Delta College athletes Steevie Ruiz and Jorge Castillo are making the most of their current track and field season, overcoming challenges and celebrating personal milestones both on and off the track through hard work and dedication.
Ruiz, a 19-year-old sophomore from Lodi, has found her stride not only in the weight room but also on the field. Known for her strong work ethic, focus, and enthusiasm for training, Ruiz says her favorite workout typically takes place at the beginning of the week, which sets the tone for her training.
“My favorite workout probably has to be Monday weights practice because that’s squat cleans and stuff like that,” Ruiz said. “Today actually was a fun one; we had a 4 x 400, then 300, 200, and 100-meter sprints. Pretty easy, but still kind of hard at the same time, so it’s pretty fun.”
In addition to the demanding physical work and regular conditioning, Ruiz and her teammates have had to adapt to limited training resources and inconsistent facilities. Without access to a dedicated college track, the team has improvised by using shared spaces and alternate practice locations when needed. The Delta College track is currently under construction, with the renovated facility expected to open in the fall 2025 semester if all stays on schedule.
TRACK MEET IN MODESTO
“Some of the challenges we faced over the course of the season are that we’ve kind of not really had a track,” Ruiz said. “We’re using the soccer field, which we split with men’s and women’s soccer during their off-season. We’ve also had to hold practices at the high school.”
Despite these obstacles and changes in routine, the team continues to push forward and stay motivated, driven by a passion for the sport, discipline, and a commitment to constant improvement.
PRACTICE AT DELTA COLLEGE
Sophomore Jorge Castillo, 19, from Stockton, is in his first season of track. This is his first season ever participating in track and field, which makes his story particularly noteworthy. Though new to the sport, Castillo has quickly learned the value of persistence, preparation, and effort.
“The significant achievement that I have experienced was getting a personal record in the 800 meters,” Castillo shared. “I felt great knowing that all the work I had been putting behind the scenes—at practice, at home, outside of practice—was important for the most important races that matter.”
Castillo attributes his early success to a consistent training routine and a growth-focused mindset, a perspective he encourages other newcomers to adopt as well.
“A tip for someone starting in track and field that I would suggest is being consistent,” Castillo said. “Show up every day, since every practice is an opportunity to get better. As long as you give your all, you are going to keep improving every single day.”
Ruiz and Castillo have had to balance academics, personal life, and the physical demands of track. For Ruiz, adapting to facility limitations has been a learning experience in flexibility and determination. For Castillo, finding early success in his first season has reinforced his dedication to the sport.
The Delta College track and field team continues to train using every resource available, from high school facilities to shared athletic fields and multi-use spaces. These athletes, along with their dedicated teammates, are working toward personal records and team goals with a focus on consistency, hard work, and adaptability in every practice session.
Their stories reflect the growing resilience, strength, and unity within the Delta track program—a team that continues to move forward no matter the obstacle, one stride at a time, never losing sight of the finish line.
