Russell Bush Joins The Banner Team

Russell Bush, who has covered sports across Carroll County for more than 25 years, has joined The Banner team to provide coverage of Huntingdon athletics.

Russell joined The Banner on September 9, bringing with him more than two decades of experience covering local sports. He began covering Huntingdon football in 2000 for another local newspaper, where he spent the next 25 years covering the Mustangs. Russell recalls writing his first article on notebook paper and, during his first few years, serving as the beat writer for Huntingdon Friday night football.

Since that first article in 2000, Russell’s coverage has expanded to include basketball, baseball, softball, cross country, track and field, soccer and volleyball at the high school level, along with numerous middle school sports.

Russell is also an avid photographer. His work has earned a first-place photography award from the Tennessee Press Association, along with several second- and third-place awards.

Over the years, Russell has covered five state championship football games and numerous playoff games; two state championship baseball games and nine state tournaments; one state championship softball game and five state tournaments; one state championship basketball game and six state tournaments; and two state track and field meets. He has also covered two Middle Mustangs basketball championship games and two Middle School Fillies championship games.

Russell served for eight years on the Carroll County Sports Hall of Fame board, including the last five years as board chair.

He hosts two podcasts. The “Beating Around the Bush” podcast has been running for five years, while “Guys Talking Football with Russell Bush and Eric Swenson," featuring Huntingdon head football coach Eric Swenson, is in its second year. Both podcasts are available through The Banner website, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Russell also spent 10 years as a member of the broadcast team for Huntingdon football on the former 100.9 The Farm radio station. During his final three years with the station, he served as the voice of the Mustangs and also broadcast numerous basketball, softball and baseball games.

He serves as the public address announcer for Huntingdon High School basketball and baseball, as well as Huntingdon Middle School football.

Russell also operates the Huntingdon Sports Pics Facebook page, where he shares photographs from the games he covers. The Banner will work in partnership with Huntingdon Sports Pics to expand and enhance the page for local sports fans.

“I am excited for this opportunity to work with people who have always treated me well over the years. While I have worked [alongside] The Banner in different capacities over the years, we have always had a great relationship, and now I can call them my family. Although I am a Huntingdon guy, I also love Carroll County and look forward to this partnership. I can’t wait to get started,” said Russell.