The only Albion athlete ever to compete at the Olympic Games,Lee Bartlett was a standout in track and field at Albion. In eachof his four years, he was the MIAA javelin champion, establishing anew record in three of those four years. His record stood from 1928until 1969, and only five MIAA athletes have ever thrown thejavelin as far as Lee did in league competition. He was captain ofthe 1928 and 1929 teams, leading both to the MIAA Championship.
During his four years throwing the javelin, Lee won many honors:winning the Michigan State College meet in Lansing all four years,establishing Michigan State records, and placing third two yearsand winning one years in the Ohio Relays. In the 1928 NCAAChampionships, he established both NCAA and American records. Healso placed second in the Drake Relays, third in the SouthernMethodist Relays and fourth in the Texas Relays. After graduatinghe twice won the National Amateur Union javelin title and competedin numerous international competitions.
Lee's greatest accomplishment was being a member of threeOlympic teams. he finished tenth in 1928, fifth in 1932, andtwelfth in 1936. He is the only MIAA athlete to participate in theOlympic Games. Lee's best ever official throw was 223 feet 3 andone-quarter inches, and his best unofficial throw was 239 feet atan exhibition in Grand Rapids. His competitive career ended in1943.
During his career Lee was a teacher at Marlette and Union City,1935-1942. From 1942 to 1972 he taught in the Dearborn schoolsystem. Shortly after retirement, Lee passed away on October 31,1972.
