Having your jersey number retired is one of the biggest honors in sports and something rarely seen in high school athletics.

But that is what Leilehua High School did last month for Bryce Jenkins, the Mules' first cross country state champ and most prolific distance runner to date.

Jenkins became only the second boy in 45 years to win three individual cross country state championships, and the first since 1997 Hall of Honor inductee Matt Stevens of Hawai'i Baptist Academy. Jenkins' efforts led Leilehua to its first team title in 2007 and another state crown last season.

Since his arrival as a sophomore, the Mules have won three straight OIA team cross country championships.

In track and field, Jenkins set a record in the 3,000-meter run at the state championship meet last month with a time of 8 minutes, 52.9 seconds, and set an OIA championship meet record in the 1500 with a time of 4:03.73.

In the classroom, Jenkins had a 3.3 GPA this semester and has served in Leilehua's Jr. ROTC program, working in many school and sports events. He also participates in volunteer activities for his church and support groups for families of deployed service members.

Jenkins will attend Idaho State University this fall on a running scholarship with plans to major in nursing.