Jesse Gallegos
Public Relations Coordinator
Luna Community College
August 16, 2022
Ron Maestas had open-heart bypass surgery eight weeks ago and although every day is a struggle, he says Carl Vigil and the Gerald P. Ortega Wellness Center is helping him extend his life.
“One day I was walking on the road in front of the wellness center and Carl (Carl Vigil, Gerald P. Ortega Wellness Center Director) asked if I would like to work out in the gym,” said Maestas. “It was one of the best decisions in my life. This place is phenomenal for cardiac therapy rehab.”
Maestas said that doctors told him he had a silent heart attack and scheduled him for emergency surgery.
“I had 90 percent blockage in one of my arteries,” said Maestas. “The surgeon said I was a lucky man because I was able to get the surgery when I did. I could have gone down any minute. With the grace of God, I am still here.”
Maestas, who lives in the Camp Luna area, is a former professor at Luna where he taught business. He is probably best known for his days as the Dean of Business at Highlands University and as a college cross-country coach. He led the Highlands men’s cross-country team to a 1987 runner-up finish at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics level.
Maestas, 76, uses a walker most of the time, however, he is gaining strength each day he works out at Luna.
“I love the basketball floor here; it is very soft,” said Maestas. “This wellness center is a hidden gem. While I have been here, other students have been my biggest cheerleaders.”
Maestas thinks the world of Vigil.
“He is outstanding,” said Maestas. “He is very hospitable and very welcoming. He is the perfect physical fitness advocate. I recommend this wellness center to everyone. It’s been a tough go, but I choose not to sit around. I want to be active and get better.”
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Ron Maestas works out at the Gerald P. Ortega Wellness Center. Maestas says that Wellness Center Director Carl Vigil is very welcoming and that Vigil is a perfect physical fitness advocate. Maestas, a student at Luna, works out twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
