Western Carolina University

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun County head football coach Rance Gillespie celebrates with his team after the Wildcats’ 35-0 second-round playoff win over Berrien on Nov. 21, 2025. Gillespie and the Wildcats have celebrated each win at home with the song “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive,” since former head coach Lee Shaw started the tradition in 2013. Standing in the background are Manager Josh Justus, Pastor Lance Courtney and current Rabun County Athletics Booster Club President Joey Haban.

Wesley Branch/The Clayton Tribune. Rabun County head football coach Rance Gillespie celebrates with his team after the Wildcats’ 35-0 second-round playoff win over Berrien on Nov. 21, 2025. Gillespie and the Wildcats have celebrated each win at home with the song “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive,” since former head coach Lee Shaw started the tradition in 2013. Standing in the background are Manager Josh Justus, Pastor Lance Courtney and current Rabun County Athletics Booster Club President Joey Haban.

It’s a Great Day to Be a Wildcat

Wesley Branch
Thursday, August 6, 2026
As Rabun County High School’s football team put the finishing touches and the final seconds waned in its 56-21 November 2025 first-round playoff win at home versus Dodge County, Rabun County head coach Rance Gillespie had one final question for his coaching staff.