Prep Talk
NEW Student Series – Austin and Kevin Kennedy: Brothers On and Off the Court
Posted February 11th, 2014
This article is part of our “Student Series,” which features posts drafted by students. This article was written by Brendan Honick (Class of 2016) and the accompanying picture was taken by Bobby Mairone (Class of 2015).
Kevin Kennedy’s three pointer on January 31, 2014, in a Battle by the Bay game against Atlantic City High School, will be remembered long after he finishes his career at St. Augustine Prep. The swish of the ball through the hoop with 4:43 to play in the fourth quarter, the deafening cheers of the packed crowd, and the turn of momentum leading the Hermits to victory in one of the biggest games of the season will not be forgotten. Senior reserve, Kevin Kennedy came off the bench to make the shot of the game.
?This has been a special year for brothers Kevin and Austin Kennedy, who hail from Medford, NJ. As Kevin nears completion of his high school career, his younger brother and teammate, Austin, has three more years to go in the Prep’s basketball program. At the start of the season, it was thought that 2013-14 would be a year of rebuilding, but this year’s team has a different plan.
?The brothers Kennedy have played basketball since they were very young, starting with the hoop in their driveway. The two were very competitive with each other, which Kevin describes as a “driveway rivalry.” Austin looks up to his brother and considers him to be a good influence. This is the first time this duo has ever played on the same team.
?Brotherhood is part of the foundation of the Prep, and creates a bond among students few other schools have. However, it is rare for two siblings to play on the same varsity team. As a team of brothers, Austin says “I think we can win the CAL championship, but it depends on the team for how far we want to go.”
?Athletic talent runs in the family. Their father, Wally Kennedy, coached basketball at Florida State University and the University of Montana. Their sister, Kelsey, plays basketball at Salve Regina University in Rhode Island. The Hoop Group Basketball Camp in the Poconos is owned by their uncle.
?Kevin credits Coach Paul Rodio with teaching “not just basketball, but life lessons.” Named January Hermit of the Month, Kevin is described as being “solid, loyal, and selfless.” Those attributes serve him well on and off the court.
?Presently, the Hermits have a record of 16-2. With a handful of regular season games to go, the brothers only have a limited time remaining to play on the same team. In reflection on this season, Kevin says he has to “try and cherish the moment because it’s what I’m going to remember 10 or 20 years from now.”