Inside College Hockey | Russell named Michigan Tech coach

May 7, 2003
Russell named Michigan Tech coach

By Mike Eidelbes

Michigan Tech named Cornell assistant Jamie Russell as its new head coach Wednesday afternoon. Russell, a Huskies defenseman from 1987-89, replaces Mike Sertich, who retired following the 2002-03 campaign.

Jamie Russell
At A Glance

Age: 36
Education: B.S., Michigan Tech, 1998; M.B.A., Lake Superior State, 1992
Coaching Career: Cornell assistant, 1999-2003; Ferris State assistant 1994-99
Collegiate Playing Career: Cariboo College (Kamloops, B.C.), 1984-86; Michigan Tech, 1987-89
Professional Career: Larjevellan (Sweden), 1989; Winston-Salem (ECHL), 1990; Binghamton (AHL), 1991
Family: Wife, Linda; Son, Ben

"Needless to say I'm very excited to be returning to my alma mater," said Russell in a university press release. "I know people are anxious for Michigan Tech to get back to its winning way and I can assure all those with a vested interest in the program that we will do exactly that."

For the past four seasons, Russell served as an assistant under Mike Schafer at Cornell. During his tenure, the Big Red amassed an 87-39-10 record, won two ECAC regular-season titles, one ECAC playoff championship, made two NCAA Tournament appearances and advanced to the Frozen Four in Buffalo last month. Russell spent five years as an assistant coach at Ferris State prior to joining the Cornell staff.

The 36-year-old Russell played two seasons at Michigan Tech after sitting out the 1986-87 campaign due to transfer rules. He was an assistant captain in both of his seasons in Houghton and scored eight goals and 22 assists in 77 games with the Huskies.

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So Long, Sertie

"We're really excited to have Jamie as our head coach," said Michigan Tech athletics director Rick Yeo. "He is a leader and has been a big part of building successful programs at two different schools."

Russell, the 20th head coach in Husky hockey history, was formally introduced at a press conference at 3:30 p.m. ET.