His 27-yard field goal that enabled Air Force Academy to beat Notre Dame, 20-17, on Oct. 19 was only part of the excitement in the life of cadet Dallas Thompson that week.
During the same period, his missionary papers were completed, ready to be sent into Church headquarters."He was flying high all week" because he was thinking about his mission, said AFA deep snapper and returned missionary Trent Tripple in a Church News telephone interview.
Air Force Academy, a three-touchdown underdog going into the game that was broadcast nationally on television, found itself tied with Notre Dame, 17-17, at the end of regulation time. In overtime, the Fighting Irish fumbled on their first play. Then Air Force moved to the Notre Dame 5-yard line on its possession.
Thompson was sent onto the field on third down and booted the ball through the uprights. However, the Falcons were flagged for a delay-of-game penalty and the ball was moved back to the 10.
Notre Dame called time out to try to ice Thompson, but after the break he promptly kicked the ball through again to give Air Force one of the biggest wins in its history.
Although his exploits brought him widespread attention, the sophomore from Arlington, Texas, minimized what happened on the field in South Bend, Ind. He told the Church News: "I didn't think it was that big a deal, to tell you the truth. It was just like an extra point. You're just supposed to go out there and do your job."
But with more excitement in his voice while talking about his upcomiing mission, he said, "I'm ready to go right now." In fact, he expects to leave for the mission field in January. And, as is the case with most missionaries, he will be giving up a lot to go. "But that's the sacrifice I have to make," he said.
His coaches at the academy told him he had a bright future with the football team if he didn't go, although they have supported him in his decision lately, he explained. They have not made any commitments about saving a spot for him on the team when he returns.
He hopes to continue playing after his two years of missionary service, but said his mission is the most important thing.
Along with two brothers currently serving missions, Thompson has teammates who are encouraging him to go on a mission. Trent Tripple, from Westland, Ore., and backup quarterback Tom Brown from St. George, Utah, are returned missionaries. They are part of a devout group of LDS cadets at the Air Force Academy, according to Colorado Springs Institute Director John Hasler. The young men are members of the Colorado Springs 14th Branch, Colorado Springs North Stake.
"None of them ever misses institute," said Brother Hasler, even though they may be taking up to 26 credit-hours at the academy as well.
To help with nervousness early in the game against Notre Dame, Thompson and Tripple got together and agreed to keep a prayer in their heart. When the game went into overtime, they knew they may be called on in a critical situation. That made them feel jittery again, so they got together and said a prayer that they would be able to overcome their nervousness, according to Tripple.
With the Notre Dame mission accomplished, Thompson turned his attention to the mission of beating Hawaii in the next game. But his sights are firmly set on the most important mission coming up in his life, his mission for the Church.