Stirring video as father of Jake Panus presents scholarship in his memory to South Carolina LB
Jake Panus wanted to play football for South Carolina. He loved the Gamecocks, everything about the school, and its tradition.
The 16-year-old resident of Southport, Ct, lost his life in a senseless DUI accident while on Block Island, RI, last year.
Through his father, Stephen, a connection was made with Shane Beamer and a Jake Panus Walk-On Football Scholarship was created and endowed for a deserving Gamecock player.
The first one was awarded by Stephen Panus, who made a moving and passionate speech about his late son and what the scholarship means, Wednesday in Columbia..
The Jake Panus Walk-On Scholarship went to Matthew Bailey, a redshirt sophomore from Deland, Fl.
The video is moving and poignant. Well done by Shane Beamer, South Carolina, and most of all Stephen and the Panus family.
A legacy carried on through the beauty of giving. A horrible tragedy turned into a wonderful opportunity.
In memory of Jake Panus. pic.twitter.com/cwN0g9yYGg
— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) September 22, 2021
Jake Panus wore No. 5 and died on Aug. 9. As Stephen Panus eloquently said, “So, it’s only fitting that I say to No. 59 Matthew Bailey, welcome home you’re on scholarship.”
