Former CHASE High School head coach Chris Cogdill has found another head coaching opportunity. He’ll lead the program at East Burke High School in the county to the north.

An assistant coach at Burns High School from 2001-2020, Cogdill was hired to lead the CHASE program in March of 2020. He resigned in December.

From 2014-2018, CHASE finished with win totals of 1, 2, 4, 1, and 4. Current Asheville High School coach Cort Radford helped get the program on track with a 10-3 season in 2019. When Cogdill took over, he produced winning seasons of 4-3 in the shortened Covid season, 10-2 the following fall, 12-1 in 2022, and 7-4 in 2023. CHASE lost a good deal of talent ahead of 2024 season and the Trojans finished with a 2-8 record.

His overall record as the head coach at CHASE was 35-18.

The 2022 team’s performance led to a Mountain Foothills 7 Conference championship and Cogdill was named the coach of the year. It was the first conference championship for the school since 1976 and first undefeated regular season since 1975.

The previous head coach at East Burke was Derrick Minor. The coach resigned after two games in 2024, leading the program to be led by interim Allen Wittenberg. The Cavaliers also concluded the 2024 season with a 2-8 overall record.

With an average daily membership of 893 students this school year, East Burke is set to become a 4A school once the N.C. High School Athletic Association realigns into eight classifications later this year.

In the second draft of porposed new conferences, East Burke was placed in a 3A/4A league with 3As Draughn, Patton, and West Caldwell as well as fellow 4As Ashe County and Hibriten.

East Burke’s best season came in 1979 when it reached the 4A West final.

Here is the full statement that was released by Burke County Public Schools:

Icard, NC – Feb. 3, 2025

East Burke High School Principal Dr. Anna Moose announces Christopher Dale Cogdill as the Cavaliers’ new head football
coach.

Moose said, “We are thrilled to welcome Coach Cogdill to our school family as our new head football coach. His
commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, aligns perfectly with our values. We look forward to seeing him instill
high standards in our student-athletes, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and a strong work ethic. With a focus on both
academics and athletics, as well as a dedication to giving back to the community, we are confident that Coach Cogdill will
make a lasting impact on our program and our students. We can’t wait to see the future of East Burke football under his
leadership!”

East Burke Athletic Director Chip Watts said, “We are excited to welcome Coach Cogdill as the new head coach of Cavalier
football. He embodies the passion, dedication, and leadership that define our program and is committed to upholding the
proud Cavalier tradition. We look forward to seeing him lead our team to new heights while honoring the legacy of
Cavalier football!”

Coach Cogdill said, “I am extremely excited about this opportunity at East Burke. East Burke is a great community, with a
storied past and excellent facilities, and I look forward to continuing this legacy and getting the Cavaliers back into the
state playoffs.”

Cogdill’s Coaching Highlights:

Head Football Coach:
– Chase High School (Mar. 2020-2024)
Assistant Football Coach Coach:
– Burns High School (2001-2020)

Accomplishments:

– 35-18 record at Chase High School
– 2022 Mountain Foothills 7 2A Conference Champions (12-1 final record)
– Advanced to 2nd Rd of 2021 2A playoffs
– Advanced to 3rd Rd of 2022 2A playoffs
– 3 consecutive Rutherford County Championships
– 2022 Mountain Foothills 7 Coach of the Year
– 2021 and 2022 Rutherford Daily Courier County Coach of the Year
– 2022 led team to undefeated regular season
– 2022 led team to most wins in school history in a season
– 2022 team set the school record for most points scored in a season
– Coached 5 players who signed college football scholarships
– Coached Conference Offensive Player of the Year 3 consecutive years
– Coached 2021 Mtn Foothills 7 Player of the Year
– Coached 2022 Mtn Foothills 7 Linemen of the Year
– Coached 2024 Mtn Foothills 7 Player of the Year
– SMAC 2012 Conference Defensive Player of the Year
– Coached 2012 Cleveland County Co-Player of the Year
– Coached Numerous All Conference Performers
– 2012 and 2013 All 3 Starting DL made SMAC All Conference Team
– Coached 8 former players who played at Collegiate Level
– Coached DL that committed to play Div I or Div II Football in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
– Back to Back to Back SMAC Conference Champs (2010-2012)
– 18 playoff appearances
– 2019 2AA Western Regional Finalist
– 2011 3A Western Regional Finalist
– 6 regional semi final appearances
– 12 Second Round appearances
– 4 Consecutive 10 win seasons (2010-2013)
– Helped lead turnaround from 3-7 in 2015 to 10-3 in 2016