Attended Valley High School, located in Valley Junction, before it became West Des Moines. Charlie earned 12 letters in Basketball, Football, and Track & Field. Track & Field was his favorite and he specialized in the 440 dash. While in high School he ran the third fastest time ever by an Iowa boy in :50.0. He ran this time on three occasions and at various meets. He ran on several record setting relays: :44.8 in the 440 yd. relay, and 3:38.6 in the mile relay. Not bad times for cinder and clay surfaces. Charlie held the 440 yd. Valley High School record of 49.0 for 50 years.After High School Charlie attended Drake University where he competed in Track & Field, but service called and he served four years in the Army.
