Ride for Russ Begins at Visit Jax Track at Hodges Stadium
12/7/2022 5:11:00 PM | General
Group Begins Four-Day Trek in Conjunction With Glenn Russell Steward Memorial Scholarship
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Donning cyclist jerseys with "Hustle for the Muscle" lettered on the back, a group of friends, former teammates and family members began the four-day trek on their bicycles in honor of Glenn Russell "Russ" Steward, known amiably as "the muscle".
The ride began this morning and is expected to run through Dec. 10 as the group rides from Hodges Stadium to Pompano Beach, Fla., to honor Russ, a UNF cross country runner and student-athlete from 1999-02. The group began the trip with a commemorative lap around the Visit Jax Track at Hodges Stadium Wednesday morning.
The four-day ride, known as the "20th Anniversary Ride for Russ", isn't the only commemorative act for Russ' impact, as the Glenn Russell Steward Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in his honor. A total of 96 supporters have already donated to the scholarship fund, with the scholarship helping recipients pursue excellence as student-athletes.
Russ competed for the UNF cross country team from 1999-02 and was known for his persistent work ethic, infectious personality and uplifting nature. In 2000, Russ and a friend aimed to make the run from Pompano Beach to Jacksonville, although an injury put the run on hold. Roughly one year later, Russ was struck by a vehicle while on a training run. Despite being given a slim chance of survival, Russ endured extensive mental and physical rehabilitation to return to North Florida in 2002, inspiring his teammates and classmates.
Tragically, Russ passed away after returning to UNF as a result of an undiagnosed heart condition. The "Ride to Russ" and the now existing scholarship fund would be conceived in his honor, with the ride to his burial site at Pompano Beach finally coming to fruition December of 2022.
Joining the ride are the following:
*More on the Ride for Russ
A year after Russ passed, his teammates and friends vowed to finish his coastal run by cycling from UNF to Russ's final resting place in Pompano Beach, FL. The first Ride for Russ was an emotional tribute to a great friend and a way for his friends and teammates to come together to create a scholarship in his memory. The group completed the first Ride For Russ themed "Finishing What He Started" and raised $25,000, which created the Russ Steward Memorial Track & Cross Country Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship is now awarded each year to a student-athlete that embodies Russ's work ethic and eagerness to motivate and encourage teammates.
Now, after 20 years the theme is "Hustle for The Muscle," a nod to his nickname, and is more about sharing his memory with a new generation. Russ was well-known as a big dreamer and a hard worker, and what better way to honor that than by pushing your comfort level and committing to the 350-mile Ride For Russ or Run For Russ. The original group of riders encourages anyone to join in the 350-mile ride from Jacksonville to Russ's final resting place in Pompano Beach December 7-10, 2022. They also encourage anyone to commit to riding or running 350 miles on their own or doing any other physical activity that will allow them to "Hustle for The Muscle."
*Why Your Support is Important
The Russ Steward Memorial Track & Cross Country Endowed Scholarship keeps Russ's legacy as a part of the UNF Track & Cross Country team alive and helps to inspire future generations of student-athletes. The scholarship helps recipients dedicate their efforts to excellence in both athletics and academics.
We encourage you to join the Run or Ride for Russ 350 Challenge at your own pace and make your gift of any size today. More information can be found here on Facebook.
A special thank you goes to our first corporate sponsor, Patriot Rail, for their generous gift of $4,000 to help motivate others to make their impact. Thank you for your support!
*Noting information gathered from the Ride for Russ, Run for Russ, Hustle for the Muscle fundraising page
The ride began this morning and is expected to run through Dec. 10 as the group rides from Hodges Stadium to Pompano Beach, Fla., to honor Russ, a UNF cross country runner and student-athlete from 1999-02. The group began the trip with a commemorative lap around the Visit Jax Track at Hodges Stadium Wednesday morning.
The four-day ride, known as the "20th Anniversary Ride for Russ", isn't the only commemorative act for Russ' impact, as the Glenn Russell Steward Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in his honor. A total of 96 supporters have already donated to the scholarship fund, with the scholarship helping recipients pursue excellence as student-athletes.
Russ competed for the UNF cross country team from 1999-02 and was known for his persistent work ethic, infectious personality and uplifting nature. In 2000, Russ and a friend aimed to make the run from Pompano Beach to Jacksonville, although an injury put the run on hold. Roughly one year later, Russ was struck by a vehicle while on a training run. Despite being given a slim chance of survival, Russ endured extensive mental and physical rehabilitation to return to North Florida in 2002, inspiring his teammates and classmates.
Tragically, Russ passed away after returning to UNF as a result of an undiagnosed heart condition. The "Ride to Russ" and the now existing scholarship fund would be conceived in his honor, with the ride to his burial site at Pompano Beach finally coming to fruition December of 2022.
- To visit the scholarship fund site, click here.
- To visit the Ride for Russ Facebook Page, click here.
Joining the ride are the following:
- Kristi Novak - Sister
- Kevin Lucciola - College friend
- Jeffrey Hill - Friend and teammate
- Jeremiah Reckart - Friend, teammate and roommate
- KC Reeves - Friend and teammate
- Matt Nelson - Friend and teammate
- Christopher Madzik - Friend, teammate and roommate
- Adam Pugh - Friend and teammate
*More on the Ride for Russ
A year after Russ passed, his teammates and friends vowed to finish his coastal run by cycling from UNF to Russ's final resting place in Pompano Beach, FL. The first Ride for Russ was an emotional tribute to a great friend and a way for his friends and teammates to come together to create a scholarship in his memory. The group completed the first Ride For Russ themed "Finishing What He Started" and raised $25,000, which created the Russ Steward Memorial Track & Cross Country Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship is now awarded each year to a student-athlete that embodies Russ's work ethic and eagerness to motivate and encourage teammates.
Now, after 20 years the theme is "Hustle for The Muscle," a nod to his nickname, and is more about sharing his memory with a new generation. Russ was well-known as a big dreamer and a hard worker, and what better way to honor that than by pushing your comfort level and committing to the 350-mile Ride For Russ or Run For Russ. The original group of riders encourages anyone to join in the 350-mile ride from Jacksonville to Russ's final resting place in Pompano Beach December 7-10, 2022. They also encourage anyone to commit to riding or running 350 miles on their own or doing any other physical activity that will allow them to "Hustle for The Muscle."
*Why Your Support is Important
The Russ Steward Memorial Track & Cross Country Endowed Scholarship keeps Russ's legacy as a part of the UNF Track & Cross Country team alive and helps to inspire future generations of student-athletes. The scholarship helps recipients dedicate their efforts to excellence in both athletics and academics.
We encourage you to join the Run or Ride for Russ 350 Challenge at your own pace and make your gift of any size today. More information can be found here on Facebook.
A special thank you goes to our first corporate sponsor, Patriot Rail, for their generous gift of $4,000 to help motivate others to make their impact. Thank you for your support!
*Noting information gathered from the Ride for Russ, Run for Russ, Hustle for the Muscle fundraising page
Softball: Coaches Show at Island Wing Co | Episode 2
Friday, March 20
Men's Basketball: 25-26 River City Rumble Hype Video
Saturday, February 28
Softball: Coaches Show at Island Wing Co
Friday, February 27
NORTH FLORIDA MEN'S BASKETBALL | Post Game Presser vs FGCU
Friday, February 27
