David Ruiz is a Kauaian who graduated a Red Raider, but that’s not how some people in Arizona would describe him. “Mr. Tucson” is what he’s called nowadays, and for good reason. Ruiz recently took top honors at the 2002
David Ruiz is a Kauaian who graduated a Red Raider, but that’s not how some people in Arizona would describe him.
“Mr. Tucson” is what he’s called nowadays, and for good reason.
Ruiz recently took top honors at the 2002 NGA Western USA Pro-Am Bodybuilding & Fitness Championships in Tucson, and did it within just one year of training for the sport.
The University of Western New Mexico senior became the Men’s Open overall champion after winning the Men’s Open middleweight division, and was named the Most Muscled Man of 2002 at the tourney.
Ruiz didn’t leave Kaua’i after his high school graduation expecting to get involved with bodybuilding, but the tools were already there.
The Kaua’i High graduate played football for Shasta College in Redding, California, before he was recruited to join the Western New Mexico program as a halfback and fullback two years into his college career.
His football career ended there.
“I had to stop playing [football] because I suffered too many concussions,” said Ruiz, whose stint with Western New Mexico lasted one year. “But I continued to train and it led to bodybuilding.”
It’s no mystery the 5’9″, 165-pound bodybuilder has seen immediate success in the sport. He puts in the time despite the rigorous demands imposed by his continuing education, and abides by a strict diet during the competitive season.
Each day before his 9 a.m. class, Ruiz does 30 to 45 minutes of high-intensity cardiovascular training. Late in the afternoon, he returns to the gym for another 30 to 40 minutes of intensive weight training.
As for his diet?
“Egg-whites, oatmeal, protein shakes, chicken etc…it’s not that bad,” said Ruiz.
But what about ice-cream, cheese cake, and candy bars?
“I only allow myself to eat sweets once a week, and I stop altogether two weeks before competition.”
Ruiz will not be competing in bodybuilding tournaments any time soon, saying he wants to focus on completing his senior year at Western New Mexico and achieve a Bachelor’s Degree.
He says he wants to further pursue competitive bodybuilding, but plans to return to Kaua’i to pursue a career in education.
Currently, Ruiz is working at Kaua’i Electric for the summer before he returns to New Mexico for his final two semesters.
