Discover Our Story

Blue Star was founded in 1982 by Dave Bartels, a former collegiate runner (4:11 mile at Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan) and high school coach (Case High School, Racine, Wisconsin). His wife, Anna, joined the business in 1987.

On June 1, 2023 Anna and Dave “pass the baton” of ownership and management to their eldest daughter, Justine Burdette. Justine shares the love of running with her dad and continues to train on her own. She brings a 20 year career in leadership, business, and strategic vision experience to Blue Star.

Blue Star has been an innovator over the years. We brought to market American-made custom warm ups in the 80s, our own line up of uniforms in the 90s, and were the first to market sublimated uniforms to high school teams in 2000 (before the current wave/craze!). The line up continues to evolve (stock warm-ups, stock and custom uniforms, tents, track equipment, timing devices, specialized hoodies and spiritwear); but one thing is still the same: the highest level of customer service and care.