Russo selected national wrestling coach of the year

Neil Russo, Newberg High School wrestling coach, was named 2012 National Wrestling Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaches Association.

The surprise announcement came during the Earl Gillis Wrestling Tournament on January 11th as Athletic Director Tim Burke stopped the action to recognize Russo. Rob Younger, Oregon Athletic Coaches Association, presented a certificate and banner to a surprised Russo. Russo will be recognized at the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association awards banquet in May.

Russo is one of 22 national coaches of the year that NFHS recognizes in 20 sports categories in the 2011-12 school year.  The award is based on the coach’s win/loss record for the last five years, the coach contribution to promoting and improving their sport at state and national levels, plus the coach’s growth and development of student athletes.

Russo is in his 15th year as the Newberg High School wrestling coach, leading Newberg to the team state championship in 2009. He teaches Modern US History, Legal Systems, US Government and Economics in Blue School. Neil is a 1987 graduate of Newberg High School, earning an individual state championship in wrestling. Russo’s wrestling family includes his father, Pete Russo, who coached Newberg’s wrestling team to a state title in 1970.  Neil followed his uncle Tony Russo as NHS coach. Tony Russo coached wrestling at NHS for 19 years, winning seven state wrestling titles.