Naman Shrestha
Adapted from the 2020 Sports Illustrated article titled ‘Why Aren’t More People Talking About the Ohio State Sex Abuse Scandal?’ by Jon Wertheim, HBO’s ‘Surviving Ohio State’ is a true crime documentary film that delves deep into the decades of sexual abuse and assault allegedly inflicted by Dr. Richard Strauss on male wrestlers, football players, and other students at the Ohio State University. At the time, Russ Hellickson was the head wrestling coach at the University. As per the documentary, he was told about the physician’s abuse by the wrestlers.
Russ Hellickson Spoke in Support of Jim Jordan Amidst the Controversy
During the time of Dr. Richard Strauss’ reported sexual abuse and assault directed towards athletes and students of the Ohio State University, Russell Owen “Russ” Hellickson was the head wrestling coach at the university. In 2018, when the Ohio State University opened an investigation to dig deeper into the allegations against the former student health center physician, who passed away in 2005, the abuse survivors, including several former wrestlers of the college, reached out to Russ for his support. According to the show, the wrestling coach agreed to take a stand for his former students. However, as per CNN, when Russ’ former assistant coach, Jim Jordan, who was a Republican congressman, was alleged to have ignored the signs of abuse, Russ came to his defense.
He stated in a phone interview with CNN, “People are hurt. But based on the story that’s coming out about Doc Strauss, they have every right to be. How it’s impacting their relationship with Jim Jordan is personal and emotional, and I can understand it in a way.” He also claimed that he had talked to the doctor about the alleged physical contact with the students and athletes. He added, “Athletes who I cherished and a coach who I respect to the highest possible level are being torn apart by semantics. Jim Jordan gave his heart and soul to the athletes … this is being driven by hysteria and politics.” Defending his former assistant coach, Russ stated, “Maybe Jim never saw it. Another assistant can’t recall a situation, so it’s everybody’s perception. I sure dealt with it every day but I can’t get into their minds. I can’t speak for someone else. In Jimmy’s mind, maybe he didn’t see it. He was the most disciplined man I’ve ever known.”
Russ Hellickson Had an Impressive Run as a Professional Wrestler
Born May 29, 1948, in Madison, Wisconsin, Russell Owen “Russ” Hellickson attended Stoughton High School, where he was known for his wrestling skills. He not only won three AAU wrestling titles for the high school but also the 1966 WIAA State Meet at 180 pounds. After graduating from high school, he went to the University of Wisconsin and continued pursuing a career in wrestling. By the time he graduated in 1970, Russ had gained recognition on a national as well as international level, given his impressive wrestling performances for the college. Over the years, he went on to win 12 national Freestyle championships, the Tbilisi International in 1974, and one Greco-Roman title.
In the Pan American Games, he made history by becoming the first wrestler to win three gold medals in 1971, 1975, and 1979. 1976 was a huge year for him as he won the USWF Grand Champion Wrestler Award and earned an Olympic silver medal at Montreal. When it comes to his record in the World Championships, he won a bronze medal in 1971, followed by a silver medal in 1979. He was also an integral member of the US Olympic freestyle wrestling team in 1980.
Russ Hellickson Earned a Name For Himself as a Wrestling Coach Too
Married to Nancy, Russ Hellickson joined forces with her to establish The Crossface, a Wisconsin state wrestling newspaper. It later led to them winning two national awards for their contribution — Writers of the Year in 1974 and State Editors of the Year in 1976. Before taking over the role of the head coach for Ohio State in 1986, Russ served as the head coach for Wisconsin for four seasons. However, before that, he was an assistant coach with Wisconsin for a few years. He left his mark as a wrestling coach as well; his awards and accolades are the testimonies for that. With his motivated coaching, he has led his students to multiple All-American titles, national titles, and NCAA championships.
Russ was awarded the 2002 National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) National Coach of the Year and was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in September 2014. Besides that, he has earned several other awards, including Big Ten Coach of the Year in 1991 and 2002, Amateur Wrestling News Man of the Year Award in 1981, and National W Club Man of the Year in 1979. In 1995, he was also inducted into the University of Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame. Given his achievements and contributions in the field, Russ Hellickson is considered one of the most versatile and productive wrestling figures. While his professional life is no secret, he prefers to keep matters of his personal life under wraps. All we can tell is that he prefers to stay away from the limelight and likes to spend time with his family.
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