Jim Russell
| Title: | Head Coach |
| Phone: | 218-855-8213 |
| Email: | james.russell@clcmn.edu |
Jim Russell is entering his 27th season as the head coach of the men’s basketball team at Central Lakes College and has an extensive amount of success during his years involved in the program. With an impressive overall record of 519-213 and a conference record of 257-71, Coach Russell has led his teams to eight conference titles, 20 state tournament appearances, and three NJCAA National Tournaments (2007-08, 2011-12, and 2018-19). He achieved his 500th career win last year and was named MCAC Basketball Coach of the Year for the 2021-22 season. Coach Russell has earned multiple coaching honors, including Region XIII Coach of the Year in 2008, 2012, and 2019, and MCAC Coach of the Year in 1998, 2004, 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2019.
In addition to his on-court success, Coach Russell takes great pride in the development of his student-athletes. He emphasizes hard work, fundamental skills, and personal growth, helping players excel academically and athletically while advancing to play at both NAIA and NCAA colleges and universities. Russell was also recently inducted into the Hall of Fame at Western Colorado University.