Ray was a dominant force in swimming while competing for the Avon Lake Shoremen boys swim team during the 1990s. The son of Judy and Ray Bartel, Ray & brother Brad, led the Shoremen to some of the best seasons in school history and their names are still prominent in the school record book.

Ray earned four letters while swimming under coach Gary Fahey. He was a nine-time All-Southwestern Conference first-team selection.

He finished second overall in the 100 breast stroke at the 1999 District swim meet, an event in which he would also earn All-America honors. Ray also earned All-American honors for both the 200 free relay and the 200 medley relay. During his senior year of 1999, Avon Lake finished tenth overall at the state swim meet after finishing 19th in his junior year. He also served as captain of that 1999 team. To compliment his swimming excellence, Ray was also a member of the National Honor Society