Football Power And Real Life

I couldn't believe it when I came across an article in the New York Times about a little town called Smith Center, Kansas, not too far from where I grew up.

Apparently, the Smith Center Redmen -- the high school football team -- have won 51 consecutive games and three straight state championships, and have outscored their opponents this season a whopping 704-0.

But, they are more than just a juggernaut of a football team. They are one of the main activities of this town of about 2,000, and almost the entire town regularly turns out at the games. Each week, the head coach, Roger Barta, releases a scouting report on the next opponent, and within a day it's the hop topic around town. Football (especially K-State) fans may recall the name of Mark Simoneau, who currently plays linebacker for the New Orleans Saints - he is one of Barta's former players.

Not only is this small town very supportive of the team, but the team itself is a prime example of how to achieve the highest levels of success. Through all the wins and success, the philosophy remains that of humility, hard work, and accountability. Barta embraces the theory that it takes a village to raise a child, and he puts it into practice. For example, all the players on the football team have trading cards made of them, but it's not intended for hero worship. Instead, each player signs a contract pledging to remain alcohol-, drug- and tobacco-free. If a player breaks that contract, they have to go to the gradeschool and explain to the children why they were kicked off the team and their cards were revoked.

Can you imagine what would happen if our Congressmen and Senators were held accountable like that??

It is people like this that reflect the American spirit through their hard work, honesty, and humility. Though Smith Center was once a distant opponent of mine, I salute Coach Barta, the players, and the town for creating such a positive place to grow tomorrow's leaders. They deserve all the success they can make for themselves.

There's my two cents.