If there has been one constant for Parkside's redshirt-senior James Lehman over the past decade, it has been his drive to perform at a high level on and off the wrestling mat.

This season, Lehman is currently ranked third in the nation at 184 pounds. He completed his 2017-18 campaign posting a 27-12 overall record at 197-pounds and finishing in eighth place at the NCAA Division II National Championships.

While Nick Becker garnered most of the attention with his impressive third consecutive NCAA Championship at 174-pounds last season, Lehman flew under the radar, continuing to post solid numbers for his team. However, it is not his performance on the mats that is the most impressive aspect about Lehman, rather it is his history of how he came to be a Parkside Ranger.

Following his 2009 senior season at Kenosha Tremper where he placed sixth at 152-pounds at the WIAA Division I Championships, Lehman decided to take a different path in his eventual route to college. Lehman enlisted in the Army and went on to serve two tours in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

During the nearly five years he was in the Army, Lehman served with the 101^st Airborne Division. When he was not in Afghanistan, he was stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, just over an eight-hour drive from home.
After Lehman completed his second tour in Afghanistan, he felt it was time to return home and leave the military. He knew it was time to enroll at Parkside.
 

Lehman credits the Army with helping him establish goals and preparing him for his future in collegiate wrestling.

"It was hard, because coming out of high school, I had no clue what I wanted to do," Lehman said. "Serving in the Army made me realize I wanted to continue wrestling. The physical demands of the military prepared me for training here at Parkside and made for a smooth transition."
 

Not only that, but James also feels that he gained more discipline and leadership through his military experience which has translated into his success during competition.

Head coach Corey VanGroll agreed with Lehman in this regard. "James leads this team not only during practice but also socially. I think part of that is due to his military experience but also that he came to Parkside when he was a little bit older and the maturity definitely shows."

Coach VanGroll also made note that Lehman's maturity and discipline has led to him becoming a great ambassador of the program. Lehman is typically the one to show recruits around the facilities and speak with donors.
Part of the reason why Lehman has become a leader for Parkside wrestling is due to his dedication for the sport and the team.

Lehman grew up less than 10 miles away and trained under Kenosha Tremper head coach, Joel Dutton, a former Parkside wrestler himself.

"I could have gone to school anywhere, but Parkside has a solid wrestling history in Wisconsin," said Lehman. "I grew up here in Kenosha and was around Parkside wrestling especially with Coach Dutton. It's a cool thing to carry the torch and keep wrestling here in my hometown."

Parkside wrestling certainly appreciates his decision to stay close to home. Since he has joined the Rangers, Lehman has gone 87-23 and has finished on the podium in several meets and tournaments.

When asked which competition was the most memorable thus far, Lehman said "Definitely nationals last year." Lehman noted that he is surrounded by All-Americans on the team and the coaching staff, so to walk into Desimone Gymnasium and see his name hanging beside theirs means the world to him.

By making it to Nationals last year, has Lehman reached the goals he set out to accomplish?

"Definitely not. I am winning the National Championship this year," said Lehman. "I am constantly being encouraged by my teammates that I can win this year and I will do just that."
 

After his career at Parkside comes to an end, Lehman will no longer compete, but he intends to continue coaching youth wrestling with Coach Dutton.

"I try to help out in any way that I can with Coach Dutton," said Lehman. "If there is one thing that the Army taught me, it's to appreciate many things in life. I'm fortunate to be able to just focus on wrestling, and I hope to be a positive influence on anyone I might coach."

With his dedication to the sport and the experience he has had in collegiate wrestling, there is no doubt that James Lehman will continue to find success coaching at the youth level.

Sometimes the most uncommon journeys lead to the best stories. Good luck this season James Lehman, and thank you for your service.