.

“I was eager to play for the Cougars since I used to watch the games growing up,” adds Robert who was named the teams’ rookie of the year that season.

The next season with the Cougars (2010), Robert played on both offensive and defensive lines. For his play on the field, the Cougars standout was named to the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL) first all-star team.

At the beginning of the 2011 season, Robert was given a huge honour by the team.

“My most memorable moment would have to be getting voted team captain by my teammates,” says the graduating player, who enjoyed being in a leadership role. On the field, Robert played long snapper (field goal, punt, and point after) along with right tackle.

To cap off a successful high school football career with the Cougars, Robert was named the NSSAFFL Scotia Division lineman of the year and selected to the first all-star team in one of the offensive line spots for the division.

The Cougars captaincy is not the only highlight of Robert’s football career.

“As well I am always a huge fan of big hits,” explains the star player. “Whether it’s me or one of my teammates, everyone always remembers the knock outs and flying mouth gourds.”

The graduating player says coaches he has encountered during his football journey have greatly influenced him. In recent years, there are two in particular that have shaped Robert into the player that he is today.

“My linemen coach for the past three years has been Brent MacPhee, he has helped me develop my skills and made me the player I am today,” comments Robert. “Secondly would be Scott Annand, who was head coach of the Cougars this year and brought a new energy to the team that was a great experience to be a part of.”

Overall, Robert has been impacted by all the coaches he has been instructed by, especially the entire Cougars coaching staff.

“They have all been very approachable, supportive, and determined to make all their players the best they can be,” adds Robert.

As for other influences, the graduating player says that his parents are his main ones in his life.

“They have supported my athletic goals and successes and taught me that it’s not only important to excel in sports but academics as well,” says Robert.

Based on what his parents have taught him, the Cougars standout says he looks up to players with those same goals and values.

“In football, I am influenced by the players that are able to do just that, somebody who is successful in sports and life in general,” explains Robert.

Not only is Robert a football player, but he is a successful track and field athlete. As a thrower, he has participated in Legions, Canadian Junior and many school provincial track meets. In his main event as a shot-putter, he placed seventh nationally. The star athlete holds many track records in shot-put including the district regional , CEC, and provincial intermediate level. Additionally, Robert throws hammer and discus.

Once high school is completed, Robert plans to pursue future studies in nursing or human kinetics.

“I am looking forward to university life where it will enable me to focus on my athletics and maintain my honors marks,” adds the graduating star player.

Cougars head coach Scott Annand has high praise for Robert.

“Robert Kennedy is an outstanding individual first and foremost,” comments Annand. “He has a great work ethic and competes day in and day out.”

Furthermore, Annand believes the standout player will be a key addition to any future football program for various reasons.

“A true student-athlete, he excels both in the classroom as well as in athletics as multi-sport athlete,” explains the Cougars head coach. “Robert is technically sound and works very hard at perfecting his craft as an offensive lineman/football player.”

“He has the technical and fundamental tools to play at the next level.”

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