Catching up with Russ Rogers – Ohio State Buckeyes
12/31/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Track & Field
Dec. 31, 2014
Head coach at Ohio State from 1989-2006, Russ Rogers mentored more than 100 men’s and women’s student-athletes to All-America status and helped lead more than 120 Buckeyes to Big Ten titles. Rogers produced back-to-back conference outdoor men’s team titles in 1992 and ’93. The Buckeyes also won the indoor team crown in 1993. He was named Big Ten Coach of the Year following both the 1992 and 1993 seasons.
At the national level, Rogers’ men’s teams placed in the NCAA outdoor Top 6 three times and in the indoor Top 10 three times. Rogers’ top NCAA finish with the men came in 1993, when the Buckeyes captured the national runner-up spot. The previous season saw Rogers earn NCAA Coach of the Year honors after leading the Buckeyes to a fifth-place NCAA team score. In 2004, the Buckeye men tied for fourth nationally.
Individually, four Buckeye men combined to claim eight individual national titles. Chris Nelloms (1992-94) was a two-time NCAA 200-meter dash indoor champion in 1993 and 1994, while Mark Croghan (1988-91) claimed back-to-back outdoor national crowns in the steeplechase in 1990 and 1991. Dan Taylor (2001-04) became the first student-athlete in NCAA history to win both the shot put and weight throw at the national meet in 2004.
Rogers took over the women’s helm in 1994 and quickly guided the Buckeyes into the Big Ten forefront. The 2001 squad that placed second in the Big Ten indoor meet was led by national champion Donica Merriman (1998-01). Rogers helped Merriman to 2001 NCAA titles in the indoor 60-meter hurdles and the outdoor 100-meter hurdles.
Rogers, now retired and living in Florida, caught up recently with OhioStateBuckeyes.com, reflecting on his career and sharing in his current successes.
Where are you now in your life after your time at Ohio State?
I am fully retired and currently reside in Naples, Fla., with my wife, Bettie. We had our dream house built on a lake in a private golf community. It is paradise.
I continue to travel a lot and I participate in various charity golf tournaments as a celebrity golfer. I do about 25 golf tournaments annually, all to raise funds for children in need. Raising monies for cancer research and cancer patients and their families is a priority. I am a long-time supporter of the Willie Stargell Fund, the Reggie Lewis Foundation, the V Foundation, and the Archie Griffin Celebrity Golf Classic. I golf in several other charitable organizations as well, giving my all to help others, as we experienced a personal tragedy, losing out daughter, Rhonda, to breast cancer at the early age of 29.
My career highlights are most notably in track and field, both as an athlete and Hall of Fame coach. I was an NCAA champion in the 400-meter hurdles, a six-time All-American and two-time Pan American Games gold medalist. I coached the U.S. Olympic team, World Championship and World Cup teams, and I earned a place in six Halls of Fame in track and field.
I recently participated as a commentator in the making of the ESPN 30-for-30 film “9.79,” which focused on events at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Do you still participate in track and field in some way? If so, what do you do?
For the past several years, I have volunteered as a track consultant and coach at three local high schools and look forward to continuing this work. The coaches here are highly motivated to provide the best opportunities for the kids, and I enjoy sharing my skills and professional knowledge.
How has the sport changed since your retirement? How have you changed?
There have been no significant changes in my life since retirement. I find I am busier than ever; golfing, keeping physically fit and enjoying life at its fullest. I still interact with the many friends I’ve met over the years and I enjoy many new friends, especially my golf buddies.
In the sport of track and field, I feel there have been no notable changes, but student-athletes are running much faster. This I attribute to better coaching techniques and resources.
In your opinion, what skills/traits are necessary to be a successful student-athlete, both in competition and in the classroom?
I consider one’s attitude to be the key to success. A positive attitude and a conscientious approach to all things that matter will result in a desired outcome, whether in academics or sports. Maturity is also an important factor in the development of one’s character and is the foundation for success and creating the desire to excel.
What is your best memory at Ohio State both on and off the track?
My best memories at OSU are numerous given the 18 years I coached there. My most outstanding opportunity at Ohio State was the privilege of working with the Jesse Owens family planning and organizing the Jesse Owens Track Classic. I worked with the three daughters and widow of Mr. Owens, all very fine people, and together we made the meet a notable event. Mr. and Mrs. Lex Wexner were big supporters of the Jesse Owens Foundation. Abigail Wexner even donated The Party Barn for the annual gala, ensuring its success.
Memorable also was winning the 4×400-meter relay in the last track meet at Ohio Stadium, winning the 4×400-meter relay at the NCAA championships, and coaching some of the greatest Buckeye student-athletes of all-time. There athletes include, but are not limited to: Aaron Payne, Jordan Gray, Mark Croghan, Chris Nelloms, Joe Greene, Robert Gary, Robert Smith, Otis Winston, Chris Sanders, Richard Jones, Dan Taylor, Rob Myers, Joel Brown, Tony Cole, Jenna Harris, Rosalind Goodwin, Delanda Jackson, Tami Smith, Shayla Moore, Nicholette Chambers, Aaron Fisher, Brandy Hogan, Pansy Henry, Michael Jenkins, Molly Logan, Jessica Stringer, Brian Olinger, Alexis McCall, Shandi Boyd-Pleasant, Erika Goines, Ron Hatter, Shanda McJunkins, Nakia Fenner, Adam Herndon, Donica Merriman, Dominque Callaway, Mark Cannon, Katy Craig, Andrew Pierce, Chris England, Eswort Coombs, Butler By’not’e, Carrie Hoblet, Derrick Butler, Krista Keir, Clive Brooks and Todd Trimble.
What advice do you have for current and future Buckeyes?
My advice is to always give your maximum and to respect those around you, with your goal being to stay ahead of the pack.
