The Randy Jenkins story is about overcoming the odds and meeting the challenges of life head on. It’s a story that makes you feel good about intercollegiate athletics and the young people who participate. And fortunately, it’s a story with a happy ending. Jenkins, a native of Spring City, had helped lead the University of Tennessee track and field team to the 1991 NCAA title, finishing second in the high jump with a mark of 7′-6 1/2″. After a visit to his doctor a few weeks later, the high of winning an NCAA title was sobered by the diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – or cancer. Undaunted, Jenkins continued attending classes at UT, earning a 3.24 GPA and dean’s list recognition the next semester. He would, however, miss the entire 1992 track season. Jenkins spent most of the fall and winter of 1992 and 1993 working his way back into jumping shape. Remarkably, this young man of great fortitude qualified for the NCAA’s with a jump of 7′-3 1/4″. At the NCAA meet, he outdid himself, jumping 7′-5 3/4″ and taking home the title. It was, as one reporter wrote, a “win that was meant to be,” a win that caught the attention of media across the country. “This was real important to me” said Jenkins. “I hope any kids or anyone who has a disease will just hang on, think positive and keep trying. You can beat it.” Randy Jenkins is living proof.
