Meeting Andrew Trinidad: From seventh grade physical education to Division I running

By Kathleen Ortiz     1/21/25 10:50pm

Andrew Trinidad, a Duncan College freshman, competes for Rice’s track and field team in sprints and hurdles. He is majoring in business with a concentration in finance.

Rice Thresher: How did you get into track originally?

Andrew Trinidad: In seventh grade, my [physical education] coach recommended I do track and field because I had long legs, and I’ve been doing it since then. 

---

---

RT: Can you describe one of your earliest track memories?

AT: My earliest memories in track and field were probably puking on the side of the track because I wasn’t in shape at the time. 

RT: Did track always come naturally to you?

AT: I think the thing that came to me the most naturally was the movement of hurdling. 

RT: When did you decide to run in college, and why did you choose Rice?

AT: I wasn’t seriously considering track and field in college until my junior year when I started receiving visitation offers from schools. I chose Rice because the new sprints coaches had prior accolades with evidence showing me he could help me reach my fullest potential. Houston is also close to home and family.

RT: How do you balance your classes with track?

AT:  I take all my classes in the morning and head to practice in the afternoon. After that, it’s willpower to finish my work in the evening. Working with my teammates makes it easier to focus.

RT: Who has been most supportive of you while chasing your goals? In what ways have they helped you? 

AT: The most supportive people in chasing my goals have to be my family and friends. My family is always there for me and my friends have seen me develop into the athlete I am today.

RT: What is your favorite memory from being on the track team at Rice?

AT: Doing workouts with my teammates are, as of now, my favorite memories. I’m sure that when we enter this upcoming season, there will be plenty more.

RT: What are your goals for this season?

AT: My goal for this upcoming season is to go sub-14 seconds in the 110 hurdles at the collegiate height.

RT: When you’re not running, how do you spend your time?

AT: When I’m not doing my sport I’m usually out with friends watching television or hanging out in one of their rooms.

RT: What is something that most people don’t know about you?

AT: Most people don’t know that I was classically trained in the violin for six years. 

---