FOR MANY ATHLETES, BEING UNDERESTIMATED IS A PART OF THE JOURNEY. BUT FOR ALIEF ELSIK JUNIOR CAIUS SHAKES, IT’S BECOME A DRIVING FORCE BEHIND HIS SUCCESS.
Shakes, who competes in the high jump, has often been labeled an “underdog” by head boys track coach Daric Zeno due to his relatively smaller stature compared to many of his competitors.
But for Shakes, it’s more than just a label — it’s a challenge he’s eager to prove wrong.
“Going into a lot of my competitions, I can see how some of the other guys might look down on me, and I can sometimes overhear them doubting me,” Shakes said. “I’ve always been overlooked because of my height. Most of those guys out there are 6-foot-3 or 6-foot-4, and I’m standing at 5-foot-9.”
Shakes, however, refuses to let his size define him.
“I want to go in and prove everyone wrong,” he said. “I want to be one of the best, so that no one takes me for granted again.”
During his sophomore year, Shakes competed in several events for Elsik, including relays and the 400m dash, but it was the high jump where he truly shined. He captured a gold medal at the District Meet, followed by a silver at Regionals, and eventually became the lone Alief representative at the 2024 UIL-6A State Track Meet in Austin.
“It was an unreal experience,” said Shakes. “I was glad to meet so many different competitors and appreciated everyone who came to support me. It also gave me a better understanding of what it takes to not only reach that stage but to succeed at it.”
Though Shakes has tried other sports like football, track quickly became his focus. However, that wasn’t always the case.
“Honestly, what got me into this sport was my mom,” he admitted. “I didn’t want to do it at first. I knew it would hurt, and there would be a lot of pain in the development process. But she pushed me, telling me that God would guide me to the right path. After doing well in the high jump in seventh grade, it just stuck with me.”
Shakes’ faith has also played a key role in his athletic journey.
“At last year’s Regionals Meet, I made a promise with God,” he shared. “I told Him I would get baptized if He helped me make it to State. Well, it happened. As soon as the season ended, I went and fulfilled my promise. This year, it’s all about where He continues to guide me.”
After finishing seventh at the State meet last year, Shakes is poised for even greater accomplishments this season. With determination, faith, and a relentless drive to prove himself, the sky is the limit for Elsik’s rising star.
