Tyson Thompson

Saintly Aztec
by Kelly L. Martinez

This season, one can find a copy of the Liahona Magazine (the foreign-language equivalent to the Ensign) in the Philippine dialect of Tagalog on San Diego State University’s football road trips. While most of the players are passing time with other forms of entertainment, senior tight end Tyson Thompson chooses to occupy his time perusing the Church magazine in the language he learned while on a full-time mission to San Pablo, Philippines from 1997-99.

“A lot of my teammates ask why I read a magazine with a bunch of crazy words in it,” said Thompson. “But I like to occupy my time with things that will help me become a better person and fill my mind with things that really matter.”

Thompson is a public administration major and is considering law school upon graduation this next spring. In 2001, he saw action for SDSU in only one game, but in 2002, he’s started all 12 games and has made seven catches for 120 yards. He signed to play with BYU out of high school and even red shirted his freshman season with the Cougars.

After returning from his mission, he enrolled at Palomar and played for two seasons (1999-2000) under current first-year SDSU head coach Tom Craft. “I knew when I came back from my mission that I wouldn’t get any playing time at BYU, so I chose Palomar instead,” said Thompson. His play at Palomar earned him a scholarship to SDSU.

Thompson was a defensive end at Oceanside High School in Oceanside, Calif., and, like many athletes, excelled in several sports. He earned all-league honors in volleyball and a letter in basketball.

It was while he was at BYU that he made the decision to serve a mission. “When I was in high school,” he recalled, “I never really wanted to serve a mission. But as I began to understand the commitment I made when I accepted the Aaronic Priesthood, I came to realize the obligation to do as the Lord has counseled us.”

Thompson Ties
Tyson and Amy DeSpain were married in the San Diego Temple on July 13, 2001, and are expecting their first child next June. The couple met after his mission through mutual friends. An invitation to a party after a young single adult dance led to the couple’s dating and eventual marriage. “I never was much for YSA dances,” he admitted. “So it was chance that I was even at the dance in the first place. I am glad that I was, though. I love my wife very much.”

Tyson is the second of five children born to Eldon and Paulette Thompson. Lauren Holdcfaft, 26, Tyson, 25, Cole, 21, Felila, 19, and Audrey, 17, complete the Thompson roster.

Cole, who served a mission to Samoa, is presently the long snapper for Palomar; Felila is a freshman at BYU-Idaho; Audrey is a senior at Oceanside High School and is captain of the volleyball team.

Lauren is married to University of Utah linebacker Ray Holdcraft, who also played at Palomar and just finished his first season with the Utes. On Oct. 12, the brothers-in-law met in battle as SDSU and Utah clashed. “Ray kept trying to take me out and I kept trying to chop him on screen plays,” said Tyson. “But we had a lot of fun playing against each other. We’re really good friends in addition to being brothers-in-law.” SDSU won the game, 36-17.

While he doesn’t expect to play professionally, Tyson is willing to show his skills to any pro scouts that may come calling. “If something works out for me to move on to the next level, I’ll be glad to pursue it,” he said. But, he says, it’s the birth of his first child that he is most excited about.

Sobering Thoughts
Living the gospel and playing collegiate football can, at times, be a difficult endeavor, said Tyson. “Sunday practices are mandatory,” he said. “So, I am not able to go to church like I would like to.” The vulgar talk and inappropriate speech of the locker room can take its toll as well. “It’s really difficult sometimes to listen to how my teammates talk. But a lot of them know that I’m a Mormon and are able to respect the choices that I make.”

Dealing with the difficulties of learning a new language, adapting to a new culture and struggling with the hardships of his mission have helped to make Tyson stronger emotionally and an overall better person and football player.

Given a soapbox, he is quick to advise priesthood-holding athletes that are struggling with the decision to serve a mission to step back and take a look at the facts. “Serving a mission will not only bless your life, but it will bless the lives of those you serve,” Tyson said. “Athletes today are blessed with the opportunity to continue playing at the collegiate level after serving a mission. I would advise everyone that is struggling with this decision to realize the commitment you made when you accepted the Aaronic Priesthood and prepare yourself to serve. It’s the best thing you can do.”

Click here to sign up for Meridian's FREE email updates.

Kelly Martinez is a freelance sports writer who has had articles published in the Los Angeles Times, the Long Beach Press-Telegram, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune and various websites. He has been a contributor to Meridian Magazine since May of 2001 and recently relocated his family from southern California to the Provo/Orem area in Utah. Additionally, he has been the sports publicist for Mt. San Antonio College since 1999, a position he still holds on a freelance basis. He has served in various positions in the Church, most recently as elders quorum president prior to moving from California. Brother Martinez and his wife of 13 years, the former Marguerita Sanchez, are expecting their fourth child in December. Their sons Joshua (11), David (8) and Michael (8) are all excited at the prospect of having a baby sister to spoil.