TORRINGTON – Torrington senior Jacob Wamboldt was recognized by the Wyoming chapter of the National Football Foundation as a finalist for the top football scholar-athlete in the state.

Wamboldt was one of 12 finalists for the award across Wyoming. Those 12 were selected from statewide nominations from coaches, who nominate a skills player and lineman from their team to the Wyoming Chapter of NFF. Those nominees are trimmed to the 12 finalists.

“It was a combination of both student and athlete,” Wamboldt said. “It was based on a percentage athletics and a percentage on academics. It was a way to combine the two and give you an achievement for both.”

Wamboldt, who racked up the accolades for his on-the-field performances, including all-conference and all-state, is honored to be recognized for his academics as well.

“It’s nice because there is a stigma around a lot of the athletes that they are just there to play football or whatever sport they’re in,” he said. “This shows that a lot of athletes, the majority, actually work hard in the classroom too.”

Upton’s Dawson Butts and Newcastle’s Cameron Quigley earned the state’s top football scholar-athlete awards. Joining Wamboldt as finalists for the award was Blayne Baker (Sheridan), Brett Brenton (Natrona County), J.D. Corson (Snake River), Kyle Custis (Sheridan), Wyatt Fornstrom (Pine Bluffs), Chance Hofer (Green River), Mark Largent (Kaycee) and Hezekiah Sexson (Glenrock).

“All those guys were very good athletes and also accomplished in the classroom,” Wamboldt said. “It’s cool to see that there’s not just one guy here or there, but there is a whole bunch who are capable of exceling in the classroom and on the field.”

Each of the finalists won a $1,200 scholarship from the NFF, with the two top scholars earning an additional $1,200 scholarship. Wamboldt’s scholarship will be in addition to the football scholarship he earned for Black Hills State University.

Wamboldt, who has a 3.84 GPA at Torrington High School, is looking to excel in both the classroom and on the gridiron for the Yellow Jackets next year.

“I’m a guy who is all about sports – 100 percent commitment to what you’re doing, but along with that is the commitment you have to have to school,” Wamboldt said. “Without the success in school, you aren’t going to be able to do the sport anyway.

“Moving on to the next level and playing college ball, you’re there for college. You’re a student first and you have to balance your athletics with it,” Wamboldt said. “You can be successful in anything you do as long as you put in the time and work.”