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Mario’s aim-national title•sMa rio Nigves eonsiders himself an arlisL And although he's as modest as they come* he carries his work with him wherever he goes-right under his shirt.Mario, a. wrestling champion at Orr high school back in 1967 and currently a pipefitter at the Hawthorne Works of Western Electric, is a body-builder - a ‘'physique’' man.The ex-Spartan's studio is the Division Street YMCA, where he spends two hours per day, six days a week, going through a series of weight lifting exercises which push his almost perfectly devloped body to its limits. The goal of all this **s(eef pumping? 44 Competition. Mario craves it.*4Bodv-building meets give me something” to shoot for a purpose/’ saysthe 26-year-old Northwest sider who resides with his wife, and five^year-old boy, at 2645 Wabansia.At most meets, Mario explains, the individual contestant has one minute to strike as many poses as he likes. Judging is based on the body-builder’s symmetry, muscularity and gener-al appearance.“To me this is the creative part of the sport/' notes Mario, whose competitive spirit goes back to his mat competition back at Orr high school. “When Vm going through my routine before the judges I feel like an artist... a sculptor... showing them what I have achieved with my body/-Since he began weight lifting in 1968, Mario has captured numerous titles, including Senior Mr. Illinois, Senior Mr. Chicago. Mr. Mid-America, Mr. Central U.S.A, Mr. Wisconsin, and second place in the YMCA Mr. America Meet.Upcoming competition for the area physique devotee, whose ultimate aim is to gain the Mr. America title, are the Tri-State Meet on April 6, the Mr. Midwest A.A.U. meet on May 25 in Ohio and the Mr. America contest in June. The site of the national competition has not yet been announced.While Mario gets a great deal of satisfaction from competing-and winning- it’s helping others that gives him the most enjoyment. He says:“I don't believe in forcing my sport on others, but if someone shows an interest. I’m more than glad to help. Because of weightliftingI’ve gotten to know more about people. Some have problems and are looking for an alternative. If I can help them find that alternative in body building. I’m satisfied.A Vietnam veteran, Mario’s goal is to become the first Puerto Rican to win the Mr. America title. Hebelieves the honor is within his grasp- if he can add more weight to his 5-7 frame.“Right now I’m at 190 pounds, but I would like to get up to at least 206/' he explains, 'if I can, I would have a better chance of winning the title.«**Mario's weight is considerably greater than it was during his high school wres«* tling days. He won the Pub*, lie league mat crown at 154 pounds. But for most of hLs: [ugh school career he com-*, peted at 137 pounds. In his senior year at Orr, Nieves'.had an overall record of 28 wins and only one defeat. -
Newspaper Details
News Journal
Chicago, Illinois, US
Thu, Mar 27, 1975
Page 13
Full Page
Clipped by
Walter B.
IL, USA 30 Apr 2020
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