By Ragan Gainey
LSU Sports Information
Initially recruited for football, senior Bennie Brazell is leaving his footprints on the track. With a multitude of accolades, including being a part of Team USA in the 2004 Olympics, Brazell will once again be representing LSU at the NCAA Track and Field Championships beginning tomorrow.
Most student-athletes can’t say that they have had opportunities such as Brazell. Juggling two sports along with school can be challenging, but even more so rewarding. He feels that being a part of both football and track interact positively to make him more efficient in each sport.
“I feel that football helps make you stronger for track and track makes you faster for football, said Brazell. “It’s cool, but it can get difficult at times, especially with workouts and then school. It can be hectic, but you just have to go out and get it done.”
Being a part of both teams has also helped Brazell not only grow as an athlete, but in everyday life.
“It’s been really good. It’s kept me focused on the (football) field, on the track and off the field and off the track. I think it’s made me a responsible young man, Brazell said.”
As a four-year athlete, Brazell has made memories he will always cherish. What stands out most in Brazell’s mind are the two national championships under his belt.
“My freshman year we won the national championship in track. I ran the hurdles 1and the 4×100 relay. We got third in the 4×400 relay. We got second in the hurdles. That’s when I broke the freshmen record here. That was a really good thing,” said Brazell. ” Then my junior year, we won the national championship in football. Then I had accomplished two national championships in sports, so that was a really good thing. I’ve had a lot of good times here. I’m satisfied.”
Along with being on two nationally winning teams, being chosen for the US Olympic team is any athlete’s dream come true. Competing in Athens was an unforgettable experience for Brazell. Along with the pride that comes with representing your country, traveling overseas and seeing a different culture was truly unique for him.
After the long list of achievements Brazell has obtained, continuing to remain goal-oriented is key.
“The thing is to stay humble and stay focused, and help the next person out,” he said.
The goal for Brazell now is to keep his focus on the NCAA Track and Field Championships until he returns home to readjust his attention toward football.
As far as the NCAA Championships go, Brazell said his physical and mental preparation has been unhindered.
“I’m trying to get focused more on my team and myself. Mostly just going in with a positive attitude and coming out on top.”
Brazell along with team members Kelly Willie and Xavier Carter will begin competition June 8 in Sacramento, California. They will compete in the 4×100 relay and the 4×400 relay. Brazell with also be competing for his first individual NCAA title as he goes for gold in the 400-meter hurdles.