Springfield, IL (WTAX) – Many gathered to honor “Rocket” Ray Ramsey at the dedication and plaque unveiling ceremony for the Ray Ramsey Track & Field at Memorial Stadium that took place on Saturday morning. Among those present were his family, his students, and a fellow classmate.
Ray Ramsey was a 1940 graduate of Lanphier High School where he was an all-city and all-state standout athlete in football, basketball, and track. After graduating, he attended Bradley University and was a valued member of the football, basketball, and track teams. Ray won 13 varsity letters overall in basketball, football and track. He set three school records in track and was honored as an All-American halfback. Some of his records still stand today and others stood for over 30 years.
Ray went on to play 10 seasons of professional football and a 2-year career in the NBA. After his professional career, he returned to Springfield and taught math and science at Edison Middle School and Industrial Arts at Lanphier High School. At Lanphier he also coached basketball, football, and track for over 30 years.
