Carl Bartles

Carl Bartles is one of the best Running Backs to ever come out of Rutherford County. The 1967 graduate of R-S Central led the Hilltoppers to an 8-3 record during his Senior Season in Rutherfordton. He was also a standout on the track team for the Hilltoppers, setting school records along the way. After graduation from R-S, Bartles attended Lenior-Rhyne where he also set records on the gridiron for the Bears. Bartles went on to sign a professional contract with the NFL’s Washington Redskins before playing in the Canadian and World Football Leagues.

While not many statistics are known about Bartles’ high school career, it is clear he was an outstanding athlete. “As the quarterback, he made my job easy,” former North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Walter Dalton said. “Just get the ball to Carl and watch him run. He was also a phenomenal Defensive End.” Bartles was named to the All-Southwestern Conference Team, and as a result, got to play in an All-Star game held at East Rutherford at the end of the football season in 1966. Bartles showed off his speed on the track, as well. He set the Western North Carolina Athletic Activities record in the 100-yard dash, completing the race in 9.9 seconds. “I still hold that record because they changed to meters right after that,” Bartles joked.

Bartles also had an impressive career at Lenior Rhyne, leading the team in rushing in three of his four seasons. In four years with the Bears, he rushed for 3,677 yards which was a school record at the time. As a Senior in 1970, he rushed for 1,261 yards which was a Lenior Rhyne school record that stood for over two decades. Bartles still holds the record for the number of carries in a game (47) and in a single season (297). As a result of his efforts, Bartles was named a NAIA All-American in 1970. In 1974, Bartles was third in career rushing yards among players from the Tarheel State, surpassing players from Duke,

UNC and NC State on that list. Bartles continued to play football after his graduation from Lenior Rhyne in 1971. Beginning in 1972, he signed contracts with the NFL’s Wahington Redskins and the Canadian Football League’s Ottawa Red Backs. In 1974, Bartles played in 10 games with the World Football League’s Birmingham Americans, rushing for a pair of touchdowns. Bartles moved closer to home in 1975, playing for the WFL’s Charlotte

Hornets.

After his football career was finished, Bartles stayed involved with the game. He was a head coach and educator at Piedmont High School in Monroe for many years.

When asked what his inclusion into the Rutherford County Sports Hall Of Fame means to him, Bartles was at a loss for words. “It’s really hard to describe,” he said. “It means a lot and it is a special moment for me.”

Bartles currently resides in Indian Trail, North Carolina.