When the final bell rings at Monticello High School, it's time for Chris Russo to start his favorite part of the day. That’s when he goes from Mr. Russo, history and economics teacher, to Coach Russo, leading the Monticello Panthers boys basketball team on the court.

“This is my 25th year of teaching, and I’ve been coaching every year," Russo said.


What You Need To Know

  • For the last 20 years, Chris Russo has taught history and coached basketball at Monticello High School

  • Russo was awarded New York boys basketball coach of the year by the National Federation of State High School Associations

  • Russo was nominated for the award by former Roscoe Athletic Director Fred Ahart, and Monticello Central School District Director of Athletics Kurt Buddenhagen

After starting his career at Roscoe, the man students and athletes alike call "Coach" has spent the last 20 years at Monticello. And he’s spent every year coaching basketball.

“There’s a lot of energy when it comes to coaching young kids like this," Russo said.

But this year is a little more special than the rest. Russo was surprised when he heard he was named New York Boys Basketball Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

“It was really special to be recognized, not simply because we’ve had the most outstanding players or I’ve had the most success in terms of wins and losses," he said, "but because of a lot of the other things that we do.”

Those other things include yearly charity games that raise money for the cancer unit at Garnet Medical Center in Harris. Russo says these games have helped raise $50,000 for cancer research.

And while Russo is thankful for the recognition, he’s appreciative of the Monticello staff, his coaches and players, and his family, because of the sacrifices he’s had to make over the years while coaching.

“It's worth it because we’re giving kids an opportunity to do something special, to be a part of something bigger than themselves, something rewarding and a lifetime full of memories," Russo said.