Growing Up at the U.S. Air Force Academy (1958-1963)

Growing Up at the U.S. Air Force Academy

A Coach’s Son Remembers the Early Years (1958–1963)

 

Editor's Note

Every military base has its legends, but few eras carry the unique magic of the early days at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Recently, reader and U.S. Air Force veteran Walt Lenz, Jr. reached out to share his first-hand memories of growing up as a "coach's kid" on campus from 1958 to 1963. Through his eyes, we get a nostalgic, heartfelt, and personal look at the close-knit coaching community that helped shape the inaugural Class of 1959 and the young leaders who followed.

THE MAN BEHIND THE WHISTLE

Walt’s father, Walt Lenz, Sr., was already a powerhouse sportsman before he ever set foot on the brand-new Air Force Academy Colorado Springs campus. He was a standout athlete at Franklin & Marshall College with nine varsity letters in three sports: basketball, baseball and soccer. He was All-American in soccer in 1951 and garnered Honorable Mention All-American status as an exceptional soccer goalkeeper. His athletic versatility didn't stop there—before he graduated from the Air War College and became a Second Lieutenant in 1953, he was drafted as a pitcher by the Milwaukee Braves and in basketball by the Lancaster Roses. He even spent time touring the country playing basketball with the legendary Harlem Globetrotters and he earned an invitation to the U.S. Olympic Soccer Team trials.  However, at that time the Korean War continued, and Walt was called to active duty.

By the summer of 1958, after Walt's first two initial Air Force assignments, his athletic talents and leadership landed him a spot at the young Air Force Academy serving in the Physical Education Department. He helped coach intramurals, football, and baseball when not involved in basketball or other duties.

Arrival in Colorado Springs meant stepping into a pioneering era. The family temporarily rented a home down past the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind while eagerly awaiting the completion of officer family housing in Douglas Valley. Once settled, Walt’s father wore many hats: teaching PE courses, directing intramural sports, assisting with baseball, and working closely with head football coach Ben Martin—a fellow hometown native from back east—on scouting and recruiting.

His primary coaching assignment, however, was with the "Frosh" (the freshman team, known today as 4th Class Cadets or "Doolies"). For four years, he poured his energy into building competitive teams and developing young men into Air Force officers.

Beyond the field, his family background carried its own fascinating history. Walt’s great grandfather had been a Captain in the Tsar's Cavalry and had fled Tsarist Russia just before the Revolution—a lineage that later delayed his father’s Top-Secret clearance until 1968. Yet his dedication to service never wavered. After leaving the Academy in 1963, he earned his MBA, served in Vietnam, and transitioned into an exceptional leader in the Air Force Personnel community. Though he turned down a path toward Brigadier General later in his career to focus on family, his four-year coaching tenure at USAFA left a lasting legacy on the Class of 1959 and the Academy’s athletic roots.

LIFE IN DOUGLAS VALLEY & THE COACHING COMMUNITY

 

Moving into Douglas Valley in the early days was like joining an ultra-close family. The family settled into Quarters 4516-I—one of the infamous "Flintstone Duplexes." Like many base quarters of that era, the home came fully equipped with Academy-issued military furniture, right down to the bunk beds for the kids, living room set, and dining table. The family loved it!

Because the Academy hospital was still under construction and too far away during their initial 1958 arrival, Walt’s six-month-old sister was born down in Colorado Springs proper. The base itself was still taking shape, driven by a shared, pioneering spirit. Family life was intertwined with the Academy’s sacred spaces.  Walt’s mother even helped hand-craft the very first altar "kneelers" used in the main chapel at the Academy.  Younger Walt attended Sunday school as a child in Fitzsimmons Hall.

The coaching staff formed a tightly knit bond that extended well past the sidelines. Neighbors stepped in to help each other daily.

Captain Conant, the Skiing Coach, patiently taught Walt’s mother how to drive (a task his father reportedly lacked the patience for!) and spent time teaching a young Walt how to build model airplanes—a cherished keepsake Walt still holds onto today. Mr. Kitt, was the Wrestling Coach, and his wife, Mrs. Kitt, was Walt’s kindergarten teacher in 1959. Walt and his family shared Christmas dinner together. Major Rox Shane, the Golf Coach, was a West Point graduate who chose to serve in the Air Force. Major Shane taught Walt’s father how to golf on the newly built Eisenhower Golf Course. They bonded as friends during their shared MBA studies. Tragically, Major Shane was lost in Vietnam just two weeks shy of completing his tour while flying low to check air strike results. Years later, Walt’s father was the one who identified Major Shane when his remains were returned home.

CADET MANIA & GROWING UP AS A COACH’S KID

The Air Force Academy was a magical playground for a four-year-old boy, and the cadets were larger-than-life heroes. Walt Jr. quickly came to savor everything about cadet life, the Academy, its grounds, and the athletic programs. The excitement was infectious across all ages—teen girls on base were smitten with the athletes, including one of Walt’s babysitters who ended up marrying the famous USAFA star quarterback, Terry Isaacson.

Being a coach’s kid came with plenty of perks, but also strict expectations. During Thanksgiving, Walt’s parents would open their quarters to host cadets for home-cooked meals—though Walt and his sister were under strict orders to be on their absolute best behavior.

That wasn't always easy for a lively kid. Walt was a self-described handful, so much so that his father’s superiors once good-naturedly instructed him to "get his son in line!" His father would often accompany the cadets on European tours as a chaperone and there were plenty of friendly eyes ensuring all was well on the homefront while gone. Base life meant everyone knew everyone, and someone was always watching.

Enthusiasm for the cadet culture extended to the parents, too. At the inaugural graduation for the Class of 1959, Walt’s mother famously got into a tussle with another woman over a cadet’s tossed white cap—determined to snag the ultimate souvenir for her cadet-obsessed young son.

Walt still holds onto fond, unforgettable memories that captured the unique flavor of those early years. The popular TV show Lassie filmed a two-part episode right on Academy grounds, showing off the sleek new campus to the nation to spur recruitment. During a football home game, one of the mascot falcons took an unscheduled three-day hiatus mid-game before casually flying back home. On Saturdays, the bleachers literally shook as crowds roared classic, simple chants like, "Fumble play, fumble play, we wanna have a fumble play!"

Yet the early days had hard moments, too—including a tragic accident at the gate when explosive canopy charges on a static T-33 display jet detonated while two local boys were playing on it.

A LASTING LEGACY OF SERVICE

 

In 1963, Walt’s father was transferred to the Pentagon after four formative years of coaching, building athletic programs, and mentoring young officers. The family left Colorado Springs with a lifetime of memories and bonds that never faded. His father thoroughly loved that assignment and was fully committed to seeing the Academy excel in sports and the development of outstanding Air Force officers.

The spirit of service passed down through the generations. Both Walt and his wife went on to serve and retire from the U.S. Air Force—coincidentally serving in the same command and specialty (Personnel) that his father had led so exceptionally after his coaching days.

Looking back, those five years at the foot of the Rampart Range were more than just a coaching assignment. They represented the dawn of a new Air Force tradition, built by dedicated officers, close families, and the young cadets of the Class of 1959 who went on to lead the nation.