The Delta College Mustangs are preparing for the 2026 track and field season while also juggling the start of the new semester. This season looks promising with the utilization of the new track field for training.
“The biggest big change is that we actually have a stadium there,” said Les Anthony II, Delta College’s head coach for sprinting. So since I’ve been at Delta College, which is 2011, we haven’t had facilities that were adequate for student athletes, but this is our first year where we have no restrictions. We have a full track. Beautiful facilities, full stadium. We have everything that we need to be successful, so I’m doing things very differently this year because I have access to pretty much all the things I need to be successful.”
The season starts this month with the team’s first event taking place on Feb. 5 at Modesto Junior College, followed up by an event on Feb. 21 at Fresno Pacific University.
With a new group of Delta College track and field athletes ramping up to get ready for the season, that also brings in new stresses in an already stressful schedule. Each Mustang has their own way of coping with all the stresses.
“I have really good teammates, so I can talk to them, because I know they go through the same stuff,” said athlete Julia Rocha.
Due to the struggles students face regarding academic and social lives, the Mustangs learn to manage time while adjusting to this heavy schedule.
“I have to definitely make sure my work schedule is around this. Then for school, I do my homework any chance I get. So I’ll bring my homework here, and I’ll do it either in the zone or in between practices,” said Rocha
Athletic Director Tony Espinoza said on how delta college aids student athletes in the athletic director’s statement on the Delta College athletics website.
Anthony described his method for coaching athletes.
“The first thing I have to do as a coach, I have to identify what the problem is. So, if I see it on the outside, or if I feel like something’s off, then the first thing I want to do is I want to have a conversation with the student athlete, you know, I see what might be affecting them,” he said. “Communication is very important, then you want to identify what the causes of the issues are, then as a coach, you want to be able to see what you can as assistance or help.”
Track and field encompasses a variety of sports which can be categorized into three groups. There are 12 sprinting events including a range of meter races, hurdles and relays. Throwing covers three events, javelin, shot put and discus. Jumping involves pole jumping, high jumping and long jump. The season runs from Feb. to May, ending on May 15 with the State Championship at Mt. San Antonio College.
