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Matt Jenkins, a WCHS graduate, finished fifth at the NAIA wrestling tournament. (Photo/Reinhardt Athletics)
Staff report
Reinhardt University's Matt Jenkins put together a stellar effort last weekend during the 66th NAIA Wrestling Championships in Wichita, Kansas.
Jenkins, who is a 2019 graduate of White County High School, earned All-American honors with a fifth place finish in the 165-pound division. Jenkins was 5-2 during the national tournament. Jenkins was one of four Reinhardt wrestlers to finish in the Top 8 in their respective weight classes.
Jenkins, who was the 12th seed in the 165-pound field, started the tournament with a 14-0 major decision over Rio Grande's Justin Barbee. He followed that up with a win by injury default over No. 5 seed Keller Rock from Embry-Riddle University.
In the quarterfinals, Jenkins suffered a 7-4 loss to No. 4 seed Corban University's David Rubio, who went on to the finish at the runner-up in the weight class.
In the consolation bracket, Jenkins posted a pair of wins to stay alive for a podium spot. Jenkins bested Montana State-Northern's Devin Crawford by an 8-1 margin, and then beat Providence's Bridger Hall by a 4-1 decision.
In the consolation semifinals, Jenkins was knocked off by Grand View's Marty Margolis, who was the No. 2 seed heading into the tournament.
In the fifth place match, Jenkins picked up a forfeit over Life University's Jack Bass, the No. 1 seed who was injured earlier in the tournament.