Las Vegas’ Park picks Air Force

Spencer Patterson

Wednesday, April 26, 2000 | 9:48 a.m.

The Pac-10 and Big Ten came calling, but when it came time for Las Vegas High's Anthony Park to make his college selection, the two-sport star decided to Aim High.

Park, one of the state's top track and football players, officially accepted his appointment to the Air Force Academy on Tuesday, committing to play both sports at the Mountain West Conference school in Colorado Springs, Colo.

"My parents told me what I should do, but left the decision up to me," said Park, also heavily recruited by Washington State and Kansas State. "I was learning toward Washington State, basically because I was scared. At the Air Force Academy, you've got to be top of the line in everything you do.

"But I didn't want to look back two years from now and say I should have listened to my parents. So I decided to accept the challenge."

Park was initially recruited by the Falcons in track, where he has excelled in both the triple and long jumps for the Wildcats.

Last year, he placed third in the triple jump and fourth in the long jump at the 4A State Meet. This season, he has posted state bests of 48-9 in the triple jump and 23-8 1/2 in the long jump, making a name for himself at prestigious meets such as the Nike Invitational in Indianapolis and the Flo-Jo Memorial Invitational in Glendora, Calif.

"He's a great competitor," Las Vegas track coach Chris Faircloth said. "He doesn't get discouraged easily."

After Park mentioned his football exploits to the Air Force recruiters, the school asked for, and received, a highlight tape from the Wildcat coaching staff. The Falcons immediately began recruiting the 5-11, 170-pound receiver.

Last fall, Park was an integral part of a Las Vegas squad that went 11-1 and earned the Sunrise Division title. He caught 58 passes for a state-best 1,027 yards and eight touchdowns.

At season's end, he was named to the Sun's 1999 all-state first team.

"The biggest thing is that he didn't miss a weight training workout last summer," Wildcats football coach Kris Cinkovich said. "He made a commitment to be a special football player."

Ranked among the top 20 in his class of nearly 600 students, Park received a recommendation from Rep. Jim Gibbons -- a requirement for all service academy appointments. The Air Force covers the cost of tuition for all of its students.

Park, who will report to the Academy in late June, is leaning toward pursuing a business management degree. He is also interested in becoming a fighter pilot while at the school.