THE OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE OFCOLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

Achievements/Awards 

• Top three in the nation as a team, 2022
• 10th place at XC Nationals, 2022 
• Qualified for indoor track nationals in the mile, 2022
• Graduated from the college of undergraduate studies Magna Cum Laude, 2022
• All-Region in XC, 2018
• CCU Athlete of the Year, 2018

• 2022 | Ran in the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships with a time of 30:48.3 … In the NCAA Division II South Central Region Cross Country Championships, Russo had a time of 31:42.4 … Was 14th overall at the Lewis Crossover with a time of 24:26.8 … At the C.U. Time Trial Russo clocked a time of 22:57.5.
• 2021 | Competed in the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships with a time of 31:59.5 … Clocked a time of 31:17.0 in the NCAA Division II South Central Region Cross Country Championships … Ran in the Lewis Crossover with a time of 25:35.7 and the 2021 Roadrunners Invitational with a time of 26:28.7 … Had a time of 19:41.6 in the JK Gold Classic.
• 2020 | Redshirt 
• 2019 | Redshirt 
• 2018 | Became the first Colorado Christian runner to earn South Central All-Region honors … Finished seventh overall at the UCCS Rust Buster 8K (26.35.4) … The top finisher for the squad, and sixth among NCAA Division II runners, at the Missouri Southern Stampede 8K (25:39.7) … The Cougars best finisher at the 8K RMAC Championships (26:12.2) … Was 25th overall the NCAA South Central Championships 10K (32.05.3).

• INSPIRATIONAL PERSON OR QUOTE & WHY | “We’re so busy watching out for what’s just ahead of us that we don’t take time to enjoy where we are.” - Calvin and Hobbes. Paul similarly taught on this topic thousands of years prior, writing, “for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11). These quotes are a reminder for me to take advantage of every race, every workout, every easy run, and every small moment in between. My college career has flown by and I know I will miss it, but I can learn to enjoy it for what it is while it’s here, a gift."
• FAVORITE CCU MOMENT & WHY | “There is no single moment that I can possibly think of that surpasses the many moments of laughter and joy spent with my teammates. CCU cross country and track brought me to CCU, allowed me and my wife to meet, has created lifelong friendships that are more like family, and has not only grown my faith but really rooted it!”
• OUTSIDE OF SPORTS | ”I am a husband to my wife Christina, a Data Analyst at Denver Wealth Management, a board game enthusiast, and a total nerd in general.”
• WHY DID YOU CHOOSE CCU | “My initial reason for looking at CCU was not even to attend, but merely just to start the process of looking at colleges. I had no interest in attending a Christian college, but God really worked on my heart to show me what an amazing opportunity a Christian education could be. In addition to this, a driving force behind my decision was the CCU cross country and track & field team and coaching staff. I remember after taking an official visit one of the athletes on the team walked me to my car and asked if there was anything he could be praying about for me. This was unlike anything I experienced in my high school or any of the other colleges I had visit. The individuals on the team welcomed me, made me feel seen, and were just an absolute pleasure to be around!”
• POST COLLEGE DREAMS | “Work towards becoming a lead advisor at the firm I work for, raise a family with my wife, and continue to live near my friends and family!”