Russ is currently the Athletic Director at Brandon University but he has fulfilled a variety of roles in his tenure at Brandon. Russ was head coach of the Bobcat Men’s Volleyball program from 2005-2012, guiding the program from inception in 2005. The Men’s Volleyball Team captured Canada West Silver Medals in 2009 and 2011 along with CIS Bronze (2009) and Silver (2011) medals. Under Russ’ guidance, the Bobcat Men’s Volleyball Team was continuously ranked in the National Top Ten Rankings from November 2007 to the end of the 2012 season. Russ was named Canada West Coach of The Year in 2009-10. Russ also teaches a variety of courses in the Physical Education Department and has supervised student teachers during their school placements. He also served as department chair from 2007-2011.
Russ has eight years of experience in the public school system as a senior years teacher, physical education department head and athletic director. He has also coached high school volleyball in Winnipeg, club teams, provincial teams and the Team Canada Youth in 2006. As an athlete Russ won four CIAU medals in four years with the Manitoba Bisons before joining the National Team program in 1989. While with Team Canada he competed in the 1990 and 1994 World Championships, 1991 and 1992 World League and the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. Russ also played four season of professional volleyball in Belgium and Germany. Russ was inducted into the Manitoba Honour Society and Hall of Fame in 2007.
Russ is very active in the Brandon community having coached youth volleyball, hockey and baseball. He currently volunteers as a board member for the Brandon Volleyball Club. He is a fully certified Level III NCCP volleyball coach while also having completed National Coaching Certification in hockey, baseball and racquetball.
