A 2004 graduate of Concordia University, Nebraska, Buns continued his education at Emporia State University where he earned his master’s degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation in 2005. He received a doctorate degree (PhD) in Kinesiology from Iowa State University in 2010.

While competing at Concordia University, Nebraska, he was a two-time NAIA All-American and two-time Academic All- American. During his coaching tenure, Buns has helped develop 20 track & field All-Americans and two All-Americans in cross country. His teams are known not only for their competitiveness, but also for their work in the classroom where he has coached 13 Academic All-Americans. Buns has published numerous scholarly articles in the field of sport and human performance and is the founding editor of the Track and Cross Country Journal. He also has made several presentations to state, regional and national audiences.