I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you about a new award that RYFSA is establishing this year, the Braxton Raymond Memorial RYFSA Umpire of the Year Award. This award was established to recognize one umpire yearly for their dedication and contributions to the Rochester Area Softball community and their involvement in helping both players and coaches.

The award was established in Braxton’s memory. Braxton was an ASA/USA umpire for five years with RYFSA and was a 2016 graduate of Kasson-Mantorville High School. He passed away on October 9th, 2019 (Age 22) due to complications from brain cancer. Braxton battled his cancer for over a year and a half and showed courage and a work ethic that was unprecedented. He never stopped believing he would get better and fought this horrific disease until the very end. He loved basketball, softball, and working with young kids.

The winning umpire will receive the following:

• A Braxton Raymond Memorial RYFSA Umpire of the Year Award plaque
• $50 gift card to Scheels
• Recognition on the RYFSA website
• His/her name will be added to a plaque in the umpire room at the softball complex -

All will be paid for by the Raymond Family with no cost to RYFSA As your season winds down please be on the lookout for an umpire that you feel would be worthy of this award. I will be sending out a google form containing the nominees for each of you to vote on in late July. Thank you for your time and dedication and all you do for RYFSA.

The Raymond Family,

Kelly Raymond - Father, Cyndi Raymond - Mother, Brodie Raymond - Brother, & Tailor Raymond - Sister

Congratulations to Aryn Olson for being selected as the third recipient of the RYFSA Braxton Raymond Umpire of the Year Award.  Aryn was selected by both coaches and members of the Raymond family for this prestigious award.  Aryn has been umpiring softball for over three years and she is highly regarded by coaches, players, and fellow umpires for her dedication to the sport of softball.

Alex Olson

Morgan E.