A standout distance runner from Denver West High School, Charlie established a dominant legacy early on as an All-City selection in both the mile and two-mile events, as well as a City Champion in cross country. At Metro State University, Charlie reached elite heights as a three-time NAIA All-American in the indoor mile, highlighted by back-to-back third-place finishes at the NAIA National Championships in 1983 and 1984. 

Charlie Blueback’s name remains etched in the record books as the current Metro State record holder in both the 1,500 meters and the 3,000 yards, while also still boasting the fourth-fastest mile in school history. Charlie remained a fixture in the local running scene as a consistent top-ten finisher in Colorado road races.

Charlie’s collegiate career earned him a 2017 Hall of Fame induction into the Metro State Hall of Fame