Gustauvas A. Russ (1974) - Hall of Fame - Brown University Athletics

Gustauvas A. Russ

Induction:
1974
Class:
1906

Gustavus Adolphus Russ '06
Hometown: Hancock, NY
Sport: Football
Year Inducted: 1974

Gustavus Adolphus Russ '06 wrote an amazing football story at Brown. A 6-0, 185 pound end playing in the pre-forward pass era, Russ managed to set records for touchdowns one game (5), most points game (30), and most points season (90). The native of Hancock, NY, also shares the Brown record for touchdowns season (12) and conversions one game (7). His career total of 154 points is second only to the 174 points scored by Dave Fultz '98. Russ captained the 1905 team, which posted a 7-4 record and scored more points (281) than any Brown team before or since. The rawboned Russ did most of his scoring when moved from end to a halfback spot when the Bruins got within the enemy's 10-yard line, although he also reached the end zone on spectacular dashes of 40, 50, and 60-yards with recovered fumbles or blocked punts. Russ spent his boyhood years in Norwich, Conn., attended Worcester Academy, and captained the 1901 Academy team to a 6-1 record. His Brown coach, John "Daff" Gammons '98 once noted that while most wingmen of that era had responsibility for driving the play in and spilling the interference, Russ was able to scatter the blockers and come up with the ball carrier as well, putting his large hands and strong arms to good use. A teammate, the late Fred Schwinn '05, put it this way: Gus loved to hear the bones rattle." Russ was Class Prophet and a member of Delta Phi fraternity. He spent most of his working years as a roofing contractor in Des Moines, Iowa. Now residing with his niece, Eunice Carson, in Mevis, Minn., Gus Russ will celebrate his 95th birthday on November 19.