Mr. Cole, a forest ranger, arranged for the government to donate the lumber for the construction of the school which was to come from the Unaka mountains.

Resulting in the source of the name and mascot: Unaka for the mountains and Rangers in honor of Mr. Cole.

Also, students had the option of attending alternative vocation classes at Hampton, or Happy Valley: Auto Mechanics, Drafting, Health Occupations, Small Engines, and Electricity and Welding.

There is also a meat processing class that was introduced by Mr. John Hardin and student, Bobby Campbell in 1982.

During the next 10 years, the Rangers football team under Goddard's leadership won six championships and finished second four times with only one losing season.

During Lynn Goddard's tenure at Unaka he coached the baseball team 4 years and won three Watauga championships.

The program was built from the ground up by Coach Ronnie Hicks, and it remained under his care and supervision until his retirement in May 2011.

Under Mr. Morton, the program flourished producing many music educators including its current director.