Staring behind a screen, drifting away and isolating himself from the outside world is typically how senior Ulises Castillo-Uribe spends his afternoon. However, since spring sports have started, Castillo-Uribe can be found on the track.
Alongside Castillo-Uribe is his brother, Tristan. The sophomore says he usually didn’t spend as much time with Castillo Uribe last year, but now both brothers are part of the Unified Track and Field team.
“He didn’t really like going outside or going out, or just being active as much,” Tristan said. “So just seeing this new version of my brother and just spending more time with him.”
Castillo-Uribe has Down syndrome, a disorder that causes intellectual disabilities and distinct physical characteristics. For Castillo-Uribe, this causes him to have trouble communicating with others and often zoning out.
But now, with the help of Unified Track and Field, Castillo-Uribe has become more sociable and engaging, strengthening his bond with his brother.
“I think he’s talking a lot more. Sometimes it’s nonstop,” Exceptional Needs Teacher Jody Egan said. “He’s coming out of his shell a lot more. (He’s) more willing to do things … He’s starting to come out of his shell.”
The bond between the brothers is never unnoticed, Exceptional Needs Teacher Hiedi Roll says Castillo-Uribe wants to be just like Tristan.
“Ulises idolizes his brother and just loves him so much, and Tristan loves his brother so much,” Roll said.
Along with Roll, Unified Track and Field coach Jennifer Karushis says that sometimes Castillo-Uribe becomes upset, crying and will not talk to anyone, but Tristan can be found motivating and inspiring his brother to want to participate in the events again.
While the brothers both enjoy competing in the events and spending time together, for Castillo-Uribe, Tristan says there is one thing he loves more than the track aspect.
“I’m pretty sure he loves track more because (there are) snacks to eat … ,” Tristan said. “Last year, he just loved eating a bunch of snacks.”
With the help of Unified Track and Field and Tristan, Castillo-Uribe is now more noticeably sociable and engaging during the school day.
“He’s an icon here at school, so everybody knows him,” Tristan said. “So like if you see him, just give him a fist bump (or) a hug, and he’ll give it back to you.”
