Who do you play for?

In 1980, the United States ice hockey team won the gold medal after defeating what was thought to be an unbeatable team from the USSR. The Soviet National Team had won 6 of the previous 7 Olympic Games.

The story is told that when the US team was being organized, there was a great deal of contention among the players. They came from a variety of university teams and there were bad feelings between some of the athletes because of past competition. 

To “punish” the team for their lack of unity, the coach made them skate sprint repetitions the length of the ice and back. After each repetition, he would ask a player, “What’s your name? Where do you come from? Who do you play for?” 

One by one, the players would respond to the last question by giving the name of the college team they had come from. Time after time, the coach blew the whistle and made them skate another sprint.

After many, many repetitions, the team was exhausted. The assistant coach and the team doctor begged the coach to stop and let the team rest; but he continued to ask his questions and blow the whistle.

Finally, one of the players gasped out a new answer to the question, “Who do you play for?” He said, “I play for the United States of America!” The coach looked at his players for a moment, turned and said, “That will be all for today, gentlemen.”

As members, we should ask ourselves every day, “Who do I play for?” Mormon gave his answer:

“Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.” (3 Ne 5:13)

Every morning when we put on the badge, we should look at the two names. Our actions should bring honor to both names, but remember, one of those names is much more important than the other.

Who do you play for?