CHICAGO MARIST TRACK AND FIELD

 On Saturday, April 1, 2017, Northside College Prep will be hosting the Eric Nelson Track & Field Classic at River Park Track in Chicago, Illinois.

 The meet features 11 High Schools, including: the University of Chicago Lab High School, Chicago Leo High School, Chicago Bulls College Prep, Amundsen, Von Steuben, Lincoln Park, Chicago Christ the King, Intrinsic, Steinmetz, Cristo Rey Jesuit, and host Northside College Prep.

 Our goal is to make it the BEST Track & Field experience in Illinois! Northside has FOUR IHSA Officials hired for the Shot Put (Bernie Lewis), Discus (Cliff Norman), Long Jump and Triple Jump (Steve Battle and Rashida Gates). Northside has also hired the top F.A.T. timer in the midwest, Casey Swenson of Accurace Timing Services, LLC. Casey Swenson is traveling all the way to Chicago for the Track Meet. Northside has provided Accurace Timing Services, LLC. with hotel rooms at the Rodeway Inn for the Eric Nelson Track & Field Classic. Former Northside Sprints Coach and Waukegan High School Teacher Mark Morgan has been hired as the Clerk for the 2017 Eric Nelson Track and Field Classic. Morgan has been the Clerk for numerous IHSA Sectional Track meets, and is the best in Illinois. Michael Powers, Head Official for USA Track and Field, has named Kerry Dean as the official starter for the Eric Nelson Classic.

 Thanks to FRIENDS OF NORTHSIDE, the Northside Track and Field Team has been provided with NEW warm-ups and uniforms for the Eric Nelson Track & Field Classic.

  We need HELP with assembling Goody Bags for the Eric Nelson Classic. Traditionally, Goody bags have been provided to all participants on every team for the Eric Nelson Classic. Parents that can bring fillers (i.e Party City, Target) for Goody bags and help assemble them on Friday (3/31), please email Northside Head Jon Gordon. Do not worry if your bringing the same fillers as someone else, they will ALL be used. Thanks again.

  Medals will be awarded to the Top 3 Athletes in each event.

 Once a Northside athlete holds the school record and has qualified for the IHSA State Track & Field Championships, an event in the Eric Nelson Track & Field Classic is named after the athlete, beginning the following year. Plaques will be awarded for events named after Alumni.

 Northside is seeking Parent Volunteers for (1) Clerks of the Course - check in athletes and provide them with hip numbers for each event, (2) Goody Bags - help supply fillers and/or make goody bags for the event, (3) Heavy lifting of Track Equipment BEFORE (6:45 am) and/or AFTER the meet for set up and/or clean-up, (4) Help set up Hurdles, (5) Exchange Zone Judges, (6) Admissions entrance, (7) Hospitality Room and Packet Pick-up, (8) Take Pictures of the event, and (9) Help supply bottled water for the event.

 PLEASE email Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon at Jongordon9@aol.com, if your able to help us host the Eric Nelson Classic on Saturday, April 1, 2017. Northside parents will be meeting (please bring fillers) on Friday evening (3/31) to help make Goody Bags at 5 pm in the Northside Cafeteria.

Northside parents will also be meeting at the Field house at 7:00 AM (River Park Track - Argyle and Albany) for final preparations to host the meet on Saturday, April 1, 2017. Final preparations have to be completed BEFORE the meet starts. THANKS.

 On Friday, March 24, 2017, Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon, Distance Coach Michael Giberson, Assistant Coach Alex Zasso, Volunteer Coach Jose Nebrida, Northside Senior Kyle Friedler, Senior Alex Ortiz, Senior Fiona Casey, and Junior Sara McCoy traveled to Bloomington, Illinois for the Indoor State Championships (Illinois Top Times).

 The Mustangs stayed at Eastland Suites in Bloomington, Illinois. The suites contain two floors of rooms with a staircase, two bathrooms, Plasma Televisions, and a full size kitchen with a large refigerator and microwave. A special thanks to Northside Principal Kelly Mest and Athletic Director Henry Henderson for the wonderful accomodations.

 After Northside Head Coach Jon Gordon treated the TEAM to a fine dinner at Olive Garden, Northside returned to the hotel to rest up for the Indoor State Championships.

