Susan Russ, trailblazing Harpeth Hall, Memphis track coach, dies at 82
Susan Russ, a pioneer in women's athletics and longtime Harpeth Hall track and cross country coach, died on March 27, according to her family. She was 82. Final arrangements are pending.
Russ, a native of Mt Vernon, Illinois , blazed a trail in coaching after graduating from Murray State in 1966 and spending a year at UT-Martin teaching physical education. She moved to Memphis State in 1969 and a year later asked school officials if she could start a women's track and field team. She received permission, but not much else.
This was before Title IX, and there was little funding for the program and no extra salary for Russ. Undeterred, Russ went about building a team from scratch by posting signs across campus inviting girls to try out. It took a few years for the team to officially become part of the school's athletic program, and though funds remained tight, scholarships would eventually be offered to recruit female athletes.
Russ went on to build a powerhouse track and field program at Memphis from 1972-79. She also started the school's cross country program in 1975. Russ moved to Nashville and became the coach at Harpeth Hall after her husband, Kent, began working for the administration of former Tennessee Gov.
Lamar Alexander in 1979. Russ remained at Harpeth Hall track until her retirement in 2012. She enjoyed profound success in her 33 years as the Honeybears coach, winning 19 region championships, 12 state titles and having nine state runner-up finishes.