Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School

Robert Vleck ranks as one of Cathedral Latin's best track athletes. As a sophomore, he excelled in the mile run with several wins and finished fourth at the state meet. During his junior year, Robert helped lead Latin to second place at the Cleveland Athletic Club City Meet at Public Hall by winning the mile. He would win the mile at five more meets including the prestigious Mansfield Relays. Latin won both races.

After graduation, Robert ran for John Carroll University. In addition, he joined the noted German Club of Cleveland Track Team where fellow members included Jesse Owens. By 1934, he was attending Marquette University on a track scholarship and was invited by the AAU to the National Olympic tryouts.