AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > September > 08 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USRussell taught athletes how to be men
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Furman Bisher
Erk Russell didn’t fit the mold. He was a football coach, “a hard-charging disciplinarian,” as Vince Dooley once said, but he trained athletes to be men, and if they made the grade, then they could play football for him. Coaches are rough and tough, and some bark like prison guards, and some make a game sound like doomsday. This is the truth: Erk never raised his voice, he never caused a scene, and in the words of Loran Smith (as in “Loran, whatta yuh got”) “he was the most unbelievable person I ever knew.”
Once that has been said, there would seem to be little need for moving on. But you’re not going to get off without my having a say at this time of his shocking, sudden death in an automobile. Just the other day I sat in a restaurant in Fernandina Beach, Fla., and a portrait of Erk looked down from a wall. Since he had no hair to turn gray and an expression that was always tuned into the same channel, he seemed ageless.
Dooley hired him at Georgia because Erk let him know how much he wanted the job. “If you had the chance to go from Vanderbilt to Georgia, wouldn’t you?” he said. “I was delighted.”
In fact, when Dooley didn’t hire him right away, Erk dialed his number and told him how much he wanted to come to Georgia. They had worked on the Auburn staff at one time or another, Erk preceding Vince. “It was a wise decision that Vince made, bringing Erk to Georgia,” it is so written in the book “The Dooley Years.”
“What a coach, what an unforgettable character,” Dooley said. “I would be unfair if I didn’t pay special tribute for the exceptional contribution he made to the Dooley era at Georgia. He was the cornerstone of our coaching staff for 17 years.”
He left his label, “Junkyard Dogs.” It’s the term he gave his defensive players in 1975, and it still sticks years later.
He carried his coaching beyond merely professoring. He would often stick his bald head in the middle of a scrimmage and came away from practice several times with blood streaming down his face. Once his wife protested, he quit. When the defense began to lose ground afterward, he went back to butting in, and his defensive side stiffened again. Or, so they say. There are pictures in evidence of his bodily damage.
But, that’s only the beginning. What followed at Georgia Southern is a near fairy tale in college athletics. It was remarkable. Football had been dormant on the Statesboro campus for years, and Erk was bold enough to tackle the situation. Once he got organized, the Eagles won two straight Division I-AA championships. But not without some of Erk’s trickery. There was a drainage stream running by the practice field that Erk first gave the name “Beautiful Eagle Creek.” Then he bottled some of the “magic water” and had players spread some of it on the playing field before road games.
When he arrived at Georgia Southern, enrollment was about 5,000. Today it is said to be 15,000, and you ask loyal Eagles, they’ll give credit to Erk Russell.
Once he left coaching, he could always be found standing by the Eagles’ goalposts during home games. He became almost statuesque. The relationship sprung a leak after his son was fired as an assistant coach, and for the longest time, Erk never showed his face on campus. This is ironic: On Thursday afternoon, at the invitation of Brian VanGorder, the head coach, Erk was invited to speak to the Eagles squad at practice. He accepted, his first time on the field since before relations became strained. Both he and VanGorder had been defensive coaches at Georgia, both head coaches at Georgia Southern. It must be considered that the wound had been healed before death looked up Erk Russell on Friday morning. He was 80. (Oh, and by the way, “Erk” is short for Erskine, three letters that describe a remarkable man.)
Permalink | Comments (46) | Post your comment | Categories: Furman Bisher, UGA / SEC
Comments
By Michael Mattheis
September 8, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this
Erk’s influence went beyond athletes. He reached out to the non-athletes as well. My hand-full of brief encounters with Erk in Stateboro made an indelible impression on this non-athlete. His ability to motivate was incredible.
Once, when I had mustered the courage to ask for an autograph, I introduced myself as “Michael, Georgia Southern, Class of 1985”. His response: Erk Russell, Auburn, Class of 1948”. I felt as if I had made a new friend. Rest in Peace, Erk. Job well done.
