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Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2024
There are very few people at a university who positively impact the lives of virtually all student-athletes while they are there. For many years, Russ Fiore was that person at Brown.
Russ earned degrees from the University of Rhode Island, the University of Arizona, and Northeastern University before arriving on College Hill in 1979 as the legendary Frank George's assistant athletic trainer.
Brown Athletic Hall of Famer Frank George said, “I have known and worked with Russ as his immediate supervisor since 1979. Without reservation, I will say that he is the most accomplished, conscientious, and dedicated athletic trainer I have ever worked with.”
In a short time, Russ was elevated to associate head athletic trainer in 1983 before becoming the head athletic trainer in 1999, a role he served with distinction for 20 years.
Russ was and remains beloved by all. In addition to his unique ability to treat and rehabilitate student-athletes from injury, his sense of humor and bedside manner made him a pleasure to be around. Russ poured his heart and soul into Brown Athletics and enjoyed seeing our teams and student-athletes achieve great success by competing for and winning championships.
When he wasn’t working 80-hour weeks in season, he was also an inventor and innovator in his profession. He received patents for many of his inventions, including ankle braces, exercise devices, and tools to help people in his profession better treat the athletes they serve. Many of these inventions are still used today.
A runner and golfer who has always kept himself in top shape, Russ has discovered a new passion in retirement: pickleball, which he plays regularly throughout the state.
Perhaps the greatest tribute to Russ is when student-athletes return to campus and thank Russ for treating them medically and always putting a smile on their faces.
In short, Russ Fiore is a revered figure in Brown Athletics.
After retiring from Brown, he volunteered for two years in the Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy Department at the VA Medical Center in Providence.
Russ and their wife, Karlene P'99, have two children, Matthew and Melanie.
