Call me all-American, but I like to root for the underdog. The dreamer. The person or idea that goes against every odd and lick of good sense to make something they believe into a reality. During Superbowl season, you won't find me rooting for an underdog team, but a cause. Right now I'm rooting for The 9th Ward Field of Dreams, a nonprofit on a mission to build a $1.85 Million state-of-the-art, free-to-the-public track and field center in one of the hardest his areas by Katrina--the 9th Ward of New Orleans.

The project was started by executive director Brian Bordainick, a then Teach for America volunteer and designated ad-hoc sports director of New Orleans' Carver Washington High School. It's hard to run a sports program with no field or budget, but the first few games after the storm brought the community to life and Brian saw the opportunity to inspire his students to dream big and know that they deserved better. The project has overcome hurdle after hurdle with a few miracles along the way (everything from serendipitous architectural renderings to last minute grant entries), but more importantly, it's empowered a community.

They've currently got $1.27 of the $1.85 Million they're looking to raise by the time next football season starts. And, as the Saints go marching in, the project now has the backing of New Orleans natives Drew Brees and Marshal Faulk.

Marshall Faulk, an alumnus of Carver, says, "I grew up in the 9th Ward, so I understand the real effects this stadium can have. Its more than just keeping kids off the street and more than just playing sports-this project can act as a catalyst for the coming together of the community and the redevelopment of this neighborhood."

When confiding in one of his students during a low in the project, all Brian got for condolences was, "Baby, ain't no one asked you to do this anyway." But they've kept at it like a true underdog and they're finally close enough to see the light. And I don't know about you, but I'll be rooting for the 9th Ward Field of Dreams 'til they bring that field home.

If you'd like to help make this dream a reality, you can help by texting "DREAM" to 50555 to donate $10.00 to build the facility. You can also see Brian tell the story of the 9th Ward Field of Dreams (which is as hilarious as it is inspiring) for yourself here:

Brian Bordainick Talk @ The Feast from Chris Schultz on Vimeo.

[Image: 9th Ward Field of Dreams]