Rivals alike: Uncommon athletes have award in common

One wore red; the other blue. One played at Utah; the other at BYU.

Yet Eric Weddle and John Beck share plenty of things in common. Weddle was the Mountain West Conference defensive player of the year; Beck was the league's offensive player of the year. The seniors led their teams to winning seasons that culminated with bowl victories. Their legacies are linked within the framework of the state's biggest rivalry.

Beck and Weddle also have something else in common — they are the Deseret Morning News' Co-Athletes of the Year for 2006.

In the annual BYU-Utah grudge match at Rice-Eccles Stadium in November, Beck orchestrated one of the most memorable moments in rivalry history, connecting with Jonny Harline for the game-winning touchdown pass, as time expired, to lift the Cougars to a 33-31 victory.

Following the game, Weddle sought out Beck and the two players congratulated each other on their performances. Despite their fierce competitiveness, they displayed mutual respect and sportsmanship.

"Beck did a good job tonight and won the game at the end," Weddle told the media afterward. "In a sense, I'm kind of proud of Beck because he finally won a game for his team. In four years, he's always had the critics tell him he couldn't do it. He finished the game. He did it tonight, and you have to respect that."

"Eric's a classy guy. I appreciated the things he said," Beck said. "He's a great player."

Weddle, who helped lead the Utes to their sixth straight bowl win, did just about everything for the Utes. The MWC's two-time defensive player of the year contributed on offense, defense and specials teams.

Weddle embodied versatility, playing defensive back on a full-time basis and quarterback and running back on a part-time basis. He also served as punt returner and holder for field goals and extra points.

Against Air Force, the all-purpose star played a total of 90 snaps. Not only did he record eight tackles, lead his team in rushing with 73 yards and score Utah's only two touchdowns, but he was also the holder for the game-winning field goal.

After the game, Air Force coach Fisher DeBerry told him, "They're cheating you, son; they ought to give you two scholarships."

Weddle's impressive play this season prompted Wyoming coach Joe Glenn to say, "He should win the Heisman Trophy."