A series to share #smiles across our community through the achievements of our local youth, brought to you by Olsen Orthodontics.
Written by Randy Tucker
It was a crowded section of the bleachers at the 2025 Class 4-A state soccer tournament. Coaches from Gillette, Casper, Laramie County Community colleges, along with another coach from Trinity College, watched then Riverton junior Hunter Saltsgaver as Riverton fell 3-2 to Thunder Basin early Friday afternoon in an elimination game.
After Saltsgaver came out of the locker room, Casper College men’s soccer coach Ben McArthur was waiting.
“The first person I saw was coach Ben,” Saltsgaver said. “He walked me back to the bus.”
As McArthur walked with Saltsgaver, he positioned himself to keep Laramie County Community College head coach Fernando Perez away from his prospect.
Saltsgaver signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer for the Thunderbirds next fall.
The two-time all-state midfielder had many options.
“I had offers from Evanston, Indiana, Northern State in Minnesota, and Concordia, Minnesota,” Saltsgaver said. “I had interest from Regis and Denver University.”
Saltsgaver has been around soccer for a long time, since he played his first games at just five years old.
“I used to sleep and shower with a soccer ball,” Saltsgaver said.
Saltsgaver was an all-state running back for the Wolverine football team in 2024 and is sure to make it again despite a season-ending injury against Green River in the opening round of the playoffs just over two weeks ago.
He broke his collarbone, requiring surgery with a plate and screws to secure it.
“I played soccer yesterday (Tuesday)” Saltsgaver said. “My mom wasn’t exactly happy. It’s so hard not to play.”
He plans to compete in a tournament around Christmas time next month.
Saltsgaver carries a 3.7 GPA and is a National Honor Society nominee.
He plans to major in finance and health science, possibly going into physical therapy. His plans after Casper College are to continue playing soccer at a four-year school.
He played hockey until eighth grade, when indoor soccer began to take up his time.
Saltsgaver excels at both football and soccer, but his approach to both sports is different.
“I put more pressure on myself in soccer,” he said. “I love soccer so much.”
He thanked his parents, Josh and Alyssa Saltsgaver, and his grandparents for their support. He also thanked his coaches.
“They pushed me,” he said. “Highs and lows, they were there. I like kicking the ball with my friends, even if they don’t play soccer.”
Kicking is a common theme in both soccer and football for Saltsgaver. He is the all-time leading rusher for the Wolverines and one of the best place kickers in school history.
For now, he has one more season as a Wolverine before heading off to college.
“The pressure’s off,” Saltsgaver said. “As a team, I want to win. I’m playing my last high school season first.”