 Wurtenburg as a member of the 1888 Yale football team | |
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 24, 1863 Clarksburg, New York, U.S. |
| Died | March 26, 1957 (aged 93) New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Playing career | |
| 1886–1889, 1891 | Yale |
| Position(s) | Fullback, halfback, quarterback |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1894 | Navy |
| 1895–1899 | Dartmouth |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 27–24–4 |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| 4 Triangular Football League (1895–1898) | |
William Charles Wurtenburg (December 24, 1863 – March 26, 1957) was an American college football player and coach. Born and raised in Western New York to German parents, Wurtenburg attended the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy, where he played football. He enrolled in classes at Yale University in 1886 and soon earned a spot on the school's football team. He played for Yale from 1886 through 1889, and again in 1891; two of those teams were later recognized as national champions. His 35-yard run in a close game in 1887 against rival Harvard earned him some fame. Wurtenburg received his medical degree from Yale's Sheffield Scientific School in 1893.
The following year, the United States Naval Academy hired him to coach their football team. He led the squad to a 4–1–2 record for the season, including a 1–1–1 record against rival schools. He then accepted a coaching job at Dartmouth College, where for the next four years he led them to perfect records against both of their Triangular Football League opponents. They had a winning record the first year and a 5–2–1 record the second year. In 1899, his fifth season as coach, his team went 2–7 and lost both of its conference games.
After ending his coaching career, Wurtenburg spent several years acting as a referee for Yale's football team. His final contribution to football was publishing a book about Yale football in the early 20th century. Around 1904, Wurtenburg began pursuing a career as a physician. He set up a medical office near his house in New Haven, Connecticut, and became an ear, nose and throat specialist. Wurtenburg maintained his medical office until at least 1920. He died in 1957 at the age of 93, in New Haven.