New Mexico's Getting To Know: Traise Cain

Traise Cain

The Rams Traise Cain remains undefeated in the hurdles as state championships loom. Today we get to know more about the multi-talented man from Portales in our New Mexico's Getting To Know Series. 



When did you first start competing in track and field, and do you recall any of your childhood competitions?

I participated in a 4th grade elementary meet in Logan, New Mexico. I remember doing high jump and long jump. I really started learning track as a seventh and eighth-grader.

Was there a certain moment when you realized you'd be able to compete at such a high level?

Not really. I never knew what my limits were. I don't really want to know because I don't want to think I'll never surpass it. I think limits are meant to be surpassed no matter if they were set on yourself or by other people.

What are some bumps in the road that you've encountered when it comes to training for different events during the season?

Being mindful of small, nagging injuries is always rough because I have to be more cautious and I'll stressed about it.

How did COVID impact your training as you prepared for the season?

Wearing a mask is hard, especially while running longer events like the 300m hurdles or the 400m.

If you had to pick: Track and Field or Cross Country, and why?

Cross Country is definitely more difficult, but it really helped me be more conditioned and prepared for track and field.
However, I'm way more passionate and competitive in track.

How is the college recruiting process going, and what schools are you looking at?

I have been looking at Texas A&M in Kingsville and ENMU. A little hard to choose but I'm excited to see what's to come.

Where are you going to college? If you have already committed, what made you choose them?

I am not committed just yet. That may change soon.

Is there another track event you wish you were good at? What is appealing about it?

Discus is really fun. I wish I was a little stronger for it but it's a cool feeling when you throw a metal frisbee about a hundred feet.

What are some hobbies and interests you have outside of running?

I like to fish and travel a lot. I also really like talking and getting to know people. I collect bugs and old objects like radios, records, and typewriters. I also like to cruise around on my skateboard with my friends.

Who is your role model, and why?

My sister ran track and field in high school and college. She placed first in high jump three times at the state level and always liked to have fun during track while keeping the mentality to work hard.

Everyone has a bucket list, so give us some of the things on your list!

I would love to travel if I ever get the chance. There are a lot of cool things to learn and experience that I think don't get experienced enough.

What is the best advice you have received?

If you say you are not going to hit a time or make a certain height, you are certainly not going to be able to because your mind has already set the boundary. You are capable of so much more as long as you are open-minded and are willing to fail to learn.

What is your favorite pre-race snack, tradition, etc.?

I love to snack on pretzels and oranges during a meet.

If you could do a sport other than XC/Track, what sport would it be, and why?

I think diving and swimming would have been fun. I wish I had an opportunity to try any of the two to see if I would have actually liked it. They're really interesting and with diving, it seems very technical. Swimming, in general, is really fun.

Traise's 2021 Season Stats

2021 - Outdoor

110 Meter Hurdles

14.67
1st
Finals
May 25, 2021
15.04
1st
Finals
May 21, 2021
15.17
1st
Finals
May 14, 2021
14.79
1st
Finals
May 07, 2021
15.54
1st
Finals
Apr 30, 2021
15.15
1st
Finals
Apr 23, 2021

300 Meter Hurdles

40.45
1st
Finals
May 25, 2021
42.48
1st
Finals
May 14, 2021

High Jump

5-10
2nd
Finals
May 25, 2021
6-2
1st
Finals
May 21, 2021
6-2
1st
Finals
May 14, 2021
5-8
1st
Finals
May 07, 2021
6-2
1st
Finals
Apr 30, 2021
5-10
1st
Finals
Apr 23, 2021

Pole Vault

13-0
2nd
Finals
May 25, 2021
14-0
2nd
Finals
May 21, 2021
13-9
1st
Finals
May 14, 2021
14-0
1st
Finals
May 07, 2021
13-6
1st
Finals
Apr 30, 2021
13-6
1st
Finals
Apr 23, 2021

2020 - CC

5000 Meter Run

23:03.28
74th
Finals
Mar 26-27, 2021