Jacob Jenkins earns All-America distinction from National Collegiate Rugby

VALLEJO, Calif. – Senior fullback Jacob Jenkins earned Small College All-America honors from National Collegiate Rugby when the organization announced its award selections for the 2021 season.

Commissioners Steve Hiatt (Small College Division) and Brad Dufek (Divisions I and II) recognized how players worked extremely hard to become elite players, especially following an abbreviated season last year.

Said Dufek, "These players deserve every part of this award.  Let's not forget that their teams help lift them to the success they saw in 2021."

Added Hiatt, "Congratulations to every All-American.  This is a honor to cherish as well as a standard to uphold; your hard work, exceptional focus, and special performances were noticed and elevated you from thousands of your peers." 

In early January, Jenkins was one of a handful of cadet-athletes who represented Cal Maritime at NCR's All-Star Shields Challenge, the organization's showcase event that features elite talent from across the nation. As a member of the Pacific Coast Grizzlies, Jenkins competed against other student-athletes from all levels — NCAA Division I, II and small colleges — for the first time in tournament history.

Prior to January's All-Star Shield Challenge, teams competed against one another within respective divisions; the Pacific Coast Grizzlies were two-time defending national champions during small college-only competition.