 On Saturday, March 25, 2017, the Indoor State Championships took place at the Shirk Center in Bloomington, Illinois. The stadium was filled to its capacity, with people standing in the upper deck just to get a glimpse of the meet. Indoor State was also broadcasted live on the internet at runnerspace.com.

 The stadium at Illinois Wesleyan University featured a 200m Track, multipurpose room for Team camps, warm-up room for athletes adjacent to the track, upper deck seating, a video screen, showing the results of all the events throughout the meet, and a play-by-play announcer who gave live commentary on every event that took place.

 Northside Senior Kyle Friedler holds four school records, including the 3200m, 1000m, 4x1600m, and the Distance Medley Relay.

 Kyle Friedler has also qualified for the Indoor State Championships in the 3200m run two consecutive years.

 Kyle Friedler ran a pure guts race at the Indoor State Championships, and ran the first mile in 4:44, and was on pace to break his own school record, and was among the Top 8 runnners in Illinois through the first 3000m. Three runners passed him in the final 200m. Kyle Friedler's performance and effort was incredible. Kyle Friedler finished in 11th place in Illinois with an outstanding time of 9:41.81.

 In honor of Kyle Friedler, the 3200m run at the Chicago Northside College Prep home meet, the Eric Nelson Track & Field Classic, on April 1, 2017, has been re-named "The Kyle Friedler 3200m run at the Eric Nelson Classic." 

 On Tuesday, March 21, 2017, the Northside College Prep Sophomore Freshman TEAM traveled to Bensenville, Illinois to take on Lake Park, St.Joseph, West Chicago, IC Catholic Prep, and host Fenton in the 39th Annual Emil Ostberg Sophomore Indoor Championships.

 Four of the last six years, the winner of the Ostberg Indoor Championships has gone on to win the Class 3A Outdoor State Track & Field Championships. It is the most competitive Sophomore Indoor Meet in Illinois.

 Fenton is a special venue, and a great atmosphere for Track & Field. The P.A. announcer makes all the Teams feel welcome, and gives scoring updates after every event.

 Fenton also features a 135 yards track. Athletes have the privilege of knowing their racing splits every 135 yards for 26 laps in the Two miles run.

 The Emil Ostberg Sophomore Indoor Championships is named after three former Fenton athletes, who earned All-American honors during their collegiate careers. Jim Nichols (All-American in the 800m run), Emil Ostberg (All-American in the 200m Dash), Art Seimers (All-American in the Mile, and brother of Fenton legend Chris Seimers). To earn All-American honors, a collegiate athlete has to place in the Top 8 in their event at the NCAA National Track & Field Championships.

 At the Emil Ostberg Championships, Plaques were awarded to the Top 5 individual finishers and the Top 4 Relays in every event.

 All of the events are in Yards at Fenton. As a result, the athletes race 3,510 yards for the Two Miles run, which is actually 3,209.54 Meters. The athletes race 1,755 yards for the mile, which is actually 1,604.772 Meters. The athletes race 880 yards for the half-mile, which is actually 804.672 Meters. The athletes race 440 yards for the quarter, which is actually 402.336 Meters. The athletes race 220 yards for the 200, which is actually 201.168 Meters.

 In a nice awards ceremony following the meet, Northside was awarded a towering TEAM Trophy for finishing in SECOND place overall. It was the highest TEAM finish at the Ostberg Sophomore Indoor Championships in the history of Northside!

 Northside was also awarded a record 31 plaques for individual events and relays. Plaques were awarded to the top five athletes in individual events, and top four teams in relays.

Lake Park won the Ostberg Sophomore Indoor Championships. Northside finished in second place with 102 points, and posted victories over: 3. Fenton (96 points), 4. West Chicago (66 points), 5. IC Catholic (14 points), and St. Joseph (7 points).

Individual Events were scored 10-8-6-4-2-1. Relays were scored 10-8-6-4-2.

 In the Sophomore Long Jump, Northside Freshman Chris Jackson finished in FIFTH place with a personal best leap of 15'8.5. Chris Jackson was awarded a Plaque for finishing in fifth place overall. Northside Freshman Payton Kane jumped a season best 11'6.

