Kyle Chen is heading to the Air Force Academy and Jacob Martin is going to Washington State University

Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com

Football teammates in high school, and football teammates at a military academy.

That was the plan.

They were both willing to serve.

It turns out, a medical condition has forced one of them to take a different journey.

But let it be known forever that Jacob Martin and Kyle Chen of Mountain View High School, already leaders on campus, were this close to going to the Air Force Academy … together. 

It is rare for one high school to receive two appointments, let alone two who are talented enough to play Division I football. 

Chen will be leaving for basic training soon before joining his teammates at the Air Force Academy for his first season of college football.

Martin was forced to pivot from the academy, but he is grateful that a late opportunity opened for him to play football at Washington State University.

On Friday night, Chen and Martin will graduate from Mountain View High School and head out on their journeys.

It won’t be together, as far as the immediate destinations. 

But they are forever linked to one another as Mountain View students who excelled in academics and athletics, so much so that the United States Air Force wanted both of them to attend their academy.

“I was taught to always be a part of something bigger than myself,” Chen said. “I see an opportunity to do that at Air Force. When I head to basic training in a couple of weeks … I know I’ll be ready because of how I was raised.”

“Serving my country, I never really thought that was for me until I got that offer (from the academy) and took my visit,” Martin said. “Then I see all these football players and see how they are excited to graduate and go serve their country. That was appealing to me. You get a job while you are doing something bigger than yourself.”

Chen and Martin were all-in, thrilled that they were going to the academy together.

“I loved it there. Colorado Springs is such a beautiful place,” Martin said. “Going with Kyle was a big part of my commitment. When I went on my visit, it felt like home.”

Potential cadets go through a demanding medical check. Martin is a three-sport high school athlete, in great shape, and clearly strong enough to endure the rigors of military life.

But he also has celiac disease. The dictionary definition: a disease in which the small intestine is hypersensitive to gluten, leading to the difficulty in digesting food. 

Football coaches at the academy told Martin they believed he would receive a waiver, that he would be cleared to attend the academy. After a review, the Department of Defense did not grant the waiver. 

Martin appealed. He went to his doctor, looking for guidance. He saw another specialist. He underwent more blood tests, anything to show the Air Force that he could handle future challenges. He explained that he has been living with celiac, and excelling anyway, since the age of 12. 

“I did everything I could. Ended up not working out,” Martin said.

Those who recruited him to the Air Force Academy are still on his side. Head coach Troy Calhoun called other college coaches on Martin’s behalf, looking for a football home. Calhoun also said that the academy would be sending Martin his certificate of appointment to the academy.

By the time the Air Force made its final decision, it was late in the recruiting process. No more scholarships. But Martin got word of a great opportunity at WSU as a preferred walk-on, and he accepted that offer last week.

The dream of playing together at Air Force is over for Chen and Martin. But they will always be part of the Thunder family. 

Both were members of the leadership class at Mountain View. Both say their involvement in that class has led them to where they are today.

“Mountain View does a great job of developing young leaders, and helping kids figure out that side of themselves,” Chen said.

Chen was particularly proud of a campaign he worked on called Finish Strong. It encourages all students to finish the school year on a high note. Another campaign earlier was You Matter Week.

He credited his leadership teachers for doing “a great job getting all the students involved in the school and making Mountain View a place people want to be at every day.”

Martin appreciated the philosophies he learned in leadership.

“Be a person of action,” Martin said. “The class has taught me you’ve got to bring the whole student body together. You can’t have little cliques around the school. Everyone has to feel this place is a home for them.”

Chen will be graduating Friday with a 3.93 grade-point average. He is one of the most accomplished football players in school history. He also competed in track and field.

“Mountain View has a special place in my heart. When I came here, I was just a football player. I just wanted to play football. I wanted to make a big impact and leave my legacy on the field. But coming to Mountain View, it’s made my perspective so much more than just football,” Chen said. “I’ve developed so many friends, so many relationships with teachers. People at this school really make the school.”

Martin will be graduating with a 3.95 grade-point average. He played football, basketball, and baseball for the Thunder.

“I’ve spent so many hours here. I feel I could drive to school with my eyes closed. I’ve put so much blood, sweat, and tears. It has felt like a second home for me,” Martin said. “So many great relationships are built here. This high school really leaves an impact on your life.”

Kyle Chen and Jacob Martin are just two examples of the best of the Class of 2023. 

Thousands are graduating from throughout the region in the coming days.

And they are willing to serve.