Since graduating from the University of Delaware in 2009, Newark football head coach Jody Russell has served as a volunteer in just about every capacity for the Delaware Foundation for Reaching Citizens (DFRC) Blue-Gold All-Star football game and activities leading up to it.
He has been a member of the athletic committee in roles that include assistant camp director for eight years, camp director for five, and ultimately became the committee chair in 2018.
He was an assistant coach in 2003 and 2007 and was named the head coach of the Blue team in 2009 while working as the head coach at the Tatnall School. And now, at the 67th annual game, he will represent Newark High as head coach again.
“I am really excited to be the head coach this year,” Russell said. “I have two former players coaching in the game with me from my 2007 Tatnall teams.”
Those coaches are current Newark assistant Jordan Biscoe and Chet Walters from Conrad School of Science. Newark assistant coaches Darren Brodie and Tyran Rice will also serve on Russell’s staff, along with long-time Blue-Gold committee member and Howard head coach Dan Ritter. Rice and Ritter both played at Glasgow High School.
Russell played on the Blue squad in the 1994 game, which “kicked off” his passion for what has become a volunteer commitment spanning more than two decades.
“I love the message and the mission of DFRC,” he added. “It’s a special cause.”
All proceeds from the game and accompanying activities benefit DFRC, which provides grant funding to support organizations and programs that enrich the lives of Delaware citizens with intellectual disabilities. The game, which was first played in 1956, will be held at Delaware Stadium on June 16.
Appoquinimink High head coach Brian Timpson will coach the Gold squad. Timpson led the Jaguars to the 2022 Class 3A District 1 title.
Holiday sports happenings
Over the holiday break, Newark Charter School boys’ basketball team is taking part in the Viking Invitational at St. Elizabeth High School. Their opening game is Dec. 27 at 11:45 a.m. against Sankofa Academy from Pennsylvania. The girls’ team is playing Saint Mark’s in the Diamond State Classic on Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. at the Tatnall School.
The Saint Mark’s wrestling team will grapple at the Wetzel Classic on Dec. 28 at Hatboro-Horsham in Pennsylvania. Red Lion Christian Academy’s wrestling team is taking part in the Battle at the Beach at Indian River High School on Dec. 29.
Caravel Academy’s boys’ basketball team takes on Archbishop Carroll (D.C.) on Dec. 28 at a tournament held at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The girls’ team is playing in the Diamond State Classic and will play Cicero N. Syracuse High School (N.Y.) on Dec. 29 at 3 p.m. and St. Frances Academy (Md.) on Dec. 30 at 6:30 p.m.
New Christina School District ticket policy
The Christina School District has moved to an online payment system for girls’ and boys’ basketball games. Tickets will no longer be sold at the door. Once purchased, tickets can be printed, or patrons can use the QR Code on their cell phones that will be sent after purchase. The link to purchase tickets is https://www.msbtickets.com/newarkhighschool/schoolevents.
This new cashless system does NOT apply to other winter sports, only basketball games.
In my opinion only
The World Cup caught the attention of more Americans than ever before thanks in large part to the Premiere League fan base that exists here in America. I wish my generation could take credit for it, but we can’t. Instead, it’s the 30- and 40-something crowd not only following soccer overseas but encouraging their children to do the same. And it doesn’t hurt that the Philadelphia Union had their best season ever. With the penalty kick finish in this year’s World Cup final attracting even the non-sports Super Bowl-like fans, the build-up for the 2026 event here in America has officially commenced.
Wrapping it up
UD linebackers Johnny Buchanan (first team) and safety Kedrick Whitehead (third team) were recognized on the 2022 Associated Press FCS All-America football team. … Caravel senior Luke Poore finished in eighth place in the 126-pound weight class of the prestigious Beast of the East wrestling tournament held last weekend at the Bob Carpenter Center. Teammate Eddie Radecki reached the quarterfinals of the 120-pound weight class.
In our next edition, I’ll share my Top 10 local sports stories of the year. Send me an email or reach out on Twitter if you have a suggestion.
Until next time … Happy Holidays!
Have a sports tidbit to share? Email JonBuzby@hotmail.com and follow on Twitter @SportsBuzzPost.
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