Feature Photo: Roeper Track Star Signs Letter of Intent

senior Briana Ratchford, a Southfield resident and daughter of Gregory and Rene’ Ratchford, has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Virginia Commonwealth University Women’s Track and Field Team. 

Ratchford was recruited specifically as a javelin thrower and a shot put thrower. She is a recipient of a VCU Scholarship, VCU Dean Scholarship and VCU Athletic Scholarship.  Briana plans to major in Forensic Biology.

As a member of the Roeper School’s track team, Ratchford’s accomplishments include being named the 2010 and 2011 100m high hurdle state champion.  She holds the school’s record for 100m high hurdles at 15.72 seconds as well as throwing the shot put 39 feet 7 inches, both earned in 2011. 

Ratchford’s track and field achievements in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) include:

• Javelin throw: 122’ 11”, National Champion Junior Olympics (Norfolk, VA; August 2010)
• Heptathlon: 5th place medal, Junior Olympics (Norfolk, VA; August 2010)
• Heptathlon: 8th place medal, Junior Olympics (Des Moines, IA; August 2009)
• Pentathlon: 3rd place medal, Junior Olympics (Ypsilanti, MI; August 2008)

Ratchford is also a member of the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), is on the Motor City Striders Youth Track Team, is a counselor at the Roeper Summer Day Camp and is a Girls Mentoring mentor.