The University of Utah football team will pay tribute to the late Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin at its Jan. 2 appearance in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.
A black decal with the initials "JBW" will be displayed on the back of the Utes' crimson helmets when they take the field for the nationally televised game against Alabama. Elder Wirthlin, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve for 22 years, played halfback for Utah as a young man and was a longtime supporter of the school's football program. He frequently met with the team, cheered at games and attended the annual spring scrimmage.
Elder Wirthlin died Dec. 1, 2008. He was 91.
The university's athletic department also announced plans Dec. 18 to establish an endowed scholarship in Elder Wirthlin's name. The scholarship will benefit the Utah football program and is being established with the support of the Wirthlin family, the University of Utah and the Church.
Initial contributors to the endowment included head football coach Kyle Whittingham and his predecessor, Coach Urban Meyer, according to the school.
"Elder Wirthlin was a close personal friend to me and my family," said Coach Whittingham, a Church member. "I learned a great deal from him over the years. He will be missed by all of us associated with Utah football, including our fans. I'm thankful to the Wirthlin family for helping us establish this scholarship in his memory.
"I hope Ute fans around the country will join Coach Meyer and me in fully funding this scholarship. It is a great tribute to a great person."
Coach Meyer, who is not a Church member, is a widely acclaimed head coach at the University of Florida. When he coached the Utes during the 2003 and 2004 seasons he became friends with Elder Wirthlin.
"Coach Meyer would ask Dad about the Church — and Dad would ask Coach Meyer about football," said Joseph B. Wirthlin Jr., Elder Wirthlin's son.
Brother Wirthlin said his father appreciated the lessons that athletics can teach, such as discipline, integrity and following the rules.
"He never compromised the lessons he learned on the field," said Brother Wirthlin, adding that his father also enjoyed supporting Brigham Young University sports.
Besides achieving success in football, young Joseph B. Wirthlin played basketball and ran track. During the Dec. 5 funeral service, President Thomas S. Monson said Elder Wirthlin earned the moniker "Speedy Wirthlin" on the Utah gridiron.
Brother Wirthlin said the scholarship named for his father is "a great honor" that will provide opportunities for young men to realize their athletic and educational goals. Several dozen members of the Wirthlin family attended the Utes' practice Dec. 20 to meet with players and coaches for the "unveiling" of the helmet decal.
