Salute To Seniors: Brady Johnson - Planville
What was your most memorable race?
It was the AAU Northern Indoor 3k. I've never felt so relaxed running a race. The crowd there and everything that was developing, leading the race and on pace to set the record, was just an unforgettable moment. I was just in that mode that every runner dreams of that when they run.
What would you consider your biggest competition?
The 2011 Rim Rock race. I never really get to have competitive races around where I'm from so being in a field of 200+ and having so many talented the guys in it was quite a bit different. A lot of them have run that course many times and are used to racing a lot of guys where those were both two new things to me, so I took 10th place as a great learning experience. I knew I could've done better knowing what I know now, but know I could've also done worse cause the field was just loaded.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?
I would have to say it was just beginning the cross country program here at my school. I decided to run cross my freshman year just two weeks before the first meet, because I didn't even know what cross country was. I had to run in agreement with a league school during the regular season. Near the end of my freshman year of high school I asked the principal, went to school board meetings and talked to other kids and was able to start a cross program back after not having one for about 15 years. And the 2nd year of the program, my junior year, the boys team placed 2nd as a team at the league meet.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I wish I would have gone to the Brocaw Blazers camp before my freshman year and used all that I learned there all throughout high school. I went there the summer before my junior year, and that's right before I really started to improve as a runner.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
This senior track season was the most frustrating season I've ever had. I've always been pretty healthy and this year was almost completely opposite. I was struggling with some health issues the beginning part of the season, which caused me to miss the KU Relays meet, then I had my 4th metatarsal out of place and the ligaments surrounding it stained the last month of the season. I wasn't able to do basic easy runs; everything had to be done via aqua jogging. The state meet was extremely hard because I could barely walk, and I had faster times from the first two meets of the year than the winners did, but I was still able to place and score points for my state championship team.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the people who have always been there supporting me throughout high school. My family has always been at every meet and really supportive. And my track coach, Norma Finnesey, became really close as I grew older and especially this past year where I was struggling though many situations. I will really miss her and all that she has done for me. I know they all will still be there for me no matter where I am, but I will just miss seeing and being with them.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Follow your dreams and work as hard as you can towards them. There will always be people who say you can't and will try to discourage you, but if you believe it and is willing to put the work in, you can make your dream a reality.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending Wichita State University and will be majoring in Sports Management.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
My parents, grandparents, aunt and uncles, all my coaches - Jeremy Krob, Norma Finnesey, and David Ramsey, my teammates and friends, and all those who supported me and wished me the best around the community or at local and state meets, all their wishes mean more than they will ever know.
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Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Drop me a line: DEverett@milesplit.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the class of 2012 on all their hard work and success.