It’s not every day that an Eastern Tennessee State University athletic team makes national headlines, but when they accomplished a feat as remarkable as this one, people were quick to take notice.
The university put together a contest for the students that seemed like a very, very long shot: Each of two players would have one half-court shot at a preseason game, and if BOTH players sank their shots, then the school would cover a semester’s tuition for two lucky students. If only one managed to sink it...no one would walk away with anything.
So with low expectations, but high hopes, junior guard Devontavius Payne (representing student Garrett Pack) and senior guard T.J. Cromer (representing Jeremiah Pearson) stepped up for their shots.
The players taking the shots had no shortage of confidence, with Payne saying before letting fly, "He's about to school for free, man." Simliarly, Cromer guaranteed he’d make his shot before launching it as well.
It turns out this is a very prescient backcourt that ETSU basketball is sporting.
And, in case there was any question about what went down next, we’ll let the guys from Sportscenter call the action:
Done. And. Done.
Lest you feel bad that the school suffered a bad beat on this (You shouldn’t, by the way), it seems like even the school itself is benefitting from this unlikely occurance. Says, ETSU Associate Athletic Director for Communications Michael White to WBIR, “We could not purchase the type of visibility it’s created overnight.”
The two beneficiaries will get their spring tuition covered from the contest, but sadly, a third student wasn’t quite so lucky. Freshman guard Kayla Marosites came close on her attempt, but failed to sink her half-court shot, which would have given free tuition to another student.
As they say, two out of three ain’t bad, so let’s see if any of this success translates on the court when ETSU’s men’s and women’s basketball seasons begin next month.
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Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.