Bracken didn’t plan on doing anything of the sort towards running at a young age. From the Wellsville mile in elementary school, running sucked and he never wanted to do it again.

           The first time Bracken tried running was for cross country the summer after 8th grade due to not making student government. He instantly fell in love and it completely changed his perspective for it.

           Bracken’s biggest influence is Kobe Bryant. From a young age, Bracken’s dad was always a fan of the Lakers who they would cheer for therefore impacting Kobe Bryant on Bracken’s life. “His work ethic is what inspires me.” Bracken stated. “He works so much harder than anyone else…Obviously he was a skilled athlete, but he also put in the work.” Kobe Bryant impacted Bracken’s life through how you didn’t have to be the most skilled athlete but if you put in the effort you can do something great and it has shown off through his dedication to succeed and overcome the obstacles and injury put in his way.

Bracken has become a hurdler here at Mountain Crest. Bracken states “It comes down to practicing and doing those fundamentals. Do your drills everyday, do your stretches, do your exercises, like do the small things that will add to be the big things later.” Hurdling has so much more to it and that’s what makes hurdlers different.

Bracken sticks with hurdling because he loves it. “I can’t quit this. I love this way too much just to give it up over some stupid thing whether I do good or whether I do bad. I’m still gonna love it at the end of the day and continue to do it.” Bracken said.

Sophomore season Bracken wanted to give up. “I’m never gonna get anywhere.” Bracken stated. “Now it’s more. I’ve realized I have to put in that hard work…I have to also just have fun with it.” 

“They call it the runners high and it really isn’t a joke” Bracken said. You wouldn’t believe it until you come and try it yourself.