Tony Russo Centennial and Newberg High Schools Newberg, Oregon

Tony Russo is recognized for his years of dedication to the development of leadership and citizenship in young people through the sport of wrestling

* Coached High School Wrestling for over 30 years

*1986 Oregon Coaches, All Sport Coach of the Year

* Coached 5 High School All-Americans

Coach Russo coached wrestling for over 30 years including 19 years at Newberg where he retired as head coach in 1998. His record at Newberg was 318-38-1, and overall he won 17 District Championships, 7 Oregon State Championships and 12 top ten finishes in the state tournament.

His teams won 7 Oregon Classic Championships. Individually, he coached 92 district champions, 46 state placers, 24 state runner-up and 22 state champions.

CoachbRusso had 5 of his wrestlers named High School All-Americans.

In 1986 Tony was named Oregon All Sport Coach of the Year and in 1987 and 1991 Oregon Wrestling Coach of the Year. In 1987 he was nominated for National Coach of the Year, and in 1994 was named Oregon Wrestling Classic "Man of the Year"

Tony continues coaching junior high and young students in theb community. He has hosted freestyle, Greco and kids tournaments as well as officiating. Coach Russo continues to work at various clinics and camps and is a member of the Oregon Coaches Association.

For his dedication and lasting influence on wrestling, Tony Russo is presented the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's "Lifetime Service to Wrestling" award for the class of 2003.