Freshman Brayden Burks is already making an impact on the track at Broken Bow High School, competing in multiple events and holding his own against older athletes. He runs the 110-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles, and contributes to both the 800-meter relay and 1,600-meter relay, showcasing a versatility that has quickly made him a key part of the team.
Burks’ track journey began in fourth grade at Holly Creek School, where he joined because his small school needed participants. “I started track because my school was small and we needed runners on our team,” Burks said. “Turns out I was a pretty decent runner.” That early introduction turned into something more as he discovered natural ability and began building a strong foundation that has carried into his high school career.
Now, his routine centers on structured practices and additional work focused on his specialty. A typical week includes team workouts followed by extra time refining his hurdle technique, an event that demands both speed and precision. “After practice, I put a little extra work into the hurdles,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to improving in one of the most technical events on the track.
Meet preparation is both physical and mental. Burks visualizes his races ahead of time and focuses on staying calm, whether traveling long distances or competing closer to home. That approach helps him remain composed and ready to perform.
Competing against older, more experienced runners has been one of his biggest challenges, but it has also accelerated his development. When races don’t go as planned, he reflects with his coach and looks ahead. “I usually recollect my thoughts with my coach and plan to be better at the next one,” he said.
His accomplishments already include back-to-back middle school state championships, along with record-setting performances that highlighted his potential early on. He credits his coaches for shaping his mindset and helping him stay grounded as he continues to develop.
Beyond individual success, Burks values the team environment and the discipline the sport requires. He embraces the competitive culture and uses being overlooked as motivation to keep improving, positioning himself as an athlete to watch as his high school career unfolds.
