The Medal of Courage is presented annually to a wrestler or former wrestler who has overcome what appeared to be insurmountable challenges, which may be physical, mental or other handicaps that make his or her achievements all the more uplifting.
Russell, who has spent the last 11 seasons as an assistant coach under J Robinson, has helped lift the Golden Gopher wrestling program to new heights despite having to deal with severe physical challenges caused by a motorcycle accident just before his senior year in high school.
One of the top high school wrestlers in the nation, Russell won two state titles while compiling a 90-1 record through his junior year at Gresham High School in Oregon. He won both the freestyle and Greco-Roman titles at the 1985 Junior Nationals and was an Espoir National Champion and placewinner at the Espoir World Championships. In addition, Russell claimed two World School Boy championships.
In 1985, however, Russell's life changed when a horrifying motorcycle accident left him partially paralyzed on the left side of his body. He was riding on the back of a friend's motorcycle when a truck pulled out in front of them and, in an effort to avoid the truck, the cycle flipped and the bike's foot peg jammed three inches into Russell's skull.
Russell spent three weeks in a drug-induced coma and the process of recovery was long and grueling, but he did recover and has not let his physical challenges stop him from achieving both on and off the mat ever since.
Zach Sanders to Receive National Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award
University of Minnesota incoming freshman wrestler Zachary Sanders will be recognized as the national winner of the Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award at the 2007 National Wrestling Hall of Fame Honors Weekend Banquet and Induction Ceremony this Saturday, June 2, in Stillwater, Okla.
A native of Wabasha, Minn., Sanders was a five-time state champion and compiled a career record of 223-5 at Wabasha-Kellogg High School. He won the Class A 119-pound title in 2007, the 112-pound title as a junior and sophomore, and the 103-pound title as a freshman and eighth grader. Sanders ended his high school career with three undefeated seasons. He had a 3.58 GPA in high school.
The Dave Schultz High School Excellence Award is presented annually to a high school senior who has demonstrated outstanding wrestling success, scholastic achievement, character, citizenship and community service. The awards program is named in honor of the late Dave Schultz, an Olympic and world champion, who set an example for excellence both on and off the mat.
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