Russell enters 'Hall of Fame'

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Edmonton's own Gordon Russell, the Canadian Native Friendship Centre (CNFC) program director, has been inducted into the city's Sports Hall of Fame.

Following the induction ceremonies at Edmonton's annual civic awards banquet on March 24, the recreation director was "surprised" but felt "very honoured".

Russell has been working with youngsters at the friendship center for the past 16 years, coaching winning teams and athletes to championship titles all the while. He says the secret to getting athletes to excel in any sport is to display a "winning attitude" with them.

"I think if you have a winning attitudeit rubs off on the kids that come here."

And, Russell has proven his theory time and time again. The accomplished coach has produced such fine athletes as former boxing Golden Gloves Champions Randy Jackson, Guy Boutin, Franky Pruden and Alex Grandbois. He has also coached the centre's Native Daughters ball team to three NIAA (National Indian Athletic Association) softball titles over the last decade. He plans to take the softball club to New Zealand in September to compete in international play.

Russell is disappointed when he sees athletes that don't live up to their potential. "There are so many Native athletes that are great competitors. But I hate to say, some of them let it go down the drain," he sighs, explaining drugs and alcohol can be blamed for robbing the athletes of their drive and vigor.

However, Russell notes the center is making gains to stop substance abuse through a number of recreational events. He has been instrumental in incentive building programs such as the annual Rita Houle Memorial scholarships and the "Friends in Sports" provincial track and field meets which has been held each summer since 1985.

Russell has also received other awards for the countless hours he puts in at the friendship center. He received the 'thumbs-up' from Edmonton sports writers and broadcasters as the city's Sportsman of the Year in 1973. The following year he received Air Canada's Coach of the Year award.

When Russell first started working at the center in 1972, his English ancestry was sometimes frowned upon by Native people.

"But, that's all a thing of the past now. I think the staff and people here respect me because I've proved what kind of person I am. I don't judge people by their color because people are people and that's it."

Russell's job keeps him busy. "If you're a 9?5 person, this is not for you because there's a lot of after hours work that has to be done."

But, he enjoys it all nonetheless. "I like it because it's always a challenge trying to reach young people and help them rise above all expectations."

At press time, Windspeaker learned Russell will also be inducted into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame this October.