CHICAGO MARIST TRACK AND FIELD

 In 2016, Norberto Nieves QUALIFIED for the IHSA State Track & Field Championships as an alternate for the 4x100m Relay.

 Norberto Nieves has tremendous work ethic, and competed in both sprints and distance events for the Chicago Northside Mustangs. Norberto Nieves runs every race with heart and determination. He voluntered to run in four track events, the maximum allowed by the IHSA, so he could help the distance runners in addition to the sprinters, in the 800m, and the 4x800m Relay. At the Lake Forest Invitational, Norberto Nieves competed in the 4x800m Relay, 4x100m Relay, 4x200m Relay, and the 4x400m Relay in the SAME meet for the TEAM.

 Norberto Nieves mental toughness is second to none. At the end of April 2016, while walking home from Track practice, Nieves was attacked by two men, who were both over the age of 18, and they hit him with a gun, and punched him, and he suffered facial fractues and damage to his eye. A brave Norberto Nieves identified the men to police, and the attackers were apprehended, and arrested for assault. His injuries would require surgery, and his only concern was that he was not going to be able to participate in the Chicago Public League Track & Field Sophomore Prelims. Against all odds, barely able to see out of one eye, and in no condition to run, he came to the Chicago Public League Track & Field Sophomore Prelims at Hanson Stadium in a rain storm to support his teammates. Norberto Nieves inspired his teammates to qualify for the City Finals in the 4x100m and 4x200m Relays. Northside earned All City Honors in both the 4x100m and 4x200m Relay.

 On the morning before his surgery, he testified in court against the attackers to help prosecuters put them behind bars. During his recovery from surgery, he made it his goal to come back in time for the IHSA Sectional Championships. No one thought he would be able to make it back this year. 

 Against all odds, he returned to school and practice, the week before the IHSA Sectional Championships, and trained with the TEAM, including impressive runs with the distance runners.  

 At the IHSA Sectional Championships, Norberto Nieves served as an alternate for the 4x100m Relay.

 At the IHSA Sectional seed meeting, it was disclosed that the Northside 4x100m Relay was seeded fifth in the heat sheets and only the Top two relays qualify for state championships.

 Once again, against all odds, the Chicago Northside Mustangs had an incredible performance in the 4x100m Relay and dropped 2.5 seconds to WIN the 4x100m Relay IHSA Sectional Title and QUALIFY for the IHSA State Track & Field Championships!

 Norberto Nieves ended his Freshman year in Charleston, Illinois at the IHSA STATE Track & Field Championships!!!