What matters most...

As most of you know, I bleed BYU Blue when it comes to college sports. I loved the time I spent as a student of BYU and I continue to find much that is good and uplifting about this university. I was fortunate to attend a youth fireside last night with speakers that included Max Hall (current quarterback for BYU and former quarterback at Mesa Mountain View High), Todd Shell (former football player at BYU and in the NFL (2 Super Bowl rings)), Paul Tidwell (BYU assistant football coach), and Bronco Mendenhall (BYU head football coach). Over the past several years, I have become a fan of Bronco Mendenhall and not for the reasons one might initially think. Sure, he has orchestrated a complete 180 degree turn-around for the program including back-to-back 11-2 seasons capped by bowl victories over PAC-10 opponents. He has made it easy to be a fan of BYU football with the on-field success and has even elevated the program to the national prominence it once enjoyed under Lavell Edwards.

While I have most certainly enjoyed the success of the team (Harline is still open!), I have come to admire Coach Mendenhall for his ability to focus on the things that really matter. His admonition to the youth had very little to do with football and everything to do with developing a personal relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ. He shared with the audience his experience when he was being interviewed by Elder Henry B. Eyring, one of the 12 apostles, for the head football coach position at BYU. He said that he doesn't remember how long the interview lasted or all that they discussed. However, he did recall that not one question was about football. He also remembered that Elder Eyring sat knee to knee with him, looked him deep in the eyes and the first question he asked him was, "Is the Church true?"

Coach Mendenhall went on to describe his challenge of coaching a football team while making sure that it was not about football. One of the steps he took to accomplish this task was to begin having firesides with the local congregations wherever the team and/or he happened to be (at home or on the road). He spoke of service projects that the football team participates in before games and how those are the moments he remembers long after the details of the game are forgotten.

His words were inspiring and a great reminder of why we are here on this earth and how we could best be spending our time. It is so easy to get caught up with work, sporting events, vacations, and all the other good things of this world. However, there is a plan that each one of us agreed to before we ever came to this earth and we must be vigilant in making sure we are headed on the correct path. BYU is fortunate to have not only a great football coach in Bronco, but also a man who sets an example of how to keep your priorities in order. I hope the hundreds of youth in attendance also came away inspired and with a renewed determination to stay close to their Heavenly Father and follow our Savior, Jesus Christ.