By Daniel Parker
September 8, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this
I was one of the first players Coach Russell recruited to come to GA SO. I ended up going to the Air Force and eventually becoming an engineer for a private company but I sometimes wonder what my life would have been like if I would have went to GA SO. (2 National Championships for sure and lots of great memories.) God Bless Coach Russell.
By Michael Cameron
September 8, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Mr. Bisher, for a wonderful story about a true all-time legend in the state of Georgia’s sports world. We never know when our time is up. Coach Russell lived a fulfilled life. Georgia Southern and UGA people with a sense of history and gratitude will feel both remorse over his passing as well as respect for the contributions made by this man; he appeared to be the quintessential stand-up guy, loyal to the end.
By Lynn
September 8, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this
F. Bisher has always been a great friend and supporter to the Russell family. Thanks. Wasn’t he something?
By Jim Osterman
September 8, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this
Erk gave Georgia Southern football instant credibility. Who knows what would have happened without him, but my guess is we’d be just another D-1AA program. When we hired Erk he didn’t need us, but we sure as hell needed him. God speed, Erk.
By Jim Class of '92
September 8, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this
Coach Russell was one of the main reasons I decided to attend GA. Southern. When I attended Southern, it was such a dynamic place to be…Thanks to Erk. I can never thank you enough for your part in making my college experience so wonderful. Rest in peace Coach.
By DeWayne Ross
September 8, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this
I have watched a lot of football in my 63 years of life, both on, and off the field. NEVER have I seen a more noble, intense, and well focused individual. I dare say that he would have done equally as well with any life endevor! I,and a lot of other admiring GATORS endure the pain with the loss of this giant of a man. Go Dawgs!
By Joseph D.Smith
September 8, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this
Well, it almost seems like a dream. But after reading some many wonderful stories about this famous man, I guess its not. How ironic to be celebrating 25 years of GSU football and the mastermind behind the scene has gone to glory. Talking about being the ultimate motivator. What a way to kickoff another 25 years of great football. Is an undefeated season too much to ask for Erk? Just One More Time!!!! It was a honor and a privilege to have been in your company while attending GSU in the earlier 90’s.
Original GSU Fan O Maniac
By Brenda Bragg
September 9, 2006 12:27 AM | Link to this
I was a sophomore at Georgia Southern when Coach Russell came and brought football back to our little school. To say it was magical would be an understatement. I was at those early games played at the high school football field against club football teams. I watched as he made us all see his vision. As a student my sister worked for him during those first couple of years every time he saw her after that, even 20+ years later, he would always greet her by name. He was truly an amazing man.
Go Eagles! Go Dawgs! Make him proud.
By roy akins
September 9, 2006 12:34 AM | Link to this
Furman, How can we forget your column and coverage of Georgia Southern’s first national championship in 1985 at Tacoma, Washington against your alta mater Furman? The Eagles prevailed on a last second TD!
I was fortunate to be be among a small group of folks who helped jumpstart Georgia Southern football back in 1981. Erk Russell was not only a great football coach but a wonderful person. In a day when many coaches have an air of arrogance, Erk was a warm, caring person who always had a smile and handshake … he reached out to so many people, touched so many lives around the state of Georgia.
Erk Russell will be deeply missed…like Rockne, the Bear and Vince. A legend for the ages.
By roy akins
September 9, 2006 12:36 AM | Link to this
Furman, How can we forget your column and coverage of Georgia Southern’s first national championship in 1985 at Tacoma, Washington against your alta mater Furman? The Eagles prevailed on a last second TD!
I was fortunate to be be among a small group of folks who helped jumpstart Georgia Southern football back in 1981. Erk Russell was not only a great football coach but a wonderful person. In a day when many coaches have an air of arrogance, Erk was a warm, caring person who always had a smile and handshake … he reached out to so many people, touched so many lives around the state of Georgia.
