CVU Football Duo Earns National Recognition
It has been a historic season for CVU football, as two of the program’s central figures, head coach Rahn Fleming and senior Sean Kennedy, have earned top national honors from the National Football Federation (NFF), bringing well-deserved national attention to the Redhawks.
Head Coach Rahn Fleming has been named NFF Coach of the Year, a prestigious award that celebrates his exceptional leadership and sustained success. Under his direction, CVU delivered a flawless 11-0 season, overwhelming opponents with an incredible margin of 462-62. Reflecting on his impact, Sean shared, “Rahn is the Mr. Miyagi of football. He’s taught us more about life than just the game, all while having and teaching a deep understanding of football itself. No one deserves Coach of the Year more than him. He has changed my life in ways I’ll never forget, and I know I’m just one of many who are grateful for the impact he’s made. The impressions he’s left on so many – on and off the field – are lasting and meaningful.”
Prior to this remarkable season, CVU reached the state championship three times in the past four years, capturing titles in both the 2022–23 and 2024–25 seasons, a historic achievement for the program and a sure reward for Rahn’s leadership and coaching. The football team had not previously made it to the state championship in its history. Defensive Coordinator, Defensive Line Coach, and next year’s Head Coach, Frank Parisi, shared that Rahn is “the most selfless man I know. He has an uncanny knack for commanding respect while also being the most loved guy in the locker room. As a leader, that speaks volumes.”
Known for his strong principles, Fleming upheld a strict “no freshmen on varsity” policy for years, until Kennedy shattered that precedent by both making varsity and starting in ninth grade. His positions include left guard, defensive tackle, and defensive end. Fleming smiles from ear to ear when reflecting on Kennedy’s arrival into Redhawk Football. “Swallowing my pride and listening to our coaches turned out to be the most gratifying and productive act of humility in my career at CVU. From moment one, all Seanny’s done is worked hard, defied odds, exceeded expectations, and performed with excellence – no matter what we asked of him.” That moment launched a four-year run of excellence for Kennedy, whose resume now includes six-time First Team All State, two years as Captain, a North-South All-Star Game participant, and a 2025 Shrine Bowl selection. But it’s his all-around impact—on the field, in the classroom, and in the community—that has made him truly stand out.
This year, Kennedy was named one of six scholar-athletes inducted into the NFF Vermont Chapter Hall of Fame and was chosen as Vermont’s representative on the NFF National Team of Distinction, placing him among the top high school football players in the country (typically about 50 students nationwide are chosen.) On top of that, Kennedy has been the recipient of the Jim Otto Award for four consecutive years—an award so unique and reflective of his character, work ethic, and perseverance that Coach Fleming created it specifically for him. “I grew up in the San Francisco Bay area and was a Raiders fan as a kid. I’ve held the deepest respect and admiration, even affection, for Jim Otto all my life. The man played 15 seasons in the NFL, all with the Raiders, and never missed one of 210 consecutive games (308, total). Sean, as much as any player I’ve known, embodies Otto’s commitment to his team and to the game, itself.” Coach Parisi reflected that Sean is the “epitome of a student athlete and a leader” and that “he is not the most vocal but, instead, speaks through his actions. He leads by strong example, commands respect, and exemplifies what the term coachable means. I can’t wait to see where life takes him!”
Coach Fleming and Kennedy have helped define a new era of excellence for CVU football. Their individual achievements and the program’s undefeated season have placed the Redhawks firmly in the national conversation—and set a powerful example of leadership, commitment, and legacy. Each, in his own way, lives the team’s guiding principle of Ubuntu: “I am because we are.” Says Fleming, “Sean made us all – teammates and coaches, alike – better by his presence on and off the ballfield. We were the team we were and accomplished the things we did, in no small part, because he was a part of us.”
