PROVO — Brigham Young University's head football coach told civic and religious leaders at the Provo mayor's Prayer Breakfast Friday morning that without God, his job would be impossible.

"It's not possible to do it alone," said coach Bronco Mendenhall. "We're never alone."

Mendenhall was the keynote speaker at the event sponsored by America's Freedom Festival at Provo. The event featured the Utah Valley Mass choir, as well as comments and prayers by religious and civic leaders.

Mendenhall spoke about the role of faith in his life — both on and off the field — and explained how his religion has helped him guide the BYU football team.

"Do we not play to represent what we believe?" he said, quoting what he asked his 118 players. "If that's where we're playing from, should not that give us motivation?"

Mendenhall then aimed the question at those in the audience.

"As leaders of this community in faith, politics, business, don't we all have more to give?" he asked. "The perfect example was set through Jesus Christ. If that's part of your belief system, the most you could give is to emulate Him."

The event, patterned after the national prayer breakfast held weekly in Washington, D.C., has been going on for about seven years in Utah County and is a chance for members of different denominations to get together and talk about their faith in a higher power.

"There was some controversy the first year," said Provo Mayor Lewis K. Billings. "Some (people) said mayors shouldn't talk about prayer."

However, the event has gained popularity and respect and now includes more than 100 invited guests from around Utah Valley.

"It was better than I expected," said Karen Acerson, wife of Lindon Mayor Jeff Acerson.

The next big event of America's Freedom Festival at Provo will be a five-day cycling event throughout Utah County, spanning the Memorial Day weekend.

The three goals of the festival are to celebrate, honor and educate — and event organizers said the prayer breakfast was a good way to start the celebration.

"I think it brings everyone together in a patriotic, spiritual mood," said Rick Nelson, associate director of the festival. "It sets the tone for the holidays coming up."

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