In 2008, I discovered the story of the 1951 University of San Francisco Dons football team -- "the best team you never heard of." The team's story inspired me to write a 46 page children's book, called Ahead of Their Time, so kids, parents, and everyone else could be reminded that sports participation means a lot more than getting whatever you can for yourself.

Back in 1951, the USF Dons were invited to play in the 1952 Orange Bowl game, but only if the team's two African-American members did not participate. The young men on the USF team refused the invitation. And in so doing, they showed the whole world -- back then and even now -- that honor, integrity, and supporting teammates are more important in sports than winning and being famous.

The project's title, Ahead of Their Time, highlights the team's heroic stand against racism years before the Freedom Rides and other activities in the Civil Rights Movement.

My main goal for this project is to get the inspirational story of the '51 Dons into as many schools as possible. If you wish to help, you can tell teachers about Ahead of Their Time and direct them to this Web page and/or donate one or more hard copy books to schools and libraries.

• Click here to read a free, online version of Ahead of Their Time

• Click here to order hard cover books of Ahead of Their Time.

Project Blog
Resources for student research and other projects
    Links
    Brief biography of Burl Toler
    Brief biography of Kenny Washington
    ...and more.
Classroom activities (Coming soon)
You Tube video of a 10 minute narrated slide show (Coming soon)
DVD of a 10 minute narrated slide show (Coming soon)