Conference USA

In honor of Russ and his contributions to college athletics, the Russell D. Anderson Memorial fund has been established by his family together with Conference USA. The fund will be used to support development and opportunities for those pursuing careers in sports communications. To donate, click here or the button below. Thank you.

Russell Anderson Selected for the Conference USA 2021 Hall of Fame Class

On behalf of Russ Anderson’s entire family we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the entire Conference USA family for honoring our dear brother with this special day and the celebration of his life. We also wish to thank all his friends and colleagues throughout the south and beyond for all the kind and encouraging words, and the heartfelt tributes they have conveyed to us over these last few weeks. Those actions have brought us great comfort in our time of mourning. Although he was taken from us way too soon, Russ will always be in our hearts and his impact on our lives will live on forever. We also offer a special appreciation to all who have contributed to Russ’s Memorial Fund at Conference USA. We pray that Memorial will continue his legacy and offer opportunities to others to follow him in a career in sports communications.

May God bless you all!  -Bill Pieper and Mary Basek and family

Russell D. Anderson - Visitation Service and Eulogy - Friday, April 16

Russell D. Anderson Memorial Service Webcast - Saturday, April 17  click here

Russell D. Anderson Celebration of Life // Friday, April 30 // Dallas, TX

I have one of my “stories” today and it's kind of a sad one...it's a little long but please hang with me on this.  I learned on Tuesday evening that someone that I had not spoken with in more than 35 years passed away suddenly over the weekend at the way-too-young age of 50.  His name was Russell Anderson and he was the assistant commissioner of Conference USA.  And here’s why it matters to me and why I have never forgotten Russell.  In the early 1980’s when I was the P.R. director for the Miami Dolphins, I started receiving letters at the office from a 12-year-old Dolphins fanatic in Illinois named Russell Anderson.  But they weren’t just letters.  When I opened Russell’s “letters” with the Downers Grove, IL postmark, inside I would find his own original handwritten version of a Dolphins press release with a summation of last week’s game and a preview of the upcoming game.  There were hand-drawn illustrations of Dolphin players and of key plays from the previous Sunday.  There were statistics galore, back in the day when that stuff wasn’t readily available online and Russell actually had to do the research himself.  These “letters” were usually double-digit pages.  And everything in Russell’s “letters” was color-coded in the Dolphins’ team colors of aqua and orange.  And I didn’t just get a “letter” from Russell once---no, Russell clearly was spending hours on these handwritten packets and he sent them to me nearly every week during the season.  It really was incredible.  After the first few weekly packets from Russell arrived, I found his phone number and called him.  I was very impressed and I wanted to speak to this 12-year-old Dolphins fan in suburban Illinois who was spending so much time on these weekly packets.  I’m sure he was surprised that I phoned him and we had a great conversation.  He told me that even though he was only 12, he already knew without any doubt what he wanted to be when he grew up---he wanted to be a sports P.R. man.  Well, that’s not exactly a profession that a whole lot of kids were aspiring to back in the early 1980’s.  When the Dolphins played the Colts at Indianapolis (which was the closest we got to Downers Grove, IL), I invited Russell and his dad to be the Dolphins’ guest at the game.  We got them tickets and pregame field passes and I remember how excited Russell was when I was able to introduce him to some players and coaches.  A year or two later, Russell’s “letters” stopped coming.  I assumed that he had moved on to other pursuits as he became a teenager.  After his letters eventually stopped, I never spoke to Russell again.  But I never forgot his name or his career aspiration.  And guess what happened?  Russell went to a small college and upon graduation, he got an entry level position in media relations at the Great Midwest Conference.  Two years later, he was hired as an original staffer at Conference USA where he has worked for more than 25 years and where he ascended to assistant commissioner in charge of all of the conference’s P.R. efforts for football and baseball.  He also previously served as the president of the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and received their national award for his contributions to college baseball.  So a 12-year-old kid from Downers Grove, IL wanted nothing more than to be a sports P.R. guy---well Russell, you made it…and you were a great one.  RIP old friend… - Chip Namias (former PR Director for the Miami Dolphins, Houston Oilers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

