By: Katie Sanders, Staff Writer
Wofford Athletics and Recreation is selling t-shirts in memory of Jeremiah Tate, class of ’17 student and basketball player who passed away last summer. The shirts will feature Tate’s jersey number, 12, on the back, and the phrase “it is well” on the front. They are being sold online in order to accommodate people outside the Wofford community as well. For alumni who place an order, they will be available for pick up at homecoming. Ellie Varn, a junior and member of WAR, thought of the idea.
“I wanted to make a shirt that everyone on campus could buy, like the ‘purple is fugly’ shirts from last year. I thought it would be great to make it in honor of Jeremiah. We also wanted it to reach more than just the Wofford community, because he reached more than just Wofford.”
She consulted the coaches first to make sure her idea did not conflict with anything they had planned. They embraced the idea and purchased one for every member of the basketball team.
“It is an incredible gesture and thoughtful idea from Ellie and others recognizing the memory of one of the finest young people I have had the privilege of being around,” says Coach Mike Young. “Jeremiah loved Wofford, the people here and cherished this college community.”
Jeremiah’s mother also appreciates the gesture. She posted a message on her son Jamal’s Facebook.
“I love the t-shirts in Jeremiah’s name. I do plan to get a t-shirt and would encourage everyone to do so… Coach Young and the team will also have my unwavering support this season and I hope to attend every game as my strength, courage and emotions permit. I miss my son tremendously and there’s not a day that goes by that he is not in my thoughts and prayers. However, as t<he shirts say, it is well, and I feel blessed by the many efforts to keep his memory alive.”
Spencer Collins, senior basketball player and WAR member, says that the basketball team’s season will be dedicated to Jeremiah.
“Losing a teammate is like losing a brother. As we understand that he isn’t returning, every practice and every workout is in his honor. Winning a conference championship will be a difficult task… The goal of winning will be for Jeremiah. Our program understands he played a very important role in our two years of success in accomplishing back to back Southern Conference championships.”
Collins says the team is thankful they will all receive shirts, but that the goal is for everyone on campus to purchase one, too.
“WAR wants to allow everyone to support Jeremiah… by buying the shirt. His family and friends thought it was… a special tribute for the amazing life that he lived and what he did at Wofford College.”
Varn agrees.
“It will be awesome because people will periodically wear their shirt around campus, and it will spark conversation. It’s also a good way to incorporate the freshman. Even though they didn’t know Jeremiah, they will see his impact on campus.”
WAR and the basketball team encourage everyone to purchase a shirt and wear it to the first home game, Nov. 21. The proceeds will go toward a fund to give back to the school in some way, but details have not been finalized. The last day to place an order is Oct. 14 at 11:55pm.
If you would like to order a tee shirt please use the information below:
Thank you for using The Graphic Cow T-Banker.
(1) Click Here to View Your T-Shirt Proof:http://www.thegraphiccowcompany.com/tgccproofs/534166.jpg
(2) Click Here for Payment Help: http://www.thegraphiccowcompany.com/t-shirt…/paypal_payment/
Copy and Paste this Sign-Up Roster Code when Requested: TH923201531400PM20
(3) Click Here to Sign-up and Pay: http://www.thegraphiccowcompany.com/t-shirtbanker/signup/
Note from Ellie:
If you are having trouble with the checkout & are paying with a credit card make sure the billing information, including the phone number, match up to the card. If you’re using a debit card, you’ll need to make a PayPal account, as PayPal has been requiring those using debit cards to have an account.
