University of North Dakota Athletics

A native of Thompson, N.D., came to UND in the fall of 1947 after serving in the United States Navy in 1945 and 1946. At UND, Nienas was an accomplished football player and track athlete. He lettered three years in football as a two-way guard and twice earned All-North Central Conference honors. In track, he was a standout 440-yard dash man and a winner of the North Dakota Intercollegiate 440-yard crown. Nienas was known as one of North Dakota's top all-around athletes during his years at UND, and he also earned a reputation as a good student and well-liked and personal, hard-working participant. He has many memories, including the game that UND played against nationally ranked Kentucky and games against the Bison. Nienas graduated from UND in 1952 with a degree in accounting from the School of Business.