NCBWA Honors The Late Russell Anderson

WILBUR SNYPP AWARD TO BE RENAMED RUSSELL D. ANDERSON/WILBUR SNYPP AWARD

If you would like to submit your thoughts, sentiments or memories to the RDA Memory Wall, please send via email to erikaah@c-usa.org

I was fortunate to work with Russ since his very first day on the job. HIs passion for sports was immense and it was his life's work. He was dedicated, had a tremendous work ethic and was a thoughtful person with a heart of gold. He connected so many people in ways I don't even think he realized. I am very grateful to have known him as a colleague and a friend. He was truly one of a kind. -Erika Hirschfield

This July would have marked 17 years that I worked with Russ. I am heartbroken to say the least and he will be missed by the C-USA family and all that knew him. This past year was quite the ride and I am blessed to have fought the good fight with Russ. He could always put a smile on my face or shock me with some crazy statistic that only he knew. Sending my love and prayers to his family and friends. Russ was the best!!  -Kelly Carney

This is a great loss for the Conference USA family. Russ’s passion and dedication to C-USA is unmatched. He will be missed by many in the collegiate sports world. -Shonna Brown

I’ve only had the pleasure of working alongside Russ for five of his 25 years at Conference USA. What I will miss most is watching him hold court with his sports information tribe at our events and championships or with our bullpen of interns letting them pick his brain and admire his mind vault of sport statistics well into the evening after work. I could tell he was truly in his element and probably never worked a day while at C-USA because this was his passion. To say this is a great loss to C-USA and college athletics as a whole would be an understatement. My heart goes out to his family, friends and those that have rode the college athletics roller coaster with him over the past 25 years. -Cre Rasberry

It’s hard to put into words how important and influential Russ was to college athletics. I’m so lucky to have had the opportunity to not only call Russ a colleague, but a friend. I know it’s cliche to say “the world lost a good one” but I honestly can’t think of something that describes Russ better. He was kind, genuine, passionate, dedicated, caring, and so much more...an all-around “good one.” He will be so dearly missed by many. The stamp Russ left on sports communications will not be forgotten! Rest in peace, my friend. -Sarah Rudolph

I had the privilege of working with Russ for 13 years and was the first person I met when I started at Conference USA. Russ was a consummate professional and it is hard to overstate his passion for the conference. I enjoyed our Monday morning visits during the football season where he would explain to me what happened. The winners, the losers, and the questionable officiating. Beyond his tremendous contribution to our work together, Russ was simply an amazing and caring person. He was a dear friend and he enriched the lives of all of those around him. I will miss him and am grateful to have had him as a part of my life.  -Britton Banowsky

More than a professional colleague, Russ was a friend for 28 years. RDA was truly one of the nicest people in the sports communications profession, and he touched so many people in his role at C-USA over the years. What I will miss the most about him are the stories and laughs we shared over phone calls, emails and during working games and events together. He was blessed to spend his time with the people and places he loved to visit on his sports travels, and all of us in turn were blessed to have his company and friendship along the way. -Chris Pika

RD Anderson was the first boss I had as a full-timer in the SID profession. He quickly became a great friend and mentor. He had a way of saying “RP” when he saw me that just made me feel good. RIP Russ, your friendship and the way you treated folks will be treasured by many. -Ryan Powell

I was fortunate to work with Russ Anderson at my first full-time position, as he and I along with Brian Teter and Erika Amstadt Hirschfield formed the team that would build the first communications model for a new league called Conference USA. We grew together during my short time in Chicago with hard work and laughs - it was a great foursome! Then, when I moved to Dallas to take another job years later, he was the first person I attended a sporting event with after C-USA relocated here. Just a mere few days after my arrival, the Cowboys were playing the NY Giants (my team growing up) and Russ told me he had season tickets (of course he did!). We were able to spend a great day watching a football game - one of the things he loved. 

