Jacob Cain '18 Recruiting Profile

    When I found Track and Cross Country, I started to learn who I was. When I was younger I wasn't really interested in school, and I only cared about physical activities and sports at school. I played Baseball all the way up until freshman year when my 2 favorite coaches quit. In looking for a new sport to just get my PE credits, I joined cross country. Cross Country was the worst and best experience that really shaped who I am. Even though I got shins splints for a whole season, I learned what hard work and determination can really build for you. After a successful season I decided to run track as well.

    When I joined track I wanted to explore the events. I tried jumps, sprints, throws, and hurdles. I excelled in all of them with the exceptions of throws. In the end I fell in love with hurdles and have been dedicated since. The team captain my freshman year took me under his wing and showed me how to be respectful, a leader, and an athlete. This later motivated me to strive to be a leader and give other people what my team captain gave to me. Even though track is a major priority to me, i know how to balance it with school.

    My goals for school are to get my masters in some form of athletic/medical field such as Athletic Training, Physical Therapist, Personal Trainer, or Physical Education. So I can continue being surrounded by the sports and athletes I love. My track goals are to continue to compete and hopefully one day run for team USA. This year in the 110 hurdles I am shooting for a low 15 or high 14. For 300 hurdles I am aiming for low 38. Finally for 400m open I will aim for the 50 mark.

    Through my years I had to overcome many obstacles and recover from many mistakes. I was bullied in elementary school, and now that I am older, I help others dealing with problems that I once had such as some of the kids in the club I am president of, Best Buddies. Best Buddies is a non-profit organization that gives people with mental disabilities job, leadership, and friendship opportunities. Another club I am a part of is Link Crew. Link Crew is a club that helps integrate freshman and new students into the high school by giving them examples of leadership, friendship, and advice that I have gained through my years.

    Other challenges that I had to overcome were my 2 injuries junior year. I broke my fibula, and herniated my L4 L5 disc. These injuries had me out for about 8 weeks. During this time season had just started and everyone was getting faster while I fell behind. When I finally came back and wasn't the most dominate anymore, it shattered my pride. In the end however, I made a comeback and ran some fast times but not as good as I could of. I learned that you can't always be the best, and that it's ok to have people in front of you during workouts, as long as you are pushing yourself to your body's limits to become the better athlete, then you will become faster and stronger.

    As my high school career comes to an end, and I get more and more excited to continue running at the next level. I will focus both on school and track. This is why I believe, I am a good candidate for your college.