Erk Russell will be deeply missed…like Rockne, the Bear and Vince. A legend for the ages.
By Monty Strickland
September 9, 2006 12:43 AM | Link to this
I was a member of the 1990 1AA National Championship team at GSU one year after Erk retired. We started the season a dreadful 1-3. During the 5th week we held a scrimmage at Paulson Stadium. The first half of practice was dreadful, heads down with little energy. During a break one of the upper classmen noticed Coach Russell standing on the deck on top of our fieldhouse. It was the first sighting of him near football practice since his retirement. Needless to say word got around who was in our presence. From that moment, attitudes and efforts began to change. We finished 12-3 and ended the season with another national championship. Thank you coach, you will be missed.
By Harmon Wages
September 9, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this
Hello Furman,
I signed with Florida in 1964. From that time on two names always haunted me. Steven Orr Spurrier and someone called ‘ERK’, the head of Georgia’s defense.
At that time freshmen were not allowed to play on the varsity. So, I watched from the Gator Bowl stands in 64, from the sidelines 65,66,& 67. One didn’t have to be an Einstein to understand a similar theorem by ERK, ‘a statement to be proved’.
In the later years, as an Atlanta Falcon, then in the media, I got to know him as a person. One doesn’t forget meeting ERK!
His Theory, based on ‘observation and reasoning’, led to the evolution of the ‘JUNKYARD DAWGS’.
It’s funny how one can still hear and see another, EVEN WHEN THEIR GONE.
By Mac McLemore
September 9, 2006 12:52 AM | Link to this
It is not surprising that the term “The Man, The Myth , The Legend” was coined to describe Coach Russell!!
By Steve
September 9, 2006 01:19 AM | Link to this
I remember Coach Russell from the Junkyard Dosd and Wonderdods years when I was a trumpet player in the UGA Redcoat Band. I will forever remember the sight of Erk Russell, bloodstains on his face, exhorting the Dogs’ defense in that black jacket with the sleeves ripped off that he always wore.
I met him a few years later, in 1986, when I was a camera operator for a TV station in Augusta and Coach Russell came to town to stir up the GSU faithful in Richmond County. Sam Crenshaw, now of WXIA 11 Alive in Atlanta, was our sports anchor. Sam introduced himself and me to Erk. Coach Russell eyeballed my 6-5, 275-pound frame, and said only one sentence, which I have never forgotten: “Damn, Steve, got any eligibility left?”
I only wish, Coach. I only wish.
God bless, coach, and Godspeed. Hell has no chance now. God has the best damn defensive genius ever to stalk a sideline onhis staff now.
Steve Shelnutt UGA Redcoat Band, ‘77-‘79
By Eric Joiner
September 9, 2006 02:21 AM | Link to this
A truly great man died today. Im very saddened to see it. Im an Auburn Grad and I would like all the GA and GSU folks to know how much Erk meant to us as well.
he was the last guy to ever earn varsity letters in 4 sports at Auburn. Tennis, Football, Basketball and Baseball. Forget Bo Jackson. Forget Herschel Walker. Erk was Da MAN. Erk earned 10 varsity letters at Auburn.
The link between Auburn and UGA remains strong to this day. Eaves, Dooley, Russell and Pat Dye were old school. However if you look around…you see Nall and Muschamp on Auburns staff, and Garner on the UGA staff…with an OC in Neal callaway who worked for Dye in AU in the 80’s.
A great man died today. We are all saddened by it…its our collective loss.
Eric Joiner AU Class of 83
By Gary Towers
September 9, 2006 03:53 AM | Link to this
I met Erk in 1963, when the Russells moved to Athens. He was a remarkable fellow and will be greatly missed.
