CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA CITY SCHOOLS
OPELIKA – Randy Gillon has been named the new head boys track coach at Opelika High School.
“We are incredibly excited about hiring Coach Gillon to lead our boys track team,” said Kelli Fischer, Opelika High School principal. “His immense knowledge of the sport and experience in college athletics will allow him to build upon the strong foundation of Opelika Track & Field. We look forward to watching this team thrive under his leadership.”
During his career, Gillon has coached a pair of Olympians, 12 All-Americans, 15 NCAA championship qualifiers, 50 NCAA first round qualifiers, and 20 school record holders.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve the Opelika community, the students, and student-athletes of Opelika High School,” said Gillon. “God is truly amazing as this wasn’t something I was looking for. However, after much prayer, consulting my wife and trusted friends, I knew this was a step I was to take. I’m grateful to Superintendent Dr. Farrell Seymore, Principal Kelli Fischer and Athletic Director Jamie Williams for this opportunity and for finding me suitable to lead this next era of the Opelika Bulldog boys track & field program.”
Gillon served as the assistant track and field coach for Auburn University from February 2019-June 2022. He was the assistant head track and field coach at University of Illinois from September 2014-June 2018. From August 2006 -September 2014, he served as assistant track and field coach at Michigan State University. Gillon received his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2000 and his Master of Science degree in Kinesiology in December of 2002.
He and his wife Nicole are proud parents of three children, Nia (age 14), Imani (age 11), and Elijah (age 9).