June 20, 2020

By Fred Liggett
FredL@lstribune.net

Area sports fans will want to remember the name Johnny Brackins Junior, as the name may be mentioned a lot over the next few years. The name has been mentioned often in the first half of 2020 thanks to the many accomplishments the Lee’s Summit High School track standout has made so far this year.

A Milesplit.com report made Johnny’s name go nationwide as they reported on the successful indoor season he recently enjoyed. Brackins was named the most improved junior recruit in the jumps for the 2020 indoor season. The long jump and Triple jump are the events Brackins has excelled in the most. Another event, the 60 meter hurdles, Brackins got noticed for a score of 8.06. The score put Brackins in the top 10 of his recruiting class and also number one in the state.

For those following high school track, this recent run of success is of no surprise. Brackins is ranked second nationally in the long jump. Mo Mile Split honored Brackins for his recent excellence on the track. More honors could soon arrive for this current Tiger as Brackins is a candidate for the Track Gatorade Player of the Year in Missouri. Johnny Brackins, Sr. says his son will learn of the honor later this month. When asked what is next for the high school senior to be, Brackins says, “College plans as of now are wait and see.”

Watching all this success happen to Johnny is of no surprise to Lee’s Summit Athletic Director Tracy Bertoncin. Bertoncin says, “Johnny takes his preparation for track and field very seriously with great maturity and meticulous planning.” Bertoncin adds, “He keeps a food log and journals about his work outs.” Johnny can be found traveling to get even better at his craft as he has been to Cuba and Georgia just to name a couple of places.

For now Brackins just works out at a gym as no track is available at the high school. The Lee’s Summit High School track is being redone this summer. Brackins stays ready thanks to lifting weights and runs according to his dad who serves as an assistant track coach at Lee’s Summit High School.

The younger Brackins signed up for indoor meets where it takes meeting a standard to qualify to participate. Places hosting these meets included area colleges like KU, MU and Pittsburg State. Coming up next for Brackins is an AAU meet in Florida at the end of July, another one taking place in South Dakota is a possibility. After that Brackins expects to do more indoor meets before the spring 2021 season.

For Johnny Brackins, Sr., seeing all of his son’s success is a “dream come true.” Brackins serves as the jumpers coach with the LSHS track program. Bertoncin sees success for Brackins by what she sees each day when school is in session. Bertoncin describes Brackins as “reserved but welcoming.” Bertoncin continues, “Johnny has a wide variety of friends and a good sense of humor.”

His high school athletic director and father see a lot of success for Johnny Brackins, Jr. now and in the future. Don’t be surprised if everyone sees success for him in the very near future.