“We are thrilled to announce that Teton is this year’s recipient of the Wuerffel Trophy and are honored to have him join the family of past recipients,” Wuerffel said. “His passion and tenacity in serving others, along with his excellence on the field and in the classroom, truly embodies what the Wuerffel Trophy is all about. Also, I wish we could give out three trophies, because our other two finalists are very deserving as well – Shai Werts of Georgia Southern and Sam Ehlinger of Texas. Congratulations to all these amazing student athletes. It’s truly inspiring to see their unwavering commitment to make the world a better place.”

Saltes, a senior from Valley High School in Albuquerque, graduated with an undergraduate degree in political science and is currently enrolled in Law School. His academic honors include being named three-time Lobo Scholar Athlete and two-time Mountain West All-Academic. 

A three-year starter on the offensive line for the Lobos, Saltes was named Honorable Mention all MWC in 2019 and was named to the 2020 Outland Trophy Watch list.  A two-time Wuerffel Trophy semifinalist, Saltes has also been named the 2020 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Captain.  

He volunteers his time working in the Native American communities in both New Mexico and in South Dakota in numerous ways.  Suicide awareness and prevention, literacy through the BEAR (Be Excited About Reading) program, locally as a 4-year member and leader at Tree of Life (youth mentoring), Save the Children and raising funds for school supplies are just a few of the initiatives that he has spearheaded.