Albany High senior Kha'Davier Farmer was honored by the Capital District Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame for his excellence as a scholar-athlete during a special ceremony on March 8.
"Receiving this award is a big accomplishment for me," Farmer stated. "I thank my mom and God for giving me this award."
For those who know Farmer, it is no surprise that he was celebrated amongst top scholar-athletes from across Section 2. In the classroom, he is a Principal's List student and is carrying a GPA in the mid-90s this school year.
A four-year varsity performer in football and wrestling, he is among Section 2's top performers and also well-known as a strong leader and a great teammate.
Coach Mike Ware reflected on how important Farmer's presence was on the football team for the past four years.
"His charm, wit and infectious sense of humor served as comic relief during our long, hard summer practices," Ware said. "But it is his legendary resilience and determination that truly define him and make him the poster boy for what it means to be an 'Albany Kid.'”
Ware's support has made a significant impact on Farmer, spurring him on towards success on the football field. Farmer delivered an outstanding senior season for the Falcons last fall, racking up 55 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss and four sacks. He was named a Times Union First Team All Star at defensive tackle and also earned Section 2 Class AA First Team recognition.
In addition to his success on the football field, Farmer wrestled in the 285-pound weight class for the past four winters. During that time, he compiled 73 career wins, including 61 by pin. He capped off his senior season with a sixth-place finish at the Section 2 Division 1 state qualifier meet in February.
Beyond his performance on the mat, Farmer also is known throughout the wrestling community for his sportsmanship and camaraderie, consistently showing respect to opposing student-athletes and coaches.
"Kha'Davier's excellence and leadership has resonated with our younger wrestlers and our junior class, and has helped us create a positive culture that promotes family, respect and hard work for years to come," said Albany High coach Mark Hitchcock.
With a successful high school athletic career on both the football field and wrestling mat behind him, Farmer is preparing for the next chapter.
Next school year, he will continue both sports at the collegiate level at Utica University. A Division III program, the Pioneers compete in the Empire 8 Conference; in football, their only league loss in 2025 was to perennial national power Cortland.
Farmer plans to major in sports management at Utica, and, after earning his undergraduate degree, he plans to attend trade school to pursue a career in welding.