When Steve Russell decided to return to the University of Florida in 1998, he came back to campus equipped with experiences and insights from working in sports media across multiple platforms. As the sports director of the campus radio and television outlets, he has mentored a bevy of aspiring professionals as they learn the fundamentals and gain real-world experience ahead of their graduations. The teaching aspect associated with the job has always been most important to him, but he also maintains an on-air presence as the host of Sportscene in afternoon drive. Through innovation in technology and distribution, the University of Florida has invested resources into its facilities to provide cutting-edge resources to the next generation and serve the community in the Gainesville metropolitan area.
Sitting at the back of Russell’s office is an assortment of cards he has received from former students thanking and congratulating him on his next chapter. Russell is retiring from his job after 27 years in the position and will host his final edition of Sportscene on Tuesday. Reflecting on the impetus to make this decision, he said he is in good health and that both of his parents were able to retire. Possessing messages of gratitude and thanks, the notes are a tangible depiction of his indelible impact on the lives of countless industry professionals. Serving as an insightful teacher and empowering role model, Russell’s influence is felt across the country through those he mentored.
“I’m not going to totally retire – I can never do that,” Russell said. “I’ll do a podcast, maybe come back here someday. Who knows? But I do want to be able to enjoy the fruits of that. And then one thing I’m really proud of is that I reached faculty status here, and I’m going to retire as a faculty emeritus, and that means a great, great deal to me [because] the most important thing I do is teach.”
The campus radio station became an ESPN Radio affiliate in 2015, adding the 95.3 FM frequency in the process, which has streamlined access for networking, guests and career development. Russell was also able to easily book guests to discuss collegiate sports and foster relationships in the business, continuing the legacy of Sportscene started by Larry Patel over four decades ago. The longevity of the show, he surmises, has allowed it to thrive despite the diminished presence of caller-driven sports talk radio programs.
“When I was in school here, Otis Boggs was the sports director and kind of my mentor, and he would always say, ‘If somebody takes the time to call you, listen to them because they’re taking time out of their day to speak to you,’ and that’s resonated with me,” Russell said. “Now, have I been perfect at that? No, because sometimes every once in a while, there could be a contentious call, but by and large, that’s been really fun to do.”
Over the years, Russell has had the support of university officials and worked alongside WRUF operations coordinator Seth Harp. Moreover, he has mentored several alumni who are working professionally including Erin Andrews, Trevor Sikkema, Kristina Pink and Chris Kirschner.
When students express interest in sideline reporting, Russell always asks them to think about what separates them from other people and why they should be hired. Successfully adapting to changing industry paradigms and performing a multifaceted role with aplomb can be evinced through watching Laura Rutledge, who frequently comes back to the university and mentors the students.
“I wouldn’t have my career without Steve,” Rutledge said. “He taught me so much, encouraged me, challenged me and developed my skillset to be able to take on anything that came my way in this business. I still use the advice he’s given me over the years daily and I’m so grateful to have learned from him.”
In addition to teaching and hosting his radio program, he has also had the ability to broadcast Florida Gators sporting events, including football, basketball and softball. As Russell remains immersed in the community through his media ventures, he encourages students within the ESPN Experience classes to become proficient with sports.
“There’s nothing that I do that gives me greater pleasure than to see our kids develop and grow,” Russell said. “That’s why I’m here. Doing Sportscene’s great – it’s fun to do that; I get a kick out of that every day – but the main reason I’m here is to teach and to coach. When somebody starts out at a certain level and you see them progress – they put the work in and that work translates into getting a job in our business – I’ve done my job, and it’s been great.”
Russell is still determining what he will do with his time and ideally would like to have a schedule without any obligations. In addition to hosting a podcast, he will work with the local television station, WCJB TV20, the outlet that hired him as its first weekend sports anchor in history earlier in his career.
Signing off Sportscene for the final time on Tuesday afternoon will be difficult as the position has been both rewarding and humbling. At this time though, Russell feels that it is time for someone else to have the experiences he has been fortunate to garner. Since announcing his retirement, he has had various listeners reach out from across the United States to offer their congratulations. Although Russell affirms it is up to other people as to whether or not he left a legacy, he hopes to be remembered as someone who was there to develop the students and help them secure jobs in the business.
“A big chunk of me is here and will always be here,” Russell said. “And who knows? I’m not going to close any door about coming back in some capacity someday, but when you sink 26 or 27 years into anything, that’s a big commitment. I’ve gotten out so much from that because I’ve met so many people.”
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Derek Futterman is an associate editor and sports media reporter for Barrett Media. Additionally, he has worked in a broad array of roles in multimedia production – including on live game broadcasts and audiovisual platforms – and in digital content development and management. He previously interned for Paramount within Showtime Networks, wrote for the Long Island Herald and served as lead sports producer at NY2C. To get in touch, email Derek@BarrettMedia.com or find him on X @derekfutterman.
