VIRGINIA BEACH (WAVY) — Ron Jenkins led Bayside High School to back-to-back boys basketball state championships in 1990 and 1991 and Friday night, he was honored by the Marlin community.
Jenkins stepped away from coaching in 2002 and retired from the school division in 2014.
He’s the first and only coach to lead a Beach District boys basketball team to consecutive state titles.
This year, Jenkins has been nominated to four different Halls of Fame, including the Norfolk State Hall of Fame, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and the Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame.
“This is magnificent,” Jenkins said while surrounded by former players and colleagues. “It just shows what the appreciation that the kids have for you and my appreciation for them.”
One of the players on hand for the occasion was Mario Mullen. He was a key member of those state championship teams and went on to be a standout player at Old Dominion.
Now the head coach at Ocean Lakes, Mullen knows first hand what Jenkins has meant to countless young men over the years.
“This is long overdue,” Mullen said. “He’s been such a pillar to us, a father figure, just an outstanding coach.”
During his time as head coach, Jenkins holds the distinction of never being called for a technical foul.
“I always told my players, let me talk to the referee’s because I’m going to talk to them in a positive way because I wanted to get my word across,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins says he’s relaxing in his retirement while being a caregiver for some family members.
As for Friday night’s celebration of his extraordinary career, Jenkins expressed sincere gratitude.
“This night will never be forgotten.”