Gary Towers Atlanta
By jeff evans
September 9, 2006 07:11 AM | Link to this
coach russell is a players coach the best he gave me an many others a second chance to play football who would ever think that after i left LSU as a player would come to a school that had no football program an win a championship in just 4 years as one of just six seniors in 1985 it was an honor to be around him coach i’ll miss you jeff evans 95/60
By Norm Carlson
September 9, 2006 07:14 AM | Link to this
Furman, Thanks for the well-writen comments on Erk. When I went to Auburn as sports information director in l959 he was the first person I met. He immediately gave me that wonderful smile and cracked a joke. Erk was a great football (and baseball) coach and a quality human being who was always in touch with reality and able to deal with whatever life brought him. To this day he is the best story teller, humorist I have had the honor to know. Even when his Junkyard Dawgs were making life miserable for the Gators, you had to have respect for the coach behind their accomplishments. Vince Dooley made many outstanding hires and decisions in his day at UGA, none beter than Erk.
By Don Norsworthy
September 9, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this
Damn good dawg! I spent the nights on the tracks one time. 7:30 the next monrning a black Cutlass pulls up and out jumps Erk. Within two minutes he had the place in a frenzy. It never stopped all the way up to kick off. The world is a better place because of Erk!
By Linton
September 9, 2006 08:25 AM | Link to this
I was 10 when I first saw ERK. He stalked the sidelines of Sanford Stadium like a Eagle waiting to swoop down on its prey.
I asked my dad who is that guy?
My dad said, “Son that is Erk Russell, the toughest SOB who ever stalked the sideline and he is the reason we are so darn good” That was 1980…God Speed Erk!
By Linton
September 9, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this
I was 10 when I first saw ERK. He stalked the sidelines of Sanford Stadium like a Eagle waiting to swoop down on its prey.
I asked my dad who is that guy?
My dad said, “Son that is Erk Russell, the toughest SOB who ever stalked the sideline and he is the reason we are so darn good” That was 1980…God Speed Erk!
By Earle
September 9, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this
As a kid selling programs in Tiger Stadium when Erk Russell played at Auburn I know how much Auburn meant to him how much he meant to Auburn. My Dad, Earle “Precher” Smith will welcolm him.
By Keith
September 9, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this
How different the 1990s would have been for the University of Georgia had UGA officials given Erk the shorter-term contract he sought at the time. Any UGA fan old enough to follow the team in the 1970s couldn’t help but remember blood streaking from Russell’s shaved head as he swapped head butts with members of his defense. One of the most memorable personalities we’ll ever see in these parts.
By Gus
September 9, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this
Great column about a great man, Mr. Bisher.
As a proud graduate of Georgia Southern, I can attest to the incredible impact Erk had on the football program and the growth of the school.
As a native of Georgia who grew up cheering for the Bulldogs, I can also attest to the fact that he is one of the two or three most popular figures in UGA history.
Has there EVER been a sports personality who was so beloved at two different institutions the way Erk is worshipped at Georgia Southern and Georgia?
Anyway, let’s keep Erk’s family and friends in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.
By Reggie
September 9, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this
“If we score, we may win. If they don’t score, we’ll never lose.” You left the world a better place and have already done the same with Heaven I’m sure. Although we unfortunately never met, my own world is a better place because you were a part of it. Thanks Coach.
By Eagle Dawg
September 9, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this
I had the priveledge of meeting Erk one Saturday afternoon as a freshman at GSU during a football game. I believe it was the 2nd quarter against Marshall and I was standing on the deck of the Lupton building and up walks Erk with his famous cigar on his mouth. He didn’t know who I was from Adam, but introduced himself to me and wanted to know where I was from and what year I was at GSU. I’ll never forget that moment as I stood there next to a legend watching GSU football from the endzone at Lupton.
By Greg Pallone
September 9, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this
My first year @ Georgia Southern (College) was in 1989. Erk’s last championship year. Looking back, I didn’t realize I was in the midst of something that transcends everyday life. It wasn’t until years later and I became a member of the media, and actually spoke with Erk, that I was with a person who was a notch above a norm. If all people had some “Erk” in them, think of the things we could achieve. So simple, yet crucial. Dream a dream, then make it happen with hard work and determination. His legacy will always live on. Take care, Erk. We miss you.
