Sal Aunese

Siasau "Sal" Aunese (May 8, 1968 – September 23, 1989) was a college football player who played for the University of Colorado. Aunese was from Oceanside, California in San Diego County and was of Samoan descent. He died from inoperable stomach cancer and lung cancer on September 23, 1989 at the age of 21.

Aunese was born in Oceanside, California, in northern San Diego County; he was raised there with his six siblings. His parents spoke Samoan at home growing up. He was an All-American Quarterback at Vista High School (Vista, California), where he and his teammates won not only the C.I.F. San Diego section championship, but also the State championship. His playing at Vista High attracted interest from several college programs including the University of Nebraska and the University of Colorado.

Aunese's final high school transcript and his low ACT scores caused him to fall under the 1983 Convention Proposal No. 48, commonly referred to as Prop 48. Because of this provision, he would miss the freshman year of his college career.

Aunese chose to attend the University of Colorado after heavy recruiting from Colorado assistant coach Les Miles and head coach Bill McCartney. Because of the Prop 48 conditions, Aunese missed his first year of eligibility with the team in 1986. He came into the 1987 season and soon took over the starting job at quarterback that same year. In 1987, he led the Buffaloes to a 7–4 record but the team failed to reach a bowl game. He was awarded the Big Eight Newcomer of the Year award after the season. In 1988, the team finished with an 8–4 record but lost in the Freedom Bowl to Brigham Young University.