By Erica Rath
Patrick Bartlett grew up loving sports. And not just one sport, but anything and everything he could play. His passion for athletics and competition stayed with him throughout high school and, in fact, made his college choice more complex.
“That was one of the reasons I chose Wingate, because I could play basketball and tennis,” Bartlett said. “The soccer opportunity presented itself later on down the road.”
Bartlett attended Wingate from 1996 through 2000. He was the No. 1 tennis player for four consecutive years and a two-time letter-winner in basketball during his time there. He also spent one season with the soccer team.
At a time when specialization in a single sport was becoming more popular, Bartlett took a different path.
His multiple skills earned him recognition as the South Atlantic Conference’s male representative on the Division II 40thAnniversary tribute team being honored this year.
“The biggest challenge was when both seasons were going on at the same time,” Bartlett said. “As far as time management, I look at that as a benefit because everything was so structured. You knew where you had to be and when, so that was helpful as far as scheduling schoolwork, studying and practice.”
Bartlett’s accolades include being named to both the Wingate and South Atlantic Conference halls of fame. He also is the school’s only male three-time Academic All-American.
Bartlett majored in accounting to fulfill his desire to work in business after graduation. He now is a manager and director for audit services at a private accounting firm in Charlotte, N.C.
Although he is now married and has two children, Bartlett has still not given up on his first love.
“I coach my daughter’s 6-and-under softball team, and I still play tennis and basketball,” Bartlett said. “I still devote my free time, when I have it, to golf. I play sports and attend sports events at Wingate. Sports are certainly a big part of my life today.”
Bartlett also gives back to the school he says did so much for him. He is a member of Wingate’s Board of Visitors and tries to return for athletics events as much as possible.
“So many great people who did a lot of great things when I was there are still there today,” Bartlett said. “It’s always great to see them and give them the support they once gave me.
“Being a student-athlete has been helpful in being a better father and a better employee,” Bartlett said. “That goes along with the overall teamwork. Obviously being a part of the team was one of the most important things to me, as was making friends with people that I’m still friends with today.”
Bartlett is a self-acclaimed “family man,” but he says he misses one thing about his days as a student-athlete at Wingate.
“Competition,” he said. “That’s one of the top things I miss. The thrill of competing. That’s what athletes do, they love to compete. That’s what it was all about. That, and working with your teammates and coaches to achieve a common goal.”