By Greg Pallone
September 9, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this
My first year @ Georgia Southern (College) was in 1989. Erk’s last championship year. Looking back, I didn’t realize I was in the midst of something that transcends everyday life. It wasn’t until years later and I became a member of the media, and actually spoke with Erk, that I was with a person who was a notch above a norm. If all people had some “Erk” in them, think of the things we could achieve. So simple, yet crucial. Dream a dream, then make it happen with hard work and determination. His legacy will always live on. Take care, Erk. We miss you.
By Marc
September 9, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this
PRAISE the LORD!! For “Erk” and Furman. Neither have I known personally, am 81+. Erskine Russell - King in Football. Furman Bisher - The “Bis” “hop” of writing. Thank you, Mr. Bisher
By SJP
September 9, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this
Erk Russell was one of the greatest coaches of all time, at any level. Had he replaced Dooley at Georgia, there likely would have been more national championships. Unfortunately, Dooley knew that and his legacy meant more to him at that time than the ultimate success of the program. Georgia should be very thankful for Damon Evans.
By Gene
September 9, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this
First off, Mr. Bisher: Thank you for that warm article about our beloved UGA and Georgia Southern legend, Coach Russell. I am what is now called “elderly” and have read your similar articles down thru the years. I used to compare your columns and those of Mr. Danforth—Yours in the Constitution and his in the Journal—- each Sunday after the big games in Athens by the Butts teams and the Dooley years. Thank you, Sir.
By Tammy Slay
September 9, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Mr. Bisher, for the wonderful tribute. I feel like I have lost a member of my own family. I attended Georgia games in the 1970s and I remember looking at the Georgia sidelines through binoculars and watching Erk headbutt his players. He was the heart and soul of Georgia football. I especially remember a fall day in 1976 when Georgia whipped a Bear Bryant-coached Alabama team 21-0. Erk and his defense played a huge part in that victory and Georgia would go on to win the SEC championship later that year. God bless the Russell family and thank you for sharing your husband and father with Bulldog fans.
By Tammy Slay
September 9, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Mr. Bisher, for the wonderful tribute. I feel like I have lost a member of my own family. I attended Georgia games in the 1970s and I remember looking at the Georgia sidelines through binoculars and watching Erk headbutt his players. He was the heart and soul of Georgia football. I especially remember a fall day in 1976 when Georgia whipped a Bear Bryant-coached Alabama team 21-0. Erk and his defense played a huge part in that victory and Georgia would go on to win the SEC championship later that year. God bless the Russell family and thank you for sharing your husband and father with Bulldog fans.
By Tammy Slay
September 9, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Mr. Bisher, for the wonderful tribute. I feel like I have lost a member of my own family. I attended Georgia games in the 1970s and I remember looking at the Georgia sidelines through binoculars and watching Erk headbutt his players. He was the heart and soul of Georgia football. I especially remember a fall day in 1976 when Georgia whipped a Bear Bryant-coached Alabama team 21-0. Erk and his defense played a huge part in that victory and Georgia would go on to win the SEC championship later that year. God bless the Russell family and thank you for sharing your husband and father with Bulldog fans.
By andy
September 9, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this
After ERK left UGA, it was like Robert E. Lee without Stonewall Jackson. GATA
By RxDawg
September 9, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this
From a GSU and UGA alumni, RIP “bald eagle” we will miss you.
By Dan
September 9, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this
“G.A.T.A” - A great motivational letter written by a great man to the 1980 Dogs
By Shivas
September 9, 2006 07:44 PM | Link to this
A remarkable coach. and someome I had many a beer talking about with friends, such as, “if we only had a coach like Erk.” Old school and we’ll never see it again. Up in the big sky bitting heads still.
