Falcon lives life by rule of threes

By JEREMY RASMUSSEN

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 12, 2000

TAMPA -- The triple jump combines three distinct phases seamlessly into a whole.

In phase one, you power step, trying for distance rather than height. In phase two, you raise your other leg parallel to the first. And in phase three, you elevate and hold yourself as long as you can, hopefully landing about 15 yards from where you began. Leto's Michael Jenkins is the top triple jumper in Class 3A this year. And just as he demonstrates impeccable form in his jumping, he shows ability in the other phases of his life as well.

As an athlete, no one can deny his ability. He will play football at Ohio State. He averaged 14 points as a starter in basketball, and he has the top two marks in the state this year in the triple jump (46 feet, 8 inches) and the 400 (49.7 seconds).

As a student, Jenkins carries a 3.8 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. Track coach Dean Robertson said he initially had trouble getting Jenkins to come out for the team because after playing football in the fall and basketball in the winter, spring was "study time."

As a person, Jenkins' coaches and peers agree he is a young man of outstanding character.

"The best thing about him is that he's a better person than he is an athlete," Robertson said. "He has more character and dedication than anyone I've seen. He works with the younger guys, helping them improve. After a race, he's always going up to congratulate the other athletes. He's just a phenomenal kid."

For today's Class 3A state meet, Jenkins also has qualified for the 200 with a 22.3 and will anchor the 4x400 relay, which recorded a 3:24.

Primarily a wing-back and inside linebacker, Jenkins likely will play wide receiver at OSU even though he once played seven positions in a game.

Jenkins said his work ethic and attitude comes primarily from his parents, Michael and Geri.

"They're always pushing me to do my best, put school first, stay out of trouble, hang with the right crowd," Jenkins said.

Jenkins said his father, who retired from the Army after 22 years and now is a high-tech recruiter, gave him his sense of discipline and resolve.

"He taught me not to let everyone take control of you. You make your own decisions and go with them."

Combining the three phases of his life successfully -- character, intelligence and athleticism -- Jenkins is poised to make his mark.

"I'd like to be known as a modest guy," he said. "An intelligent young man with a good head on his shoulders. I just want to do my best at whatever I do."

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