Memorial Service for Aunese to Be Held at Colorado Today

DENVER —  A memorial service is scheduled on campus today for former University of Colorado and Vista quarterback Sal Aunese, who died Saturday following a six-month battle with inoperable stomach cancer.

Aunese, 21, the honorary Colorado football captain whose struggle with cancer helped inspire his teammates to three consecutive victories this season, was admitted to University Hospital in Denver a week ago with breathing problems.

“Sal Aunese was a special young man who fought a brave battle,” Colorado chancellor Jim Corbridge said. “We’re all very proud that he was one of our students.”

“He was not only a fine athlete, but he was as nice a young man as you’ll ever want to meet,” said Marie Romero, president of the Parent Teacher Association at Vista High, where Aunese led the football team to a perfect record and a section championship in 1985. “When he got sick, it hit us like a two-by-four hit across the back.

“It will be hard for the town to get over this.”