In fact, if his sophomore coach hadn't cornered him in the Althoff (Ill.) Catholic High gym to insist that he join the team, Muckensturm's induction to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame never would have happened.
Muckensturm's older brother, David, played defensive end at Althoff and earned a scholarship to Arkansas State University. Jerry Muckensturm had tried football during his freshman year, but he'd quit and decided to just play baseball.
The sophomore coach, Max Hamilton, caught Muckensturm in the gym and wouldn't let him pass until he changed his mind.