NFF National Scholar-Athletes
Known as Colorado State’s “Battering Ram,” running back Steve Bartalo shattered the record book, holding school records for career rushing yards (4,813), career attempts (1,211), single-season attempts (362), single-game attempts (47), career rushing touchdowns (46), career scoring (294), career games of 100+ rushing yards (28) and single-season games of 100+ rushing yards (9). A four-time All-WAC selection, he led the conference in rushing yards all four years and was a three-time top-10 rusher in the NCAA. In 1986, he led the NCAA in rushing attempts (362), rushing touchdowns (19), plays from scrimmage (402) and touchdowns from scrimmage (19). Ranking third among the nation in rushing yards in 1986 (1,419), he also led the NCAA in points per game (10.4). Named the 1983 WAC Newcomer of the Year and the 1986 WAC Offensive Player of the year, Bartalo ranks third in school history in single-season rushing touchdowns (19), fourth in single-season rushing yards (1,419), fifth in single-season scoring (114) and 10th in career receptions (132) and career total offense (4,910). A Second Team All-American, he was the team leader in receiving yards and scoring in both 1985 and 1986. An Academic All-American, Bartalo received the Stan Bates Award as the team’s top scholar-athlete.
Bartalo was selected in the sixth round (143rd overall) of the 1987 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and played one season with the Bucs, rushing for 30 yards and a touchdown. He also played two seasons with the Frankfurt Galaxy of the World League of American Football. Bartalo earned his master’s from South Florida and taught school for five years. He has served as Vice President of Operations for Raymond James Financials, Inc. for more than 20 years.
