Wow! That Takes Guts!

When a teacher gets revenge against a bunch of practical-joke-playing students, he deserves the Wow! That Takes Guts Award!

High school teacher Mr. Joel Branstrom got the best revenge when students played a practical joke on him Friday--and it backfired.

Students told the Olathe Northwest science teacher and basketball coach he would win tickets to the NCAA Final Four game if he made a basket from half-court while blindfolded. What they didn't tell their teacher was the whole school was ready to cheer as if he made the shot, which would be impossible to make. Their cheers would lead him to believe he made the shot, only to find out it was all a joke played on their beloved teacher.

But, the joke was on the students instead!

Mr. Branstrom made the half-court shot blindfolded! Check out the video!





Mr. Branstrom's humility and love of basketball have earned him offers of tickets to the Final Four, which would be a terrific outcome for the teacher who was set up for a joke.

While making the impossible shot was stunning, Mr. Branstrom really gets the Wow! award for his humility during interviews after the event. He spoke of more important things going on in the world, while saying it's nice to have something to smile about. He did not jump around, point to himself, seek extra attention--like touchdown-scoring professional football players often do. He has been humble while enjoying his moment in the spotlight.

For turning a joke around on the students but especially for being fun, appreciative, and humble, Mr. Branstrom is this week's Wow! That Takes Guts! winner.