By dee oellerich
September 10, 2006 12:13 AM | Link to this
I turned down a full ride in 1972 to walk on at UGA because I had a lifelong dream to be a bulldog, which stayed in tack given Erk’s defenses even tho I loved “Charlie Macs” LSU defenses of the late 60’s-my HS grad in ‘72. Home boy had to stay home and try to play for ERK.
Did’nt work out, bad ankle hurt 3 weeks before I reported still makes my “what if dreams” Quitting ERK still bothers me to this day.
Erk was the life of UGA while he was there, when he left we longed for “old time rockem sockem defense” which has finally returned 20+ years later.
His not getting UGA job after old VD retired was greatest travesty in UGA sports history….and was a huge mistake. I am no Michael Adams fan, but seem like what goes around comes around,eh VD??
Anyway Erk made the best of it as he always told us, and he is tHE BEST DAMN DAWG EVER. Coach, I am sorry I quit you. Rest in peace Coach & thanks for being the best example of a Georgia Bulldog for most of us!!!!
By dee oellerich
September 10, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this
I turned down a full ride in 1972 to walk on at UGA because I had a lifelong dream to be a bulldog, which stayed in tack given Erk’s defenses even tho I loved “Charlie Macs” LSU defenses of the late 60’s-my HS grad in ‘72. Home boy had to stay home and try to play for ERK.
Did’nt work out, bad ankle hurt 3 weeks before I reported still makes my “what if dreams” Quitting ERK still bothers me to this day.
Erk was the life of UGA while he was there, when he left we longed for “old time rockem sockem defense” which has finally returned 20+ years later.
His not getting UGA job after old VD retired was greatest travesty in UGA sports history….and was a huge mistake. I am no Michael Adams fan, but seem like what goes around comes around,eh VD??
Anyway Erk made the best of it as he always told us, and he is tHE BEST DAMN DAWG EVER. Coach, I am sorry I quit you. Rest in peace Coach & thanks for being the best example of a Georgia Bulldog for most of us!!!!
By dee oellerich
September 10, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this
I turned down a full ride in 1972 to walk on at UGA because I had a lifelong dream to be a bulldog, which stayed in tack given Erk’s defenses even tho I loved “Charlie Macs” LSU defenses of the late 60’s-my HS grad in ‘72. Home boy had to stay home and try to play for ERK.
Did’nt work out, bad ankle hurt 3 weeks before I reported still makes my “what if dreams” Quitting ERK still bothers me to this day.
Erk was the life of UGA while he was there, when he left we longed for “old time rockem sockem defense” which has finally returned 20+ years later.
His not getting UGA job after old VD retired was greatest travesty in UGA sports history….and was a huge mistake. I am no Michael Adams fan, but seem like what goes around comes around,eh VD??
Anyway Erk made the best of it as he always told us, and he is tHE BEST DAMN DAWG EVER. Coach, I am sorry I quit you. Rest in peace Coach & thanks for being the best example of a Georgia Bulldog for most of us!!!!
By TP 10
September 10, 2006 12:31 AM | Link to this
Thank you for your kind words about coach. We all know about his coaching achievments , but it was his fairness and sense of humor that I will miss the most. Oh and the telegrams. Mombo-gook
By TP 10
September 10, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this
Thank you for your kind words about coach. We all know about his coaching achievments , but it was his fairness and sense of humor that I will miss the most. Oh and the telegrams. Mombo-gook
By TP 10
September 10, 2006 12:46 AM | Link to this
Thank you for your kind words about coach. We all know about his coaching achievments , but it was his fairness and sense of humor that I will miss the most. Oh and the telegrams. Mombo-gook
By TP 10
September 10, 2006 12:46 AM | Link to this
Thank you for your kind words about coach. We all know about his coaching achievments , but it was his fairness and sense of humor that I will miss the most. Oh and the telegrams. Mombo-gook