Junior Mackenzie Ramey threw a personal record of 40 feet in shot put Friday, April 21, at an invitational in Frankemuth.

She placed first with the throw that also put her in the No. 2 spot for best performance in shot put at Kearlsey.

Ramey is close to tying the school record, which is 41-3.25, set by Tianna Kirkland in 1997.

Ramey and Kirkland are the only shot putters in school history to throw 40 feet or more.

Breaking the school record is Ramey’s goal for the season, and as the season goes on she is getting closer and closer to that goal. She has placed first in every invitational and meet she has competed in, setting two personal records.

To keep improving, Ramey is training harder than before. 

“I am practicing as often as I can, and working more on my technique,” Ramey said.

As Ramey gets closer to the record, she gets more motivated.

“I know it’s right there, and it seems more doable than before,” she said.

Ramey is pushing herself harder than before this season thanks to her supporters.

“Being so close to the record and having Mr. (Mike) Simms, my mom, and my teammates push me to be the best I can helps me improve,” Ramey said.

Simms is the girls track and field coach who also coaches the throwers.

Junior Mary Wheeler placed fifth in discus with a distance of 91-08, with her personal record being 102-8.

Kearsley finished in 14th place with 14 points.

Bay City Western won the invitational with 122 points. Corunna was second with 88 points, and Flushing placed third with 73.

The Hornets will appear next at home Wednesday, April 25, where they will face Brandon and Flushing.