It was always a pleasure to work with Russ - whether at C-USA, the NCBWA, a postseason football or baseball game, or just something else here in North Texas. Loved our conversations and the loyalty he had to his schools, the profession and the media. I will miss seeing his smiling face at another bowl game, but fully expect we'll see the Miami Dolphins hoisting the Lombardi Trophy with a little Super Bowl help from above. RIP, Russ. -Rob Carolla

I will always be so appreciative to Russ. He was a wonderful teacher, mentor and friend in this business. I learned so much under his guidance - from his work ethic to his tremendous knowledge of all things sports. But most of all - he was an amazing person and truly a great ambassador to Conference USA. My heart goes out to his family as he will be missed. RIP.  -Robin Jentes

I was fortunate to work right next door to Russ Anderson for 13 years. Like his family and many friends, I was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing and send my condolences to those who are hurting as well. Russ was a fantastic co-worker, but an even better friend and person. He loved facts and sure knew what to do with them. He was also the person who always texted me on Mother’s Day, signed my office birthday cards as Bruce Springsteen or Dan Majerle, and didn’t yell at me as I drove us the wrong way down a one-way street in Memphis after a long day at FedExForum. I wanted to share this photo he sent me from a work trip to Miami saying he was “having a magical football day.” I hope everyone appreciates those magical days in their lives and know this is one of the many ways I will remember Russ. -Courtney Morrison Archer

Having a hard time wrapping my arms around this one. Russ was a truly a great friend, colleague and client for many, many years. We just talked at length last week about a myriad of ideas in our changing sports and media world. Russ was a passionate and positive person and as loyal and hard-working as they come. Those of you knew him would say the same. College sports, especially Conference USA, is going to miss this guy. Gone way, way, way too soon. My thoughts are with his friends, colleagues and family. Bless you, Russ. -Ted Gangi

…..he was truly a great person and the little brother I never had! Russ had a kind and modest presence about him and we had so much fun working together for almost 10 years - I miss him and he will always have a special place in my heart. There will never be another Russell Douglas Anderson, and I am blessed that I got to know him - we shared our joys and frustrations together, and I know he is in heaven (knowing Russ, probably on the 50-yard line), looking down on us and smiling like he did at every sporting event he took in. Rest in peace my friend, the media relations world in college athletics has lost a true professional and an even better human being. I love you buddy! -Brian Teter

My tribute to Russ is that I will attempt to replicate his tireless work ethic, common sense perspective and kindness and uncanny ability to find humor in things. It will be a challenge, because Russ was one of a kind. -Pete Rhoda

Since the beginning of Conference USA for me, there has always been one constant. One person who was always there with a smile, one person who could make you feel important with just a simple hello, one person who always knew the answer to your question or that would find someone who could. One person who had the ability to light up every football press box, basketball arena, baseball stadium, or athletic venue with a simple smile and make you feel special. One person that seemed to know the answer to every question you might have about C-USA. 

That person was Russ Anderson. He will be missed by all of us who did radio and television broadcasts involving Conference USA teams, because he always would go out of his way to make sure you had everything you needed to make your broadcast go so smoothly. Thank you Russ for all you did to make Conference USA special. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Your friendship was special to us all. -John Cox

Russ Anderson Made a Difference! I have posted thoughts on the Impresario of Information at my blog: http://billhazenproductions.com/blog My deepest condolences to all who knew him and whose lives have been touched by him. -Bill Hazen

