One of the most accomplished high school football coaches in Kansas history has passed away at the age of 79.

 

Roger Barta was the head football coach at Smith Center for 35 seasons, beginning in 1978 and staying in that role until his retirement in 2012. He guided the team to eight state championships, including an unprecedented five consecutive championships from 2004 to 2008.

 

Smith Center did not lose a game during that five year stretch, with the 79-game winning streak the fifth longest in United States high school football history.

 

Barta graduated from Plainville High School in 1963, and earned a bachelor's degree at Fort Hays State and a Master's Degree from the University of Georgia. He retired from coaching in 2012 and was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.