Stephan Bracey Ready To Play Big Ten Football
East Kentwood High School wide receiver Stephan Bracey is headed to the Big Ten to play football on a collegiate level. This will be one of his toughest challenges of his life so far, but he is more than ready for the challenge. After being sought after by several schools, he has made his choice.
GRT: You began running track at what age?
Bracey: l started running track when I was eight years old with the Grand Rapids Fire. At first I didn't even like track and field but my mother encouraged me to give it a try because my sister Sekayi was running and she was about eleven at the time. Once I gave it a try, I started to like running and it became apart of me.
GRT: When you began high school at East Kentwood High School, was running and winning more of a challenge?
Bracey: It was more of a challenge because now I was a ninth grader competing against eighteen year olds who had better muscle development. That was kind of a struggle to get use to; but once I did, it made me try harder and run faster and also helped me to become the athlete that I am today.
GRT: When did you start playing football?
Bracey: I started playing football in the sixth grade and I played running back When I got to the ninth grade, I switched to wide receiver.
GRT: I understand that you had multiple offers from colleges for full - ride scholarships.
Bracey: I actually got offered eighteen full - ride scholarships. My grade point average is a 3.69 right now so that had a lot to do with colleges being interested in me attending their school.
GRT: Why is getting good grades along with playing well on the field important to you?
Bracey: It is important because being an athlete there is always the student aspect that comes first because I wouldn't be able to do things athletically if I didn't have good grades as well. b would be sitting on the bench and not participating and, thus, not being able to show my talent on the field. Good grades have always been important in my family because that is how I will earn a diploma and a job in the future. Football is not going to last forever.
GRT: What made you choose to attend the University of Wisconsin?
Bracey: What made me chose the University of Wisconsin is because of how they supported me — not just as an athlete, but as a young man. They kind of felt like family pretty much, but I liked the campus and I liked the atmosphere and I wanted to go there. A lot of the students are Caucasian but most of the athletes are black so it balances it out a little more.
GRT: What degree are you seeking and what are your plans after graduation?
Bracey: When I finish college I would like to go to the NFL, but I also want to have my degree in finance management. I am taking a class in personal finance right now and I really want to help people with managing their finances.
GRT: What do you thank you parents and family the most for?
Bracey: I thank them for their support because they have always been there for me. I can't remember a time when they were not at a football game or a track meet. I love how family - oriented my parents are and the love that they have for me.
GRT: How much of an influence has your grandfather Rev. Dr. David May been in your life?
Bracey: My grandfather has always the wise man, giving me advice on things that I may encounter and how to overcome them. He is always in my ear telling me what is wrong and what is right. It has always been a great asset having him in my corner and constantly talking to me.
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