Ahead of Their Time is the inspirational story of the 1951 University of San Francisco Dons football team -- one of the best college teams ever. The Dons were invited to play in the 1952 Orange Bowl game, but if they did, the team's two African-American members would be left out.
By standing up for fairness, equality, and teammates, the young men who played on the 1951 University of San Francisco Dons football team showed the whole world -- back then and even now -- that honor, integrity, and supporting teammates is more important in sports than winning and being famous.
When I discovered the story of the 1951 University of San Francisco Dons football team, I wanted to share it with kids, parents, and teachers so they could be reminded that sports participation can mean a lot more than getting whatever you can for yourself. Notwithstanding their prowess on the football field, the true greatness of the '51 Dons is their honor, integrity, and esprit de corps.
