Editors’ Note: In Stargazer’s Dec. 12 issue, there was a name mispelling included in this article. Tenbrock’s coach is “Pomazak,” not “Tomczak.” The revised article is below. We apologize for the confusion.
This fall, senior football player Lucas Tenbrock was named as a 2026 Navy All-American, which is a highly distinguished honor as he joins 100 high school football players across the country nominated to play in the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl.
For North, Tenbrock played both as a kicker and a punter, but he was selected as an All-American for punting. He also played as an offensive lineman on occasion.
This award was a big deal for Tenbrock as he is one of only four punters chosen to play in the game.
“It really means a lot, since it’s only four specialists in the U.S.,” said Tenbrock. “It’s a huge accomplishment, and really it’s something to really be proud of, because not many people get the opportunity to be in this game.”
Tenbrock’s career in punting stemmed from playing soccer throughout his childhood.
“I played soccer whenever I grew up, so I was always used to the kicking motion,” said Tenbrock. “[When] I went to high school, I just decided to be a kicker. And from there, it just took off, really, because I had people around me who grew up kicking.”
Tenbrock recognizes many people who have helped him get to this point.
“All my teammates have helped me so much throughout the season and throughout the year. … My coach, Pomazak, he’s been a huge help to me as well. He just guided me down the right path, strength training, weightlifting, everything,” said Tenbrock. “Also Chris Nendick, he’s one of my kicking coaches, and Chris Sailer, who evaluates and ranks kickers around the nation.
Receiving the Navy All-American award was an honor and significant achievement for Tenbrock, especially because this is something he has been working towards.
“It was really amazing,” said Tenbrock. “It was crazy, because I remember last year I wanted to be in this position, and I was able to achieve it this year, and it was just surreal for me.”
After graduation Tenbrock is planning on attending Iowa State to continue his football career as a punter.
“I hope to play either my red shirt sophomore year or freshman year, if I can. But depending on how that overlaps with the punters currently there, it just depends,” said Tenbrock.
Tenbrock encourages everyone to watch the Navy All-American game, which will be shown January 10, 2026 on NBC.
