Chris earned eight varsity letters in football (2), hockey (3), and track and field (3)  during his years at Red River. Additionally, he was voted a team captain in all three sports during his senior year. Barta was named All-Conference in all three sports and was a key member of the State championship hockey team in 1987. In track and field, he was the 1987 EDC high jump champion and currently ranks #3 in school history with a 6’6 clearance. He was named the Greater Grand Forks Male Athlete of the Year in 1987.  Following high school, Barta was a member of four North Central Conference Track championship teams and three National Club Hockey Championship teams at NDSU.