 In the Sophomore Triple Jump, Lake Park's Russell won it with a Triple Jump of 33'9.75. Lake Park's Karner finished in second place with a Triple Jump of 32'0. Fenton's Sohail finished in third place with a Triple Jump of 29'0.

 In the Sophomore Shot Put, Lake Park's Buck won it with a throw of 39'0. Fenton's Decker finished in second place with a throw of 38'5.5. Lake Park's Lynch finished in third place with a throw of 38'0. IC Cath. Prep's Johnson finished in fourth place with a throw of 34'11. Fenton's Garcia finished in fifth place with a throw of 32'6. IC Cath. Prep's Calles finished in sixth place to complete the scoring with a throw of 31'7.5.

 In the Sophomore High Jump, Northside Freshman Marcus Zinke came into the competition at 5'0. Marcus Zinke made three oustanding attempts at 5'0, but was unable to clear it. Northside Freshman Josh Burns came into the competition at 4'8. Josh Burns made three outstanding attempts at 4'8, but was unable to clear it.

 In the Sophomore Pole Vault, Lake Park's Shuff won it with a vault of 12'0. Lake Park's Cains finished in second place with a vault of 11'6.

 In the Sophomore 4x880 yards relay, Northside Sophomore Norberto Nieves ran an impressive 880 yards split of 2:21.06 on the first leg of the relay. Northside Freshman Seth Karall ran an outstanding 880 yards split of 2:33.59 on the second leg of the relay. Northside Sophomore Gabriel Vara ran a personal best 880 yards split of 2:27.81 on the third leg of the relay. Northside Freshman Jack Vasilopoulos anchored Northside past Fenton at the finish line with an impressive surge to WIN the 4x880 yards relay with an outstanding 880 yards split of 2:28.98 for an official time of 9:51.50. Fenton finished in second place with an official time of 9:52.00. Lake Park finished in third place with an official time of 10:55.30. West Chicago finished in fourth place with an official time of 11:23.60. Norberto Nieves, Seth Karall, Gabriel Vara, and Jack Vasilopoulos were awarded PLAQUES for finishing in FIRST place at the Ostberg Sophomore Indoor Championships! Northside scored 10 points in the 4x880 Yards Relay!

 In the Sophomore 4x135 yards relay, West Chicago finished in first place with an official time of 1:06.20. Fenton finished in second place with an official time of 1:06.50. Lake Park finished in third place with an official time of 1:07.20. Northside finished in fourth place with an outstanding time of 1:07.50. Northside Freshman Chris Jackson ran an impressive 135 Yards split of 16.32 on the first leg of the relay. Northside Freshman Cameron Boulanger ran a personal best 135 Yards split of 16.82 on the second leg of the relay. Northside Freshman Josh Burns ran an outstanding 135 Yards split of 17.30. Northside Sophomore Osazee Osaghae anchored Northside to FOURTH place with an outstanding 135 yards split of 16.84 for an official time of 1:07.50. St. Joseph finished in fifth place to complete the scoring with an official time of 1:12.90. IC Catholic Prep finished in sixth place with an official time of 1:14.80. Chris Jackson, Cameron Boulanger, Josh Burns, and Osazee Osaghae were awarded PLAQUES for finishing in FOURTH place overall.

 In the Sophomore Two Miles run, Northside Sophomore Kris Ushijima won it with an outstanding time of 11:17.37. Kris Ushijima was awarded a PLAQUE for WINNING the two miles run at the Ostberg Sophomore Indoor Championships! Lake Park's Murphy finished in second place with an official time of 11:41.78. Northside Sophomore Ian Shimandle dropped one minute and 7 seconds (13:11.88) to finished in THIRD place with a PERSONAL BEST Time of 12:04.21. Ian Shimandle was awarded a PLAQUE for finishing in THIRD place overall. Fenton's Varela finished in fourth place with an official time of 12:06.1. West Chicago's Patel finished in fifth place with an official time of 12:16.22. Fenton's Cano finished in sixth place to complete the scoring with an official time of 13:41.17.

 In the Sophomore 50 Yards High Hurdles Finals, Northside Freshman Josh Burns finished in THIRD place with an outstanding time of 8.45. Josh Burns was awarded a PLAQUE for finishing in third place overall. Northside Freshman Suchith Karri finished in FOURTH place with an outstanding time of 9.06. Suchith Karri was awarded a PLAQUE for finishing in fourth place overall.

