U. football gives special tribute to Elder Wirthlin

Approximately 75 members of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin's family watched the end of the University of Utah's football practice Saturday and were on hand when the helmet decal bearing the late apostle's initials "JBW" was unveiled. The Utes will wear the sticker during their upcoming Sugar Bowl game against Alabama. Wirthlin, a former Utah football star, passed away on Dec. 1 at the age of 91."We showed them the helmet and where we are placing the sticker," said Whittingham, who noted that the Utah football program has a great relationship with the Wirthlin family.So much so, in fact, that Whittingham and former U. coach Urban Meyer have pledged to be among those donating to an endowed scholarship in Elder Wirthlin's memory."This is something that will be a great tribute to Elder Wirthlin and will be a permanent situation," Whittingham said. "Certainly me and Urban were all for it and are backing it 100 percent."