John Kirtland

Having been a U-Idaho football player during the 1970's, John knows the excitement and challenges today’s collegiate athletes experience. No wonder he’s often the first to throw his support behind the annual Vandal Scholarship Fund drive and the Ada Co. Vandal Booster activities.

“His passion makes him contagious to be around because he understands the meaning of the ‘Vandal Thing,’” wrote Rob Spear, Vandal athletic director, in a nominating letter.

John’s stepped up to assist Vandal Boosters, to organize the Ada County’s Vandal Scramble, to head up numerous fundraising projects and is known to energize his peers at meetings and in the stands at ball games by leading cheers and belting out the Vandal fight song.

“John has displayed a an unparalleled passion for the University of Idaho. Because of his long and outstanding service, John Kirtland is most deserving of the Jim Lyle award,” Spear wrote.