 In the Sophomore 50 Yards Dash Finals, Northside Sophomore Osazee Osaghae WON it with an official time of 5.89. Osazee Osaghae was awarded a PLAQUE for winning the 50 Yard Dash. Northside Freshman Chris Jackson finished in sixth place to complete the scoring.  

 In the Sophomore 880 Yards run, Lake Park's Tumbarello won it with an official time of 2:15.80. Fenton's Almarales finished in second place with an official time of 2:21.2. Northside Sophomore John Kim ran a personal best time of 2:21.30 to finish in THIRD place overall. John Kim was awarded a PLAQUE for finishing in third place overall. Lake Park's Szczerba finished in fourth place with an official time of 2:28.7. Northside Freshman Jalen Miron finished in fifth place with an outstanding time of 2:34.50. Jalen Miron was awarded a PLAQUE for finishing in fifth place overall. Fenton's Gasior finished in sixth place to complete the scoring with an official time of 2:42.60.

 In the Sophomore 4x270 Yards Relay, Northside finished in third place with an official time of 2:29.30. Chris Jackson, Cameron Boulanger, Jeronimo Najarro, and Suchith Karri were awarded PLAQUES for finishing in THIRD place overall.

 In the Sophomore 440 Yards run, Northside Freshman Jack Vasilopoulos finished in fourth place overall with an outstanding time of 62.60. Jack Vasilopoulos was awarded a PLAQUE for finishing in fourth place overall. Northside Sophomore Gabriel Vara finished in fifth place with an outstanding time of 65.90. Gabriel Vara was awarded a PLAQUE for finishing in fifth place overall.

 In the Sophomore 50 Yards INT Hurdles Finals, Northside Freshman Josh Burns finished in fourth place with an outstanding time of 8.31. Josh Burns was awarded a PLAQUE for finishing in fourth place overall. Northside Freshman Suchith Karri finished in sixth place to complete the scoring with an official time of 9.00.

 In the Sophomore Mile run, Northside Sophomore Norberto Nieves finished in THIRD place with an official time of 5:12.1. Norberto Nieves was awarded a PLAQUE for finishing in third place overall. Northside Freshman Seth Karrall finished in sixth place to complete the scoring with a personal best time of 5:44.30.

 In the Sophomore 220 Yards Dash, Northside Sophomore Osazee Osaghae finished in SECOND place with an outstanding time of 26.00. Osazee Osaghae was awarded a PLAQUE for finishing in second place overall. Northside Freshman Cameron Boulanger finished in sixth place to complete the scoring with an outstanding time of 28.10.

 In the Sophomore 4x405 Yards Relay, West Chicago won it with an official time of 3:43.30. Northside finished in SECOND place with an official time of 3:59.30. Northside Sophomore John Kim ran an impressive 57.08 405 yards split on the first leg of the relay. Northside Freshman Suchith Karri ran an outstanding 58.56 405 yards split on the second leg of the relay. Northside Freshman Marcus Zinke ran a 63.70 405 yards split on the third leg of the relay. Northside Freshman Jack Vasilopoulos anchored Northside to SECOND place with an impressive 59.49 405 yards split for an official time of 3:59.30. John Kim, Suchith Karri, Marcus Zinke, and Jack Vasilopoulos were awarded PLAQUES for finishing in second place overall. Lake Park finished in third place with an official time of 4:01.90. Fenton finished in fourth place with an official time of 4:05.60.

SOPHOMORE POINTS SCORED AT OSTBERG INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

1. Osazee Osaghae 19.00
2. Josh Burns 11.00
3. Kris Ushijima 10.00
4. Jack Vasilopoulos 8.50
4. Norberto Nieves 8.50
4. Suchith Karri 8.50
5. John Kim 8.00
6. Ian Shimandle 6.00
7. Chris Jackson 5.50
8. Gabriel Vara 4.50
9. Seth Karall 3.50
9. Cameron Boulanger 3.50
10. Jalen Miron 2.00
10. Marcus Zinke 2.00
11. Jeronimo Najarro 1.50

SOPHOMORE POINTS SEASON TOTAL (4 Meets)

