HARVEST- With his sights set on representing his country while in the U.S. Military and as a member of the U.S. Olympic Team, Obed Bartee is one step closer to his dream of boxing for Olympic gold. The 17-year old senior at Sparkman High received the updated U.S. Boxing’s national rankings where he’s listed at No.1.

“This is very exciting. At one time I didn’t really believe in myself, but seeing the rankings makes me feel good about myself,” said Bartee. “I feel as though I’m no longer just a kid from Alabama. I know I’ve worked for it. I can’t second guess myself nor the rankings.”

Bartee is ranked tops in the country in the Youth Men’s 165-pound Division. His previous yearly rankings included a spot at No. 1 in the 145-pound division and No. 4 among the fighters in the 154-pound weight class. He earned gold medals in both the recent Junior Olympics and the Eastern Qualifier Tournament.

He continues to train each day for his next scheduled action in the ring. Bartee is set to have bouts in the Western Qualifier Tournament in Reno, Nev. during the month of March. The open style tournament, meaning fighters do not have to qualify, is a qualifying tournament for the USA Nationals to be held in December.

He has an astounding fast move up the national rankings since taking up boxing in the eighth grade after giving up playing football. The 6-foot Bartee is in his first year at Sparkman after transferring from Huntsville High. He’s expected to graduate in May and immediately join the U.S. Army Boxing Team working feverishly for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team.

“I’m still holding up to my dream of boxing for a long time as I still want to fight for the Olympics,” said Bartee. “I want to do whatever will benefit me the best. I know if I join the Army my education will be paid for.”