When I heard about Russ' passing, it was like a punch to the gut.  Even though I've been out of the business for over a decade, at times it feels like yesterday that I was working at Houston and Russ was at Conference USA.  Last year Pete Rhoda reached out to some of the early Conference USA SIDs for a Zoom meeting, and it was awesome to hear everyone's voices again, especially Russ'.  I rehashed an old story about how we used to call Russ the "Angel of Death" because every time he would show up to a UH football game, we would end up losing.  It wasn't until the 2006 C-USA Championship Game -- a Houston win over Southern Miss -- that we decided that Russ was now our good luck charm.  Even in defeat, every moment with Russ was a special one, and he was always there to help.  He was the consummate pro, and after reading Chip Namias' eulogy of Russ, I now know why.  He was born to be an SID.  That cannot be said about a lot of people.  Not only did the business lose a talented guy, the world lost a wonderful man and a friend to all.  Goodbye my dear friend...you are certainly just an Angel now. -Chris Burkhalter

News that saddens many of us in the sports world. Sportsmanship goes beyond the fields and the courts and the tracks. Russ exemplified sportsmanship in the press boxes, the conference gatherings and the office. -Doug Moreau

Russ was a very dedicated and hard working young man and made an impression early in his career. -Sherilyn Fiveash

Russ was a good person and a hard worker. I always enjoyed our conversations about DePaul, the conference, and of course our White Sox. Praying for the entire Anderson and C-USA families. -Scott Reed

Pure heart. Good man. Always wanted to help. -Ken Horn

He was a joy to work with and was absolutely the best. We called him at home from our broadcast position in Comerica Arena at Frisco during the NIT to say hello. I’m so glad we had the chance to say hello to him one more time. -Matt Dillon

Very sorry to learn of this sad news. Russ was a great guy and always did his best to help us do our jobs and stay out of trouble with our coaches - that itself was a full-time job. Very grateful to have reconnected with him last Spring after too many years. He will be missed by many, especially those who had the very good fortune to work with him. -Kathleen Jordan Hohl

Russ, you were such a kind soul and a joy to work with. You treated everyone you met with pure kindness and genuine authenticity. I am so grateful I had the chance to work with you at C-USA. You always put a smile on my face and you made my time working there special. Thank you for being so great to me, to Conference USA, and to the entire college sports industry. And you will always be an adopted Spartan in my books. Prayers to all who worked with, knew, and loved him. May you rest in the peace of God. You will be sorely missed. -Chris Ruemenapp

I had the pleasure of working with Russ back in the 1990s at CUSA. He was a great colleague - always willing to help...upbeat...knowledgeable. Prayers for his family, friends, and all current and former colleagues. -Trent Whitney

A genuine treasure. Russ was as good as they come and it was a blessing to have him as colleague and friend. He took the time to develop lasting relationships and long after I had left college athletics, he stayed in touch and checked on me. He is the kind of person you don’t replace. He made a lasting impact on a lot of people and his contributions to Conference USA and college baseball are many. Love you brother. -Randy Burnside

Words fail to express my sorrow for loss of my dear friend. I will certainly miss him and all the shenanigans we would have at the baseball tournaments. Many prayers to his family and friends. -Shirley Jones Hill

Russ was a wonderful person. When I was new to the travel beat at C-USA, he always helped out saying he knew three things “sports, food and travel.” Russ is one of a kind. -Nicole Cartier

Lost a great sounding board and a calming voice. I have said elsewhere that the impact of his loss is going to be felt over and over in the months ahead because he was one of the people who did so much without any fanfare or pronouncement across so many platforms that were not always his direct responsibility. There are few people who we can say became synonymous with their workplace. Russ truly was C-USA. -Chuck Pool Jr.

Russ was the man. I still can't believe it. Cherish the memories...I know I will. -Richie Weaver

So very sad... gone way to early, but from all the many comments I’ve seen and heard today, he made a great impact on so many. We could all be so blessed. We will all miss Russ. -Michael Konradi

He, Brian Teter and Brenda Weare believed in me enough to take a chance on me fresh out of college 20 years ago. They taught me so much!! A great guy who truly cared about the people of Conference USA (coaches, staff and student-athletes). Rest in peace Russ. -Kyeshia Brakes Grady

Russ was just a good man. Would see him once or twice a year somewhere. Always friendly, always helpful. -John Paquette

An incredibly thoughtful and kind person. Loved working with him! -Bill Bridgeforth

