BYU Fireside Recap - Long

I did my best to be accurate in what the speakers said. If anything is misquoted or incorrectly spelled - I apologize.

Opening Prayer - Scott Huntsman

First Speaker - Graham Rowley
Was going to speak about fly fishing but since he can't catch a fish he decided not to. Trust in God and his plan. Sometimes things are thrown in our way and you have to trust in God. He was married 3 months ago. He was given an answer that he was to marry his wife. She broke up 3 times. He didn't give up. He trusted in God. Best 3 months of his life so far. Hopefully it will continue that way and that God was right. He is more excited for the game tomorrow than he has any other game in his life. He trusts his teammates. He then bore his testimony.

Second Speaker - Michael Wadsworth
Playing defense is a wonderful experience. We want to be in the top 25 in every defensive category. We want to stop the opposing team on first down. We all have to do our job as a team. Allow zero yards in your gap. Big picture - we align correctly and use the right technique and physicality. The small things make a difference. We all need to do the small things in our lives. These will make a difference. He tries to read his scripture and pray every night. His mom would call him at times when he was out at friends houses at night growing up and his mom would read scriptures with him over the phone in the restroom. These small and simple things have made all the difference in his life.

Third Speaker - Harvey Langi
Change of program and didn't speak. He did however come to the fireside. Not sure why he did not speak when he was on the program

Special Musical Number - BYU singing group - 7 players & Coach Atuia - mostly Polynesians -
Nearer my God

Q&A - audience members could ask any player or coach a question .

Bronco Mendenhall - biggest failure that has let you become the coach you are?

He has learned through set backs what matters most. The next day does come. Christ provides perspective. Losing can provide humility that allows him to get closer to Christ. His kids have also learned resiliency because of comments that they get. Look to help family members when they need help.

How did it feel to coach Brian Urlacher?
I was with him for 3 years. He was never second - ever. He was always the first to arrive for anything that they did. He was always first in every drill they did. Always asked what he could do better after a game.

Taysom Hill
What is your greatest victory?
The Houston game where we came back to win.

Bronson Kaufusi
How have you prepared to meet Nebraska?
It doesn't matter who we play- we will go out and execute our game plan.

Taysom Hill
What is your favorite scripture story?
3 Nephi 17 - When Christ was with the people and you can see the raw emotion.

Tom Holmoe
What can BYU do to tell the true story about what happens on missions?
The players return and are disciples of Christ. We are now doing Inside BYU football and that will help others to see the great capacity that these young men have to love. They embrace the fact that they represent BYU.

Who is the teammate that you must respect?
Micah Simon
I respect a lot of guys on the team. Mitch Matthews helps out a lot. He is a great teammate.

What is the greatest miracle you have had in your life?
Coach Mendenhall
He had a college roommate at Oregon State who he was close to. This college roommate visited him a few years ago and told him that he wasn't doing well. He had a tumor in his head. He asked Bronco what he could do. After thinking about it for a while bronco called him and invited him to come out to see him when he went to the Air Force game . This friend came out to the game at Air Force and he gave him a priesthood blessing and then he was healed. He considered this a miracle in his life. His nonmember friend has told him he believes in the power of the priesthood blessings.

Do you ever get tired of signing autographs?
Mitch Matthews
No - it means a lot to us when fans come up and want autographs. We live our faith and the gospel. We want to show others about us and our faith.

Tayson Hill
What did it feel like to go through that loss last season with the injury?
It was difficult. The physical rehab was hard but the hardest part was dealing with the emotional aspect. He tried to rely more on the Lord. He had support from Coach Mendenhall. He started to study more and to compete more in the classroom. He looks back now and can see how much this as helped him. He does not take anything for granted.

Bronco Mendenhall
Seek the spirit in all that you do - Ezra Benson
Bronco feels that all means in football as well. He wants to integrate the spirit in to football. He says that he wants to win more than anyone. He says that peace and happiness come through the spirit. He feels that spirituality is necessary. He appreciates all of the support from the fans.

Closing Prayer - Devon Blackmon

After it was over we were able to take pictures and get autographs with the players - they were all so kind and caring. My children had a great time and have some wonderful memories of this event now

There were about 2000 people at the fireside and it was also broadcast to seven other locations in nearby areas like Kearney Nebraska, Sioux City Iowa etc.