1. Khristian Jones 40.50
2. Chris Jackson 28.50
3. Norberto Nieves 26.00
4. Jack Vasilopoulos 24.00
5. Kris Ushijima 19.50
6. Osazee Osaghae 19.00
7. John Kim 16.50
8. Marcus Zinke 15.75
9. Suchith Karri 13.25
10. Josh Burns 13.00
11. Seth Karall 12.25
12. Gabriel Vara 11.25
13. Ikeena Elue 6.00
13. Ian Shimandle 6.00
14. Jack Peterson 4.00
14. Jeronimo Najarro 4.00
15. Cameron Boulanger 3.50
16. Jalen Miron 2.50
17. Aaron Williams 2.00
17. Natnael Seyum 2.00
18. Payton Kane 1.50

 On Saturday, March 18, 2017, the Northside Varsity Men traveled to Henry Crown Field House at the University of Chicago for the Chicago Public League "A" Division Indoor City Championships.

 Henry Crown Field house featured an athlete friendly atmosphere, upper deck seating, and the best 200m Indoor Track in Chicago. Henry Crown Field house has been the host to numerous National meets, and local Championship meets as well. The Varsity letter was invented in the 1890s by Amos Alonzo Stagg as he was sitting on the entrance steps to Henry Crown Field house. The main wall of the stadium contains a list of field house records, which include several Olympians. The first Heisman Trophy winner (1935), Jay Berwanger is still listed on the all time list for Henry Crown Field house for the 55m dash. Henry Crown Field house is a Chicago landmark that is rich in Track & Field history.

 Since 2008, Northside has finished in the Top 4 at the Indoor City Championships.

 From 2011-2013, Northside finished in second place at the Varsity Chicago Public League Indoor Championships for three consecutive years.

 From 2014-2016, Northside won the "A" Division of the Varsity Indoor City Championships for three consecutive years.

 In 2017, the field for the "A" Division of the Varsity Indoor City Championships featured: Brooks, Dunbar, Kenwood, Lakeview, Lindblom, Mather, Northside College Prep, Walter Payton, Simeon, Taft, Von Steuben, and Whitney Young.

 In 2017, Kenwood won the Indoor City Championships with 70 points. Whitney Young finished in second place with 66 points.

 The Chicago Northside Mustangs finished in THIRD place with 61 points, and posted victories over: 4. Taft (57 points), 5. Dunbar (55 points), 6. Lindblom (36 points), 7. Simeon (33 points), 8. Von Steuben (23 points), 9. Mather (16 points), 10. Walter Payton (10 points), 11. Lake View (6 points), and 12. Brooks (0 points). The Northside Varsity Men had a record of 9-2 on the day!  

 Prior to Saturday, the last time the Kenwood Broncos won the Indoor City Track and Field Title was in 2008.

 Congratulations to Coach Phillip Wallace, and the Kenwood Broncos on winning the 2017 Indoor City Title!!

 A special thanks to the CPS Sports Administration, Thomas Smith, Desiree Wheeler, and Laquandis Riley for hosting an outstanding Track meet for the City of Chicago. Kreppert Kompusport also provided fully automated timing for the Indoor City Championships that was second to none. It was a wonderful experience for every athlete, coach, and spectator.

 Individual events and relays were scored on the following points scale: 10-8-6-4-2-1.

 The Chicago Northside Mustangs had their best meet of the season with incredible performances throughout the meet.

 In the Shot Put, Northside Junior Matthew Gardner BROKE THE SCHOOL RECORD (Eric Nelson, 2008, 43'5) to finish in SECOND place with a personal best throw of 43'9. Matthew Gardner will be honored in practice with a Watermelon for breaking the school record, and will also be awarded a School Record Breaker Plaque at the June 3, 2017 Track and Field Banquet at the East Bank Club. Matthew Garder was awarded a MEDAL for finishing in second place overall. Northside scored 8 points in the Shot Put!

 In the High Jump, Northside Freshman Marcus Zinke jumped 5'2 to finish in FOURTH place overall! Marcus Zinke earned All City Honors by placing in the Top 6. Northside scored 4 points in the High Jump!

