Luke Talbot accepted an appointment to the Naval Academy and made his decision official Wednesday afternoon at Benton High School.

Although he hopes to continue his career as a walk-on tennis player, the Benton senior’s decision to leave St. Joseph for Annapolis, Md., goes way beyond

athletics.

“As soon as I got it, I knew this was too big of an opportunity to pass up,” Talbot said.

Talbot began the paperwork process for a Naval appointment last summer but had wavered on the idea during the school year. Just two months ago, he received a call asking him to complete physical and mental appointment assessments.

Talbot got the official word he had received the appointment about a week ago.

Despite opportunities to play tennis at Truman State or William Jewell, Talbot quickly made the decision to accept.

“Tennis is just kind of a side thing,” he said. “Just the morals they have there and the goals they have there and the challenges they present you with. The integrity there is great.

“I have so much fun playing tennis. It’s a great sport. Hopefully, I’ll be able to keep playing out there. They have a very good team.”

Talbot began playing tennis as a sophomore and recently earned his first district championship and second state tournament berth. He has played No. 1 singles for Benton all three years and led the Cardinals to a 9-1 dual record.

Their undefeated top player leads them into Saturday’s 9 a.m., Class 1 sectional at Noyes Tennis Complex against St. Pius X. The state tournament begins next week in Springfield, where Talbot hopes to earn a state medal with a top-6 finish.

Talbot leaves for the Naval Academy in early July, but he’s trying not to put too much thought into that move just yet.

“I’m just finishing up playing tennis right now,” he said. “Then I’ll have to start focusing on getting ready mentally and physically.”

Assistant sports editor Ross Martin can be reached at rossmartin@npgco.com