Peninsula graduate adjusting to Air Force men’s tennis team

Wilhelm competes for starting position in singles lineup

Marques Hunter

of the Gateway

Lance Wilhelm knew he would face a number of physical and mental challenges when he joined the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Wilhelm, who graduated from Peninsula High School last spring after he won the Class 3A state singles championship, was offered a full athletic scholarship. For the past several months, he’s been enduring a schedule full of military, academic and athletic training.

The military-cadet lifestyle has grown on him. Since he departed last June, Wilhelm has learned what it takes to grow as a college student in a military education system.

“The lifestyle is brutal, and it kind of sucks,” Wilhelm said. “But I’m sticking with it, because I know it’s going to pay off.”

Wilhelm had an undefeated record in the 3A South Puget Sound League last year and lost just one match before he won the state title at the Vancouver Tennis Center. He steamrolled most of his competition and beat David Schuster of North Thurston 6-3, 6-2 in the finals.

Wilhelm is now part of NCAA Division I-caliber tennis, and an entirely new crop of athletes.

“It’s more consistent heavy hitting,” Wilhelm said about the difference in playing college-level opponents versus the United States Tennis Association juniors and high school competition.

Since the dual meet season doesn’t begin until this spring, Wilhelm has been traveling with his team to a number of different tournaments. Despite a rigorous schedule at the academy, Wilhelm has remained focused on becoming a better player. He said he’s earned a top-three spot in the academy’s singles lineup.

Wilhelm juggles five core classes with a technical emphasis, but tennis remains an important part of his life.

“Tennis is my getaway from the academy,” Wilhelm said.

The most recent tournament in which Wilhelm competed was in October at the ITA Mountain Region Championships in Las Vegas. Wilhelm finished 3-2 in a 128-player tournament. The Air Force Falcons joined 15 other schools in the five-day tournament

Wilhelm said his day begins at about 6 a.m., and he studies until about midnight, sometimes later. To stay sharp during the holiday break, Wilhelm has been playing at the Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club.

Air Force, which competes in the Mountain West Conference, will face non-league opponent Denver in its first match this spring. The team has hired a new coach, and Wilhelm said he’s excited to play for the Falcons.

“It’s weird wearing a uniform on the court,” Wilhelm said. “I’m no longer representing myself.”

The Wilhelm file

Lance Wilhelm is of the top three tennis players for the U.S. Air Force Academy, which competes in the Mountain West Conference.

Competed in three tournaments during the fall; went 3-2 at the ITA Mountain Region Championships on Oct. 21 in Las Vegas.

Won the Class 3A state singles championship last spring at the Vancouver Tennis Complex; lost just one match the entire season.

Placed second in the 3A state singles tournament as a junior.