Canisius University Athletics

Russo is in his second season as a graduate student manager, working directly with the team’s catchers.

During the 2013 season, Canisius made the first appearance in program history in the NCAA Tournament, after winning the MAAC Championship in Trenton, N.J. The Golden Griffins appeared in the Chapel Hill Regional, falling 6-3 to No. 1 overall seed North Carolina in a first-round game. Canisius set the program and conference records with 42 wins in 2013.

In 2013, starting catcher Brooklyn Foster tied for the team lead with a .360 batting average en route to being named to the All-MAAC Second Team. The Griffs’ catchers threw out 30 percent of opposing base stealers last season.

Russo previously spent three seasons with the Golden Griffins as a catcher, playing in a career-high 49 games during his senior season in 2011. The Buffalo, N.Y. native posted a career-best 32 hits, 23 RBI and 20 runs scored.

Russo graduated from Canisius in 2011 with a Bachelor’s degree in finance and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in sport administration.