HAYS, Kan. - For the second consecutive year, a former Fort Hays State student-athlete has been named the recipient of the Torch Award, an honor bestowed upon an outstanding graduating senior. The recipient of the award from the class of 2018 is Keshawn Sewell, a member of the Tiger track and field team specializing in horizontal jumps.
 
Sewell competed for the Tigers from 2014 until 2017, posting career best marks of 21-2.5 in the long jump and 45-2 in the triple jump. The McPherson, Kan. native transitioned to a role as student assistant coach last year, mentoring other student-athletes and running the jumping pits at home meets. He also served as a student assistant in the sports information department, assisting with gameday operations at all FHSU home events.
 
Outside of assisting in many aspects of the athletic department, Sewell was very active in the community. He was a founding member of Tiger Pals, a student organization serving young people with disabilities. Alongside 50 active volunteers, many of which are other student-athletes, Sewell serves 100 students in five local schools.
 
Sewell will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in health and human performance this weekend.
 
Many students are engaged in university and community service," said Mike Koerner, vice president of the FHSU Alumni Association Board of Directors and 2000 and 2005 graduate of FHSU, who presented the award at the annual Graduate and Faculty Luncheon. "Fewer students assume leadership roles and responsibilities of those important organizations. However, only a handful of students across the country actually create and sustain an organization that makes such an impact on the lives of so many people."
 
Giles Fox, a former pitcher for the baseball team and pictured above with Sewell, received the award last year.
 
The Torch Award, established in 1974, recognizes an outstanding senior each year. Leadership, high personal standards, and scholarship qualifications noted by teaching faculty serve as a basic criteria in the selection of FHSU graduating seniors. More information can be found in the press release from the office of University Relations and Marketing HERE.