The stands erupted in cheers as the Utah football team closed out a perfect season and a Sugar Bowl victory Jan. 2.
Although it was a special win for the team, the letters “JBW” worn on the back of each player’s helmet made the win even more special for a family of Utah supporters.
The initials stood for Joseph B. Wirthlin, a former player and supporter of the team who passed away last month. They were placed as a decal on the team’s helmets that were worn during the Sugar Bowl to honor Wirthlin, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“I would call that one of the wow experiences in life,” said Joseph B. Wirthlin Jr., son of the former Utah player. “It was a huge honor.”
Wirthlin Jr. said his father would have probably been embarrassed to see the football team wearing the decals bearing his initials because he didn’t like being in the spotlight.
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said the football team wanted to find a way to pay tribute to Wirthlin for his support and position as running back in 1941.
He said they thought about putting a patch on the jersey, but in the end, chose a sticker for their helmets.
“It’s a special deal because it’s a rare way to honor someone,” said Doug Knuth, the U’s associate athletics director.
According to Knuth, the Wirthlin family was able to attend practice and see the helmets before anyone else. The family received one of the helmets as a special gift from the football team.
To further honor Wirthlin, the athletics department, in conjunction with Whittingham, the Wirthlin family and the LDS Church, has established a scholarship, Knuth said.
“(The scholarship) is really to honor and connect a person to the university and to the football program,” he said.
The scholarship will be put toward the U’s general scholarship fund, Knuth said. According to the NCAA’s Web site, football programs are only allowed to grant a total of 85 scholarships to its program.
The scholarship fund will have a $50,000 limit.
Whittingham said the scholarship is a “great way to keep Elder Wirthlin’s spirit alive with our team.”
Out of eight children in the Wirthlin family, seven have either graduated from the U or attended, Wirthlin Jr. said.
“I think it is kind of the ultimate honor that could come to the family,” he said.
For information on donating to the scholarship fund, contact the Utah athletics department at 801-585-8837.
Tyler CobbThe Utah Football team honored Joseph B. Wirthlin by placing a JBW sicker on each helmet.