FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Region Sports Establishes the Walter J. Bracich Athletic Director of the Year Award, Honoring a Lasting Legacy in High School Athletics /
Region Sports is proud to announce the creation of the Walter J. Bracich Athletic Director of the Year Award, an annual recognition dedicated to honoring one of the Region’s most respected and influential educational and athletic leaders.
More than an administrator, Walter J. Bracich was a cornerstone of high school athletics in the city of Gary—an individual whose impact was felt not only in the programs he led, but in the lives he helped shape. Throughout his nearly 40-year career as an educator, coach, athletic director and administrator in the Gary Public School system, Coach Bracich built a reputation for steady leadership, quiet strength, and an unwavering commitment to student-athletes and their success both on and off the field.
Coach Bracich understood that high school sports were never just about wins and losses. To him, they were a vehicle for teaching discipline, accountability, resilience, and pride. He believed every student deserved the opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves, and he worked to ensure that athletic programs were inclusive, well-supported, and grounded in purpose.
Under his leadership at Wirt High School, programs did more than compete—they grew. Coaches were empowered, expectations were clear, and student-athletes were held to a standard that emphasized character as much as performance. His influence helped shape environments where hard work was respected, teamwork was expected, and success was measured not only by championships, but by the development of young people into responsible adults.
Those who worked alongside Coach Bracich often point to his consistency and integrity as defining traits. He approached every decision with fairness, every challenge with composure, and every opportunity with a focus on what would best serve students. Whether behind the scenes or on the sidelines, his presence brought stability and trust—qualities that elevated entire athletic departments and strengthened the connection between schools and their communities.
The Walter J. Bracich Athletic Director of the Year Award is designed to carry that legacy forward. Each year, the award will recognize an athletic director who reflects the same values Coach Bracich lived by: leadership rooted in integrity, a commitment to student development, and a lasting positive impact on those of us fortunate enough to have known him.
“Coach Bracich set a standard that goes beyond athletics,” said Region Sports Executive Producer Chris Ramirez. “He showed what it means to lead with purpose and to put students first in every decision. This award ensures that his legacy continues by recognizing those who lead in that same spirit.”
Candidates will display leadership, program development, sportsmanship, community engagement, and their overall contribution to the student-athlete experience.
In establishing this award, Region Sports not only recognizes excellence in today’s athletic directors—it also preserves the example set by Walter J. Bracich, ensuring that his influence continues to guide and inspire future generations.
For more information, nomination details, or media inquiries, please contact:
Chris Ramirez
chris.ramirez@regionsports.com
219-588-1984
About Region Sports
Region Sports is committed to telling the stories of local athletics, highlighting the achievements of student-athletes and leaders, and strengthening the bond between sports and community across the Region.
