Russ Hellickson
At the 1976 Summer Olympics, Russ Hellickson earned a silver medal in the Freestyle Heavyweight competition, representing the United States. That result placed him on the Olympic podium as an amateur wrestler and stood as a defining moment in his competitive career.
Born on May 29, 1948, in Madison, Wisconsin, Hellickson attended Stoughton High School before going on to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His involvement with the United States wrestling program continued beyond the 1976 Games: in 1980 he served as captain of the U.S. squad. He also held several administrative roles within the sport, including national charter president of the Federation of Wrestling Clubs, vice president on the USWF National Board of Control, and member of the USWF Hall of Fame selection committee.
After his years as a competitor, Hellickson moved into collegiate coaching. He served as head wrestling coach at Wisconsin from 1982 to 1986, then took the same position at The Ohio State University, where he remained from 1986 to 2006. The administrative positions he held within the USWF — on the National Board of Control and the Hall of Fame selection committee — reflect the breadth of his engagement with the organizational side of American wrestling alongside his work as an athlete and coach.
Quotes by Russ Hellickson
This is the most heavily recruited area in the country, all coaches come here to recruit. My experience here at Ohio State hasn't been what everyone thinks it is. What gives Ohio State an edge on Minnesota, Penn State or Michigan?
This is a devastating loss for J and our team. J is a proven leader and when he sets goals, he gets the job done.
The program has not lived up to my expectations the last few years. By stepping aside at this time, it will allow my successor the opportunity to come in and return the program to national prominence.
We are glad to have Tom join us this summer. He will be taking over the camps next year and this will provide him the opportunity to meet the kids and the coaches. We are a tight wrestling community and it will be a great combination for everyone this summer.
We have a lot of issues with our team now. Our guys haven't been consistent during the season and now we're battling some psychological issues that are impacting our ability to perform.
That?s three great matches he?s wrestled for us (since a shoulder injury). Blake is a four-time state champion. He knows how to win.
J has been very consistent for us after he struggled a little bit early on in the season.
Now we're getting towards the end of the year and we're battling some skin infections and kidney ailments that just happen to be part of the sport.
We are proud to be able to honor Ray. We are looking forward to sharing this ceremony with all of his family. He certainly earned it.