By Andy Elder
For the CDT
Penn State is like any other school in trying to woo athletic recruits by opening windows to every aspect of campus life.
Several years ago, for instance, a potential Nittany Lion basketball recruit was allowed to observe a surgery since he was contemplating a pre-med major.
But when Bubba Jenkins of Virginia Beach, Va., — Amateur Wrestling News’ No. 1-rated high school 145-pounder — made his official visit to University Park, little did he know he would grapple with the most famous man on campus, maybe in the entire commonwealth — football coach Joe Paterno.
“The coolest part (of his visit) was meeting Joe Paterno. Meeting him was spectacular, “Jenkins said. “I went to shake his hand and he double legs me and tries to take me down. I countered with a Russian tie and am trying to score when he stops and says, ‘I’m getting old. I’m getting old.'”
Jenkins’ mother, Teresa Otero, called meeting Paterno “a turning point “in Jenkins’ recruitment.
“Joe Paterno made an impact on our son, “she said of the roughly 30-minute impromptu encounter.
“I thought you said this guy was good, “Paterno said jokingly to Penn State assistant wrestling coach Matt Dernlan, Otero related.
“We weren’t expecting this (meeting Paterno), “Otero said. “He went on to tell us wrestling stories. He was a great asset.”
By the way, coach, Jenkins is good.
A Virginia state champion, Jenkins won three of the best tournaments in the country his senior year. He was voted Outstanding Wrestler at the 2005 Beast of the East tournament in Delaware in what many considered was the deepest weight class in the tournament.
He was also Outstanding Wrestler of the prestigious POWERade Tournament in Canonsburg.
And, in the coup de grace, Jenkins waltzed to the 145-pound championship of the NHSCA Senior Nationals tournament in March. Leading his finals opponent 12-1 early in the second period, he scored a fall to take the crown.
Jenkins’ unscripted Paterno meeting wasn’t the only unexpected part of his visit to Penn State.
In the midst of a conversation with Jenkins’ stepfather, Carmelo Otero, Penn State President Graham Spanier mentioned he was on his way to playing racquetball.
“Oh, wow, racquetball. Yeah, that’s my game, “Carmelo recounted responding.
“Would you like to go with me? “Spanier asked.
When Carmelo said “Yes “he’d like to, Spanier asked Dernlan, “Are you sure you want this kid?”
Otero and Spanier played for more than two hours.
Carmelo said the two broke even.
Teresa said, “Carmelo won the first game. Then, (Spanier) had no mercy after that.”
Several weeks later, Teresa said the Oteros received a card from Spanier saying how nice it was to meet the family and play racquetball. Additionally, Spanier wrote, “if there’s anything I can do to help facilitate your son’s choice for Penn State, don’t hesitate to call, “Teresa said.
“After I read that, I thought, ‘Is there any other place for us?'”
Granted, the impromptu wrestling match with Paterno and racquetball game with Spanier were anomalies. But, Teresa said, the rest of Penn State’s recruiting effort was nearly perfect.
“Penn State’s recruiting effort? Their techniques were flawless. That’s how Bubba described it. Everyone else had to come up to that standard, “she said.
“It was phenomenal. It wasn’t just a coach saying you’re going to have a great time; we saw the support behind the coach. The caliber of people who took time out to show support for the coach knew wrestling. It wasn’t just “oh, yeah, those guys. “I feel they help kids get to the next level. That was huge for us.”
Despite positive visits to Oklahoma, Nebraska and Tennessee-Chattanooga, Jenkins was sold on Penn State.
“Everywhere you go they have great coaches, “he said, “but the kids you are going to be working out with … it definitely helps to have guys you know have succeeded.”
Jenkins is just another jewel in a sparkling recruiting class for Penn State coach Troy Sunderland. His three other recruits — who signed during the NCAA’s early signing period in fall 2005 — are nationally ranked.
Garrett Scott, a three-time PIAA champion from Juniata Valley High School, is projected to be a collegiate 141-pounder. He’s ranked No. 2 at 140 pounds by AWN and No. 13 among all weights by InterMat.
David Rella, from Walsh-Jesuit High School in Akron, Ohio, is an Ohio state champion, a Junior National Freestyle All-American, an Ironman Tournament champion and two-time POWERade champion. Projected at 165 pounds, Rella is ranked No. 2 at 160 pounds by AWN and No. 8 overall by InterMat.
Josh Rohler, from St. Vincent/St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, is projected at 157 pounds. He’s ranked No. 7 at 152 by AWN and No. 15 overall by InterMat.
“It’s a growing team. It’s incredible what kind of people are going to be around when I’m there. Rohler and Rella and Scott are amazing themselves, “Jenkins said. “It will be a beautiful thing once we’re all in the lineup.”
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