Go Redmen!

The New York Times featured a story last week about the Smith Center, Kansas Redmen who have won 51 games in a row, three consecutive state championships, and so far have outscored opponents this season 704-0. These numbers are even more remarkable when you consider that the entire high school has only 154 students - more than 60% of male high school students play football.

But more importantly they're great kids. Each member of the football team and all the cheerleaders sign contracts pledging to be alcohol-, drug- and tobacco free. And if they break this pledge, they have to go to the local elementary school and explain why they were kicked off the team.

Says Coach Roger Barta:

“What we do around here real well is raise kids,” Smith Center Coach Roger Barta said. “In fact, we do such a good job at it — and I’m talking about the parents and community — that they go away to school and succeed, and then pursue opportunities in the bigger cities.

“None of this is really about football,” he added. “We’re going to get scored on eventually, and lose a game, and that doesn’t mean anything. What I hope we’re doing is sending kids into life who know that every day means something.”

Watch this audio slideshow and prepare to be inspired. This is what America's Team is all about.