Russ was more than a colleague when I worked at the league, but a friend, mentor and confidant. Even after I left athletics, Russ was always there to talk baseball, The Ticket, you name it. Please rest in peace good friend, you are gone but not forgotten. -Tod Meisner

I couldn’t walk down those C-USA halls without poking my head in to get my daily Russ chats. What a special soul. -Toni Gockel

Russ was one of the good guys and he’d always call me with the nicest “hey, Jenn” with a tone that totally was setting me up for a favor ask - and I’d return that same play many times. He was dedicated to his job and did a heck of a job for C-USA but he was also kind, helpful, positive and funny as hell. I’m glad I got the chance to catch up with him on a C-USA SID “alumni” call a couple months ago. He will be missed. -Jennifer Chauffe

We're now in the second baseball weekend without Russ and it's still surreal not to be able to talk with him. I know he's watching down and will make sure we get through the season OK. -Sean Fox

Our first baseball weekend without him and I found myself a couple of times wanting to reach out and let him know of a couple of weird plays that happened and get his thoughts on the scores throughout the league. I already miss just talking about all the things that made both us laugh ad nauseam over the years. He was a great sounding board who also kept a calm voice of reason. -Jack Duggan

Heartbroken to see this news and a great opportunity to celebrate an amazing mentor and friend. We worked together for 2 years at Conference USA and his influence has shaped my professional life since. He taught me diligence, hard work, and consistency because every single day he was an example of each. I spent the first two months of our time working together in awe of his ability to balance several tasks and finish all with extreme efficiency. He became a mentor and more importantly a friend. Last season he came to a Magic game and I was so excited to spend time with him briefly and hear about his life - there wasn’t a harder/more dedicated worker or friend. RIP Russ and thank you so much for everything. Russ and his family will be in my prayers! -Matt Lloyd

There are no words to express the deep sorrow we've no doubt all felt since learning that Russ passed on April 5. I've found myself rereading old text messages and emails, finding reasons to both laugh and cry - sometimes both at the same time. Why he ever took a liking to me, I'll never understand. But I will be eternally grateful that he did. We shared many a ballgame side by side in random press boxes across the Conference USA landscape, and what I would give to have one more ride with the big guy. I love you, buddy. We'll all miss you but we'll never forget what a great light you shined upon us all. -Richie Weaver

I met Russ in 2000 when I first started as the director of media relations at Southern Miss. He was one of the first phone calls I received to welcome me to Southern Miss and to the league. Our friendship and professional relationship grew tremendously from there. We've had many conversations over the years, but you can count on them revolving around or always coming back to baseball, football and eating! The order was determined by the place and the conversation. Russ recruited me to join the NCBWA board in 2002 and from there, I worked with an outstanding professional who couldn't be outworked or who couldn't display more passion for college baseball than he. Russ had a lot of friends and made a tremendous impact on even more. He has left a legacy that is unmatched, and he will be missed tremendously. The NCBWA, Conference USA, and especially his friends and colleagues, lost an all-time great! -Mike Montoro

It was truly a privilege to be friends with Russ Anderson. I regret that I will never have an opportunity to tell him of his profound impact on me - both personally and professionally. Just yesterday, I saw an article that made me think of Russ and wish to text it to him. I am comforted by the fact that he is watching over us in Heaven, cheering us on and reminding us that laughter is always the best medicine. -Pete Rhoda

Sending prayers to all of Russ' family, friends, and colleagues. I had the pleasure of working with Russ in the early days of Conference USA in Chicago, and continued to enjoy talking sports with Russ ever since. I'll miss his detailed NFL predictions every year, as well as his annual message as soon as my Pittsburgh Pirates were eliminated from playoff contention (every year for some 25 years). I know Russ made literally hundreds of sports friends throughout his career - I hope he knew just how much we all valued his friendship. -Trent Whitney

The world has lost a great man and a friend to all. Goodbye my dear friend...you are soaring with the Angels now. -Chris Burkhalter