By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 4/7/10
Strath Haven senior defenseman Erik Lenke has been appointed a nomination to attend the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and has committed to play for its Division I lacrosse program.
Lenke is a two-year starter on a team that advanced to the second round of the District 1 playoffs last year. He also played club lacrosse for Competitive Edge and the Tomahawks.
Lenke’s family has a strong military background; his father graduated from the Air Force Academy and his grandfather was a Colonel in the Army.
“For years it’s always been an option for me,” Lenke said. “It seemed more appealing with me being the third child and college costing so much. I am strong in mathematics and physics, so I might go for engineering. I also have a big interest in biology so I may look at pre-med and anatomy.
“I’ve been out there twice. They also have a strong program and it’s something I want to be involved in.”
Lenke missed a part of last year with two hand injuries, a shattered thumb and torn ligaments. He is fully recovered from the injuries and looking froward to a successful season in the rugged Central League.
Lenke, who is optimistic about the league season, joins Mark Dolphin (St. Joseph’s University) as Division I recruits for the Panthers.
“It’s not like in prior years where we always had that one player expected to carry the team,” Lenke said. “We have a few seniors and a lot of young players that are stepping up and are going to make a big impact this year.
‘If we’re going to win, it’s going to be as a team. That’s what I am looking forward to.”
