Ball State strength and conditioning coordinator Wade Russell received the highest honor possible in his line of work. He was named one of 36 Master Strength and Conditioning Coaches in the world.
The honor was given him by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association for professionalism, knowledge, experience, expertise and longevity in his field. He has served in his position at Ball State for 14 years.
"(This achievement) is a great honor and more of an accomplishment earned over time than something given right away," Russell said. "It is great and I am truly blessed to be recognized by my peers."
Russell saw the award as an aid in helping Ball State's football program and as a confidence booster.
"It gives Ball State an opportunity to bring in higher caliber interns, which in turn helps the athletes," he said. "It also makes the program more attractive while bringing legitimacy.
"Others see it and respect you. It also builds in you a confidence when you do your job and you are working."
Russell received his bachelor's degree from Taylor University in 1986, where he was a two-time football All-American as well as Academic All-American. In the same year, he played for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. The following year, he was a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. He became a graduate assistant for Ball State in 1988 and 1989 before being named to his present position. He was named the Mid-American Conference Strength Coach of the Year in 1995-1996.
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