Kidsday: Getting a kick out of football

On Dec. 16, we went to Times Square to participate in a preview for the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

At the event, we were trying to set a world record for the most successful 20-yard field goals in six hours. The participants had to make more than 100 field goals to qualify for the "Guinness Book of World Records." For the event, Times Square was converted into a big football end zone.

We interviewed former NFL players Jim Kelly and brothers Bill and Martin Gramatica. Kelly, a retired quarterback who is now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, told us that you have to work hard to achieve your goals. The Gramatica brothers gave us tips on how to kick a field goal. We used these tips to go out into Times Square and attempt to kick a football through the goal posts.

Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in all of our attempts. Some of us even practiced all week for our big chance, but it didn't work out for us. Each of us wished we hit it, so we could be part of a world record.

On a good note, Islip Middle School dean Joe Modica did make a successful field goal to help set the record.

Even though we didn't make it, the record was set. There were 181 20-yard field goals hit during the six-hour time period. Tostitos donated $200,000 to the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization in honor of the record.

This event was open to the public to participate. Some footage from this event will be on TV during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Monday. You also will be able to watch a great game between Stanford and Oklahoma State.