By Blake Chadwick
Since 2019, when SE-Saline junior Brayden Walker started running track, he has made his mark as one of the best distance runners in the state.
“Brayden is a great young man,” head coach Wade Casselman said. “He works very hard to be the best that he can be both academically and when he is running. My distance runners look up to him as one of their team leaders.”
As Casselman noted, the junior—who has always been in the spotlight—will now face even greater attention as he takes on more leadership responsibilities. Now an upperclassman for the Trojans, he understands the importance of stepping up both on and off the track.
“(I want to) encourage everyone to work hard and enjoy the season,” Walker said.
The junior currently boasts impressive times of 4:25.83 in the 1600m, 9:31.20 in the 3200m, and 16:02 in the 5K, showcasing his remarkable endurance and speed. His dedication and consistent performances have already earned him five all-state honors across cross country and track, cementing his status as one of the state’s premier distance runners.
While Walker plans to continue competing in cross country and track at the next level, his immediate focus remains on the present—chasing state championships in every event he enters and leaving a lasting legacy on the program.
