Lieutenant selected for World Class Athlete Program Published Aug. 24, 2005 U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) -- Former Air Force pole vault standout 2nd Lt. Paul Gensic was recently accepted to the U.S. Air Force World Class Athlete Program.The program gives high-caliber athletes, both officers and enlisted, the opportunity to continue training in their sport, while preparing for a berth in the Olympic Games.A 2005 graduate of the academy, Lieutenant Gensic was a three-time All-American and named the academy’s most valuable male athlete as a senior. The Fort Wayne, Ind., native holds the pole vault record here, clearing a career-best 18 feet, 1/2 inches during the indoor and outdoor seasons. Lieutenant Gensic spent most of his collegiate career ranked among the nation’s elite, highlighted by a third-place finish at the 2005 NCAA Indoor Championships.“This is a huge honor for Paul and for our program,” said Air Force head coach Ralph Lindeman. “For the next three years, he’ll be able to dedicate himself full time to reaching new heights in the pole vault.“The Air Force’s WCAP … is normally a two-year program leading up to each Olympic Games, so for Paul to enter the program a year early carries with it added responsibilities,” Mr. Lindeman said. “He’ll be expected to continue to improve and represent the Air Force in major competitions nationwide, as well as the United States in international competitions.”Besides training here with his former teammates, Lieutenant Gensic will be a volunteer coach and administrative assistant with the Air Force track and field program.