Following desires

MAMOU -- “The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,/But I have promises to keep,/And miles to go before I sleep,/And miles to go before I sleep”
Oddly enough, the Robert Frost poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” describes the journey of Mamou linebacker and Missouri Valley College commit Trayvon Raino perfectly.
The poem explores themes of personal desire. Raino has had a desire to play college football since he first began learning the game.
“I realized my love for football at a young age,” he said. “When I got to high school, I knew I wanted to play at the next level. I knew I had to work hard, and that started in the weight room.”a
The poem gives us themes of choice. He probably could’ve stayed closer to home. But, he is passionate about spreading his wings and learning more about himself.
“I like to branch out,” he said. “I like to do new things and try new things. My father lives in Colombia, Mo., and my school isn’t too far from where he lives. My aunt lives in Missouri too. Those were major factors in deciding where I wanted to go to college.”
It explores battling nature. Nature can be intense. Man-versus-elements can only be won by one or the other. One can only wonder what might have been had Raino had a full senior season to show his skill-set.
In Mamou’s abbreviated season, Raino scored 30 tackles and recorded a sack and interception while playing out-of-position at inside linebacker and strong safety. Despite being out-of-position his senior year, it fit Raino due to his two favorite players growing up.
“It had to be (former Seattle Seahawks strong safety) Cam Chancellor. I loved his passion, his intensity and how physical he was,” he said. “I loved (former Baltimore Ravens linebacker) Ray Lewis too. He always laid the boom on kids, and made the right play at the right moment.”
Mamou head football coach Dwight Collins raves about Raino and his growth during his time at Mamou High.
“Raino is one of these kids that will work no matter what,” Collins said. “He asks a lot of questions, and I like that because it shows that he’s locked in. The growth in terms of maturity and being a player, you can tell there’s a big difference from freshman to senior.
“I just wish he could’ve had a longer senior season. He played well, he’s been playing well. He’ll have a chance to play outside linebacker in college, and I think it suits him well.”
One thing the poem doesn’t expressly mention is a love of nature. It’s implied, however. Love drives Raino on a daily-basis.
Family, as previously mentioned, is a huge reason why Trayvon chose MVC. However, the biggest reason was his promise to his grandmother that he would realize a dream to play at the next level.
“She watched me since I was small. I promised her that I would play college football no matter what. And I get to keep that promise,” he said.
One thing is clear, however. Trayvon Raino has no nerves about the next step of his life in deciding to play for the four-year NAIA school. There’s a pride in his voice when asked about his personal expectations.
“I expect from myself is to try my hardest, that they can depend on me,” Raino said. “I’m not just there for fun-and-games.”
Besides, there are promises to keep. His journey isn’t done, and rest isn’t an option until he completes it.
There are many games, many practices, many miles before that day comes.
But, promises matter to Trayvon Raino. Which means they will almost certainly be kept.