Ramey, Braziel earn back-to-back All-State honors

By Connor Earegood, Editor in Chief|June 5, 2019

IMAGE / Courtesy of Mackenzie Ramey

Senior Mackenzie Ramey earned All-State honors with a third-place finish in the shot put.

Senior Mackenzie Ramey and junior Raydoffa Braziel joined the 2019 All-State track and field teams with their performances at the Division 2 state final in Zeeland Saturday, June 1.

Ramey earned All-State honors with a throw of 39 feet in the shot put.

Proud of her accomplishment, Ramey overcame sharp odds to take home third place.

“Of course I wanted to improve from the previous (year), but I couldn’t be prouder of myself,” Ramey said. “I was ranked eighth going into this, and to move up five spots is not easy — mentally or physically.

“I definitely couldn’t have done it without the support of my family, friends, and coach. It was an amazing day.”

IMAGE / Connor Earegood
Junior Raydoffa Braziel placed sixth in the 800-meter run at the MHSAA Div. 2 state final in Zeeland on Saturday, June 1. Braziel earned All-State honors for his performance.

In the 800-meter run, junior Raydoffa Braziel gave his all to place sixth with a personal record of 1:57.68.

Braziel’s performance shocked him.

“I honestly didn’t believe it at first,” Braziel said. “But once it kicked in, I became emotional because I was freaking out before the race because of how bad I wanted to do good, and I actually achieved my goal to be All-State on my own.

An All-State athlete last season with the 800 relay, Braziel was relieved to make the state final in back-to-back years after coming off of an injury earlier in the season.

“Getting injured changed my mindset, and I think that I started limiting myself,” Braziel said. “But I just gave every practice and race my all, and I competed and everything ended up being OK.

“I’m just super proud of myself for being consistent and strong through everything.”

Senior Dylan Buschur threw a 142-01 in the discus, good for ninth overall.

As the only non-senior to compete in Zeeland, Braziel plans to return next season for his third consecutive state final.

Braziel plans to accomplish this with continuous training and competition.

“I’m going to run AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) track this summer and run with a friend of mine to make sure that I’m in shape,” Braziel said. “It’ll lead right into cross country, which will lead into AAU indoor track, and right into outdoor.

“If everything goes right, I’ll be in great shape.”