Winning ways follow '08 USAFA grad

  • Published
  • By Wayne Amann
  • Air Force ISR Agency Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Everywhere Tim Anderson has laced up a pair of basketball sneakers, he's been a winner.

As a senior guard at Franklin High School in El Paso, Texas, he led his team to a 26-7 record averaging 23 points per game, and earning Most Valuable Player honors for the city and district of El Paso, plus a second-team all-state selection.

As team captain for the Air Force Academy Prep School, Anderson's 16 points per game average helped the Huskies post a 31-3 mark.

During his career in the Air Force, he was instrumental in the Falcons going a four-year best 84-42, reaching the National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament in 2006 and the Postseason National Invitation Tournament semi-finals in 2007. The soft-spoken Anderson's play spoke volumes as he finished second on the academy's all-time steals list with 175, second in most career games played, 124, and was named the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year for the 2007-2008 season.

Fast forward to April 11, 2010, and the Chaparral Fitness Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Anderson, the Lackland Warhawk team captain, has a potential game-winning buzzer-beater shot fall short, in the title game of the inaugural National Military Men's Basketball Championship Tournament. Keesler AFB, Miss., won the game, 73-72.

Even in defeat, Anderson earned all-tournament honors averaging 12.2 points per game in six outings.

"Games are often won by the team that's most resilient and hard working," Anderson said. "Even though our guys finished second in the national military tournament, it was all about having fun and building relationships."

Anderson's practical approach, planted during high school, then cultivated at the prep school and the academy, is now a staple for the 6-foot-3 standout who tied the Falcon record with seven steals in one game against San Diego State at the 2008 Mountain West Conference Tournament.

"I love transferring the lessons learned on the court to the workplace," he said. "The winning combination in both places is hard work, build chemistry among your team and execute the game plan."

As the Chief of Information Management at Lackland's Wilford Hall Medical Center for a little more than a year, the former systems engineering management major couples information technology with information assurance to carry out the mission of the Air Force's largest military treatment facility.

As a leader, he practices a people-centric philosophy.

"You have to invest time in those around you and appreciate that everyone has something to offer," Anderson explained. "And remember to give credit where it's due."

Anderson credits his academy experience for honing a variety of skills.

"My time at the Academy was often rough and demanding," he admitted. "It taught me how to manage my time and develop quick and effective solutions to sticky situations."

The first lieutenant embraces the challenges of his post-academy blue suit career.

"I plan to be an expert in my career field and pursue a master's degree in the next couple of years," he said. "I love working in a hospital and I love coaching (military athletes) so we'll see where that takes me."

Chances are Anderson's winning ways will follow.