UMKC Hall of Fame Spotlight - Robert Russell
12/17/2008 1:00:00 AM | General, Athletics
By Dan Stroud
Former UMKC All-America golfer Robert Russell never regretted turning down scholarship offers from Division I powerhouse golf programs Oklahoma State, Baylor, Texas, and Alabama to help build a program close to home. The 1995 National Junior College Athletic Association National Champion instead signed on with three of his teammates from Kansas City Kansas Community College to become a Kangaroo.
Russell said he almost signed with the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. But because of a misunderstanding with the Crimson Tide coach along with continued wooing by then UMKC head golf coach Bill Ross, the 2008 Hall of Fame honoree signed on to play in the Heartland.
“Everyone treated me really well while I was there,” said Russell. “I couldn't have been treated any better.”
Entering the UMKC Hall of Fame as a member of the inaugural class is an exhilarating feeling for the golfer who is the only Kangaroo student athlete to ever qualify for the NCAA Championship, after a sixth place individual finish in the regional tournament.
“Words can't describe what an honor it is to be a member of this first group of honorees,” an emotional Russell said. “It's something no one can ever take away.”
Since earning his bachelor of arts degree from UMKC in 1997, the owner and operator of Russell Lawn Care has kept himself quite busy. He played professionally for upwards of eight years.
During those years, the Joplin, Mo., native played in tour events with the Professional Golfers' Association, the PGA Nationwide Tour, and the National Golf Association Hooters Pro Golf Tour. In 1999, Russell qualified for and played in the U.S. Open, a tournament ranked among the world's most prestigious.
He has been called the “Godfather” of the NGA Hooters tour events that are held annually in Miami, Oklahoma and Joplin. It was on his recommendation that negotiations were put in motion between the Hooters tour executives and the host golf course committees.
Russell has remained close to several of his former UMKC teammates throughout the years, and Eric Reisner remains among his best friends.
“Eric and I have stayed in touch over the years, and have become bigger and better friends,” Russell said.
The Kangaroo honoree shared a few words about his family, who are all very pleased with Robert's recognition.
“My parents have been behind me all the way,” Russell said. “I couldn't be more pleased to share this with them.”
Though he is quick to point out that arrogance is not part of his nature, Russell said he misses “winning golf tournaments” the most since leaving the university. During his college years, the high profile golfer recorded 12 tournament victories during his time at KCKCC and UMKC.
But now that those years are long gone, Russell, perhaps UMKC' s most prolific golfer, has some parting words to offer to today's Kangaroo linksters.
“Be patient, golf is patience,” Russell said. “Always remember that no matter what, the sun's going to come up tomorrow ... no matter what your score, no matter where you finish.”
(This is the third of a nine-part series featuring the inaugural UMKC Athletics Hall of Fame class.)
Hall of Fame Features
- Bill Frerking - Men's Basketball- Katie Houlehan - Women's Basketball