ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – A local youth coach is enjoying a moment in the spotlight. 

On September 16, Ithaca’s Rahmel Mack appeared on Good Morning America (GMA), along with four other coaches from around the country.

Mack, who coaches varsity boys basketball at Ithaca High School and AAU teams at GIAC, was recognized for his contributions to youth and his community.

In the feature, Mack spoke about introducing sports to youth as a game, taking the focus off of the competition aspect. He added that watching kids come to understand that, and blossom, has been his biggest reward.

In addition to being honored for contributions to their communities, Mack and his counterparts were each surprised with brand new Mazda CX-90s.  

Mack told GMA’s Lori Bergamotto that the new vehicle will be a big help in his coaching duties.

 

In 2025, Mack led his 15-and-under AAU team, the Immortal Wolfpack, to a national championship title. Additionally, he was recognized in 607NewsNow’s Neighborhood Heroes feature series in summer 2024, which you can read here.  

Tompkins County Legislator Travis Brooks, who represents the City of Ithaca and is a Deputy Director at GIAC, calls the recognition a moment the whole community can be proud of. 

The pair appeared together in a November 2024 episode of All Things Equal, which you can listen to here.

You can watch the full episode of Good Morning America on it’s YouTube channel. The coach segment begins around 25:00 minutes.