Track & Field

FINISH STRONG

Rabun Gap Track & Field is a high-performance, athlete-led program built on leadership, discipline, and collective excellence. Through elite competition, intentional training, and a culture of accountability, student-athletes develop the habits and mindset needed to succeed in college athletics and beyond.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
OUR HOME TRACK

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

National & State Recognition
- Girls distance program ranked 35th nationally in the indoor 3200 and 3rd in the state division.
- Boys team finished 5th at the State Championship, the highest placement in school history.
Championship Performances
- 4x400 State Champions (PR: 3:22.38) — Owen Madden, Peter Pedall, Yussif Kadri.
- Boys 4x100m relay placed 2nd at State (PR: 42.47) — Yussif Kadri, Walker Bryson, C.J. Willingham.
Elite Individual Accolades
- Four returning All-Conference boys athletes, capturing six first-place finishes:
  - C.J. Willingham – 100m & 200m
  - Josh Buckhalter – 110m & 300m hurdles
  - Peter Pedall – 400m
  - 4x100m relay team
- Girls All-Conference Champion: Aleksandra Noworol (High Jump).
College Recruiting Success: Alumni have gone on to compete at William & Mary, University of Pittsburgh, MIT, UNC Asheville, Keiser University, and University of Miami.
Leadership-Driven Culture: A student-athlete–led program emphasizing ownership, accountability, and team unity. Athletes shape program culture through behavior, work ethic, and leadership—on the track, in the classroom, and in the community.

OUR HOME TRACK

Rabun Gap Track & Field trains and competes on the Niles Bolton Track inside Zavala Family Stadium, The track is a recently resurfaced facility that provides an exceptional environment for both daily training and competitive meets. Set against the backdrop of Rabun Gap’s mountain campus, the track offers a scenic yet performance-driven setting that inspires athletes to train at a high level. The facility includes dedicated areas to support field events, allowing for comprehensive event-specific development across the program.

Meet Our Coach

Coach Christopher Buckhalter supports Rabun Gap Track & Field athletes through elite training in strength, agility, nutrition, and performance development. A former NFL running back and Division I football player, Coach Buck brings firsthand experience competing at the highest levels of sport.

He is certified in USA Weightlifting (USAW-L1) and High School Strength & Conditioning. In addition to Coach Buckhalter, our Track & Field program has specialized coaches who work with student-athletes on their events.

Email Coach Buckhalter