Russ Ward graduated from Vinson High School in 1974. He received a Master's Degree in Education from Marshall University in 1979. He has done doctoral studies at the University of Cincinnati. While teaching at Richwood High School for thirty years, he was named "Teacher of the Year" on numerous occasions. Russ coached wrestling at Richwood High School for 19 years. During that time his teams compiled a 185-72 dual meet record. His wrestlers won several conference and regional championships. He coached seven teams to top ten finishes in the state tournament and had 42 individual place winners. Five of those wrestlers were state champions. Ward also coached football for 26 years and track for 21 years. He is currently the head football coach at Richwood Middle School and serves as a consultant and volunteer for the high school wrestling team. Russ is described by one of his former wrestlers "as a true mentor and a valued and loyal friend." He resides in Richwood with his devoted wife, Marsha.