FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CANCER CLAIMS THE LIFE OF CARDINAL BASKETBALL PLAYER MELVIN JENKINS
(July 18, 2007 - Ann Arbor, Mich.) -- Melvin Jenkins wasn't merely just one of the members of the Concordia men's basketball team. He wasn't limited to being a mere statistic. He was much larger than that. Jenkins came to Concordia with the dream of reaching the National Basketball Association, but cancer took that dream. The disease also took part of his foot and eventually his life, but it never stripped him of his endearing spirit and enthusiasm.
Early Wednesday morning head coach Ben Limback had the heart-wrenching duty of notifying friends and teammates that Jenkins, after a three-year battle, was called home to be with our Lord.
Jenkins came to Concordia after a stellar prep career at Dearborn Crestwood High School where he was named First Team Mega Gold All-Conference for his junior and senior seasons, as well as being a member of the All-Conference Defensive Team his senior year and earning the distinction of All-State Third Team his final year as a prep. That season, Jenkins averaged 22 points a game.
After a freshman season for Concordia that saw limited action, Jenkins received the news that cancer would end his playing career. But while cancer ravages the body, it couldn't crack his ever-positive demeanor.
Coach Limback recalled the meeting he had with Jenkins shortly after the guard had portions of his foot removed.
"We sat together in my office and we shed tears and just talked about life," Limback said. "By the end, Melvin looked at me and said 'Coach, do me a favor. When I return, please don't treat me differently. I will work hard to get back.' He was a true inspiration of how to live your life one day at a time."
Jenkins' belief in himself would serve him well while he mentally pushed himself where he was limited physically.
"Despite being 140 pounds when he walked into our first meeting with him as a freshman, he believed he was going to play in the NBA," Limback said.
And despite being told his career was over and having to endure numerous physical therapy sessions just to regain the ability to walk, Jenkins saw himself one day back on the court competing at the collegiate level. As far-fetched as that thought seemed to some people, Jenkins made it a reality.
The last two seasons, Jenkins played regularly on the junior varsity as he was regaining his physical ability to endure the action on the court. His heart and desire paid off as he appeared in 10 games this past season as a red-shirt junior on the varsity squad.
To fully appreciate Jenkins' contribution to Concordia University one only had to be in the stands during the Concordia Invitational Tournament in Ann Arbor this past January. In the opening round blowout of Concordia-Wisconsin, the Cardinals dropped 96 points on the Falcons. But it was the two points Jenkins scored that drew one of the biggest roars from the home crowd.
"No matter who you talk to everyone has just amazing memories of Melvin," Limback said. "He was a joy to be around and when he walked into a room it filled with energy. His personality is going to be missed on this team."
And in this school.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalized. Upon receipt of the arrangements, the Concordia websites (the main school site and the athletic site) will provide the information.