 In the Long Jump, Northside Junior Daniel Agbeo finished in tenth place with a leap of 15'10.25. Agbeo will have a big impact for the Mustangs in Sprints, Shot Put, and Discus during the Outdoor Track season.

 In the Triple Jump, Northside Senior Jack Nolan finished in FIFTH place with a season best Triple Jump of 35'01. Northside scored 2 points in the Triple Jump!

 In the 3200m run, Northside Senior Kyle Friedler ran the first mile in 4:47, and then ran the final mile in 4:52.42 to finish in SECOND place with a season best time of 9:39.42. Kyle Friedler was awarded a MEDAL for finishing in second place overall. Northside scored 8 points in the 3200m run! Kyle Friedler also QUALIFIED for the Indoor State Championships for the second consecutive year in the 3200m run! Illinois Top Times (Indoor State) will take place in Bloomington, Illinois on Saturday, March 25, 2017.

 In the 4x800m Relay, Lindblom won it with an official time of 8:26.33. Whitney Young finished in second place. Whitney Young ran an extra lap after the 4x800m Relay ended, so meet officials did not have an official time for them. Chicago Northside dropped 19 seconds (9:06.91) to finish in THIRD place with a season best time of 8:47.38. Northside Junior Jacob Yosowitz ran a personal best 800m split of 2:07.21, and then made a nice exchange to Sergio Soto. Northside Senior Sergio Soto ran an impressive 2:14.13 800m split, and then made a good exchange to Brian McManus. Northside Senior Brian McManus ran an outstanding 2:16.68 800m split, and then made a perfect exchange to Charlie Guthmann. Northside Junior Charlie Guthmann anchored Northside to THIRD place with a personal best 2:09.36 800m split for an official time of 8:47.38. Jacob Yosowitz, Sergio Soto, Brian McManus, and Charlie Guthmann were awarded MEDALS for finishing in THIRD place overall. Northside scored 6 points in the 4x800m Relay!

 In the 60m Hurdles, Northside Senior Jay Borgwardt finished in sixth place with an official time of 10.21. Northside scored one point in the 60m Hurdles!  

 In the 60m Dash, Northside Junior Guy Lohoua finished in fifth place with an official time of 7.42. Northside scored two points in the 60m Dash!

 In the 800m run, Northside Senior Alex Ortiz finished in fourth place with a season best time of 2:04.86. Northside scored four points in the 800m run!

 In the 4x200m Relay, Northside Senior Jay Borgwardt ran the first leg of the relay with an impressive 24.21 200m split, and made a nice exchange to Brandon Banas. Northside Senior Brandon Banas ran the second leg of the relay with an oustanding 25.48 200m split, and made a good exchange to Jadd Oweimrin. Northside Junior Jadd Oweimrin ran a 25.20 200m split, and made a perfect exchange to Osazee Osaghae. Northside Sophomore Osazee Osaghae anchored Northside to fifth place with an impressive 25.12 200m split for an official time of 1:40.20. Northside scored two points in the 4x200m Relay!

 In the 400m Dash, Northside Junior Charlie Guthmann won his heat, and finished in SECOND place overall with a personal best time of 54.23. Charlie Guthmann was awarded a MEDAL for finishing in second place overall. Northside scored 8 points in the 400m Dash!

 In the 1600m run, Northside Senior Kyle Friedler passed two runners in the final 200m to finish in SECOND place with an outstanding time of 4:44.80. Northside scored 8 points in the 1600m run!

 In the 200m Dash, Northside Junior Guy Lohoua finished in fourth place with a season best time of 23.91. Northside scored four points in the 200m dash!

 In the 4x400m Relay, Northside Junior Jacob Yosowitz ran an impressive 55.02 400m split on the first leg of the relay, and made a nice exchange to Jadd Oweimrin. Northside Junior Jadd Oweimrin dropped two seconds (59.49), and ran a personal best 57.31 400m split on the second leg of the relay, and made a good exchange to Brian McManus. Northside Senior Brian McManus ran a season best 400m split of 57.37, and made a perfect exchange to Jay Borgwardt. Northside Senior Jay Borgwardt anchored Northside to first place in their heat, and in fourth place overall with an outstanding 55.69 400m split for an official time of 3:45.93. Northside scored four points in the 4x400m Relay!