Tennessee Vol fans won't have a dry eye after watching video of university giving top honor to Jahmai Mashack
Jahmai Mashack has been a special part of Tennessee basketball. That's been evident both on the court at The Food City Center at Thompson-Boling Arena and on the practice court. But his efforts weren't just recognized by the basketball staff. The university delivered the Vols senior guard one of its top honors in a moving […]
Jahmai Mashack has been a special part of Tennessee basketball. That's been evident both on the court at The Food City Center at Thompson-Boling Arena and on the practice court.
But his efforts weren't just recognized by the basketball staff. The university delivered the Vols senior guard one of its top honors in a moving way. The Tennessee basketball Twittter/X account captured the moving moment that Mashack was informed that he had been named a Torchbearer by the university.
"We wanted to go in and make sure the Mashack name was remembered, and I was hoping I was able to do that with you guys," Mashack said to his family. "I know that you guys didn't care if I scored a basket. You guys didn't care if I got a rebound. All you guys wanted me to do was to make sure I represented the Mashack name, and I hope I did that for you guys."
Being named a Torchbearer is no small thing. It's what the university describes as the highest honor it gives to students, having given out around 700 in its history. Here's what the school's website says regarding the nature of the award:
The Torchbearer is the highest student honor conferred by the University of Tennessee. Torchbearers are seniors who have served their alma mater with overall excellence. The Torchbearer is awarded for academic achievement and outstanding commitment to others as demonstrated by the student’s various activities and significant contributions to the university and the community. Students chosen for this award embody the Volunteer spirit, displaying initiative and service in the best interests of both the university and their fellow students. Recognition as a Torchbearer reminds all students that those who bear the torch of enlightenment shadow themselves to give light to others.
Incredibly, he's the first Tennessee basketball player in over seven decades to earn the honor. That tracks with the strong words that head coach Rick Barnes had about Mashack after the game on Saturday, noting Mashack's unrivaled work ethic during his four years with the program.
Mashack will live forever in Tennessee basketball hearts with his walk off 35-foot three pointer to beat Alabama and kick off what Vol fans are hoping will be a great month of March. Now, he will officially live forever in the university records as well.
Tony Vitello had a hilarious reaction that no one would have expected to his own player’s walk off grand slam
Tennessee’s skipper made his feelings clear about a rule he hates
