Nate the Great

Nathaniel Glosson is a student-athlete at Martin Luther School. He is a junior while also participating on the cross-country team, the wrestling team, and the track and field team.

Glosson originally from the Bronx, attended the Knowledge and Power Preparatory Academy IV. KAPPA IV, as it is referred, is a distinguished middle school located in Central Harlem.

Glosson found his way to Martin Luther through a chance meeting with Mr. James Regan, the Athletic Director of the school and former wrestling coach.

Glosson had been interested in wrestling since he was a kid and had been highly encouraged by his then math teacher, Mr. Constantino, to compete in wrestling tournaments throughout the city. Glosson became involved with something called ‘Beat the Streets’, which is a program aimed at developing athletic potential and strengthening the culture of New York City wrestling.

It was at one of those wrestling tournaments where he first met Mr. Regan.

Regan spoke to him about the academics of the school as well as the wrestling team. He told Glosson how he could step up his training and improve his skills. He invited him to come to a tournament at Martin Luther.

Glosson may have come to Martin Luther with a passion for wrestling, but once he ran the mile for the fitness test in gym class and finished with a 6:40, his gym teacher prompted him to join cross-country.

“That first week of practice was crazy! Every muscle in my body was so sore, but I stuck with it and I’m happy I did,” commented Glosson.

Mr. Ken Johnson, head coach of both cross-country and track and field, loves to see an athlete realize his talent. He dedicates so much of his time to developing his runners to reach their full potential.

“Mr. J is another great guy in my life that I look up to, another role model; he’s been through this so many times and he gives tons of advice…he forms us into tremendous runners,” commented Glosson.

“He’s like the old wise man you refer to in your time of need,” Glosson joked.

This year Nate helped bring the IPPSAL Championship back to Martin Luther. It was the first time in four years the Cougars were victorious. Glosson finished fourth, beating out another runner by leaning into the finish line at the very end.

Nate recalled that race: “That was a day to remember! The week prior to that day I was hurt; And after missing six days of practice I ran, finishing fourth…I fought to the death for that place!”

“Nate is a great kid, I trust him, he always goes out there and tries his hardest, he’s always on time, and causes no trouble at all,” commented Mr. Johnson.

To say that he is making the most of his high school years would be an understatement. Glosson takes two trains and a bus to Martin Luther, while also being a three-sport athlete. He served as the Secretary for his class on the Student Government and received the Coach’s Award for Track and Field last year.

Outside of school, He is involved with a media arts program at The Renaissance University of Community Education. TRUCE, as it is called, is part of a bigger organization called the Harlem Children Zone. At TRUCE, there is currently a development called The Spike Lee Project. In this project, Glosson serves as the director of photography.

“This position has introduced me to another field of art that I have much strength in. At the Harlem Children Zone, I am opened up to countless opportunities that can benefit me in the future.”

Glosson recalls many role models in his life that helped guide him down the right path in life.

“My father is a big sports fanatic; he supported me in wrestling and he traveled with me to all my tournaments.”

“Mr. Constantino wanted the best for me; he wanted me to go to the best school, not just a regular school.”

With about ten to fifteen hours a week of practice, finding time to keep up with his schoolwork can be easier said than done.

“It’s stressful, but it is a choice as to how you deal with it that matters. My goal is to do well in both school and sports.”

Glosson is a proud student-athlete at Martin Luther School and has a bright future ahead of him. He has hopes to study architecture in college and an athletic scholarship could very well be in his future. 

By: Aaron Maldonado