Tag: Stephen Panus

South Carolina awards second Jake Panus Walk-On Scholarship

South Carolina awards Jake Panus Walk-on Scholarship to WR Payton Mangrum

The University of South Carolina and Stephen Panus have combined to honor the memory of the horse racing executive’s son, Jake, by awarding a scholarship to a Gamecock walk-on.

The second annual Jake Panus Walk-On Scholarship recipient has been revealed and it is Payton Mangrum.

The first player to receive the honor was long snapper Matthew Bailey.

The scholarship is in memory of Jake Panus, a Connecticut teen who tragically lost his life in an auto accident in 2020.

“I want you for a second to imagine a boy, who had a dream,” Stephen Panus said. “In his dream, he used every fiber of his being to have a goal. That goal was to attend the University of South Carolina and become a Gamecock. He was committed. He was determined. He had passion and love. He was a boy who had a heart. A selfless heart. He had a lot of courage and the will of a champion. A boy that who would have done anything to be in this room today with you guys. A boy who bled garnet and black. That boy, was my son Jake.

“In partnership with coach Shane Beamer and the athletic department, we created the college scholarship. This time, to bring Jake to the University of South Carolina and to reward a student-athlete who shares Jake’s leadership abilities. Who has a motivated work ethic and a fierce determination, team-first mentality, grit and toughness. Cares about his community. Today, Jake’s loss is going to become your teammates possibility.”

Stirring video as father of Jake Panus presents scholarship in his memory to South Carolina LB

A memorial scholarship was awarded to a South Carolina player in a touching ceremony

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.

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.”