Radio broadcaster Steve Russell signed off his popular 'SportsScene' show on Tuesday afternoon after four decades behind the mic. (Photo: Doug Engle/via USA TODAY Sports Network)
Russell Signs off 'SportsScene' with a Heartfelt Thank You
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 | General, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — He had callers. He's always had callers. He had more than usual this day.
On Tuesday afternoon, as Steve Russell signed off his lunchtime radio show for the final time, he also had an audience. His family was there. University of Florida President Kent Fuchs was there. Several of Russell's colleagues at WRUF watched as Russell attempted to stay composed in the booth, as did a few officials from the University Athletic Association. Former Gators athletic director Jeremy Foley stopped by earlier in the show, and current Gators AD Scott Stricklin was one of Russell's guests on Monday.
Russell has hosted "SportsScene with Steve Russell" for 27 years, but never a show like Tuesday's. Russell, a longtime professor and broadcaster at the College of Journalism & Communications, is retiring from teaching. He's 69 and looking forward to a break from the day-to-day grind of his popular radio show, which has been a staple on the north central Florida airwaves for four decades.
"I will always remember this,'' Russell said, "always."
Russell is not ruling out a return to sports talk radio in the future, and he plans to continue working for the UAA as a baseball announcer in the spring. But for now, those who have spent noon to 2 p.m. with Russell over the years must find another friend to hang out with over lunch.
A stream of callers ensured Russell knew how much he meant to them. Former Voice of the Gators Mick Hubert was the first to call in. Most of the calls were short and sweet.
Hubert could relate to Russell's final broadcast, having experienced his in May 2022 when he called a UF baseball game in the final assignment of his 33-year run with the Gators.
"It can be a little bit tough, the last one, but enjoy every minute of it,'' Hubert said.
Russell, as he did for two hours on Tuesday, quickly changed the subject to help himself stay composed. He asked Hubert what it's like to be retired.
"I tell you what, I really enjoy it,'' Hubert responded. "I enjoy it better when I'm playing better golf. I've played more golf than I ever dreamed I would."
Russell received calls from longtime listeners, colleagues and friends.
Former UF administrator Mike Hill, now the athletic director at Charlotte, called. Gators volleyball coach Mary Wise and her husband, college basketball broadcaster Mark Wise, each called into the show. Several Gators coaches recorded messages of congratulations that were played during commercial breaks.
Steve Russell is retiring from teaching students in the College of Journalism & Communications. (Photo: Maddie Washburn/UAA Communications)
"We had such incredible memories together," Hill said. "Your impact at that place is huge."
However, the calls that choked Russell up the most were from his former students, who had left UF and found success in the media industry. As the show neared its conclusion, Russell prepared for a final goodbye.
"I wanted to have my next guest be that last person,'' he said.
ESPN host Laura Rutledge, omnipresent on the all-sports network during football season, is one of Russell's best-known former students.
Rutledge arrived at UF uncertain of her future path and found herself in Russell's office to seek an opportunity.
She shared a classy and heartfelt tribute that brought tears to the eyes of some in the studio.
"I've tried to think about how I could possibly sum up what you've meant to me and my career, and there is really no way to put it into words,'' she said. "What I would say is that when I look back on my life, my career, and I come up with a Mount Rushmore of people who have meant so much to me, who have fueled me, who have encouraged me, who have coached me going forward, you are on my Mount Rushmore.
"You have been the one person I could point to repeatedly, who believed in me, who gave me a chance, and that chance has created a career that never in a million years could I have imagined. I'll never forget walking into your office as a freshman at Florida in the spring of my freshman year, being so scared and not knowing what my future would hold, and you were right there to pick me up and to take me on so many adventures over the years, and I could just not be more thankful for you."
Russell had trouble containing his emotions during Rutledge's call, a familiar pattern on Tuesday. He opened the show by warning listeners.
"I will tell you now, I will … [long pause, sniffling] … do my best to make it here,'' he said.
Russell grew up in Middletown, N.Y., and moved south to attend UF in the 1970s. He eventually landed a job in broadcasting in Gainesville and later transitioned to a career at UF as host of "SportsScene."
Russell's show is a throwback in many ways.
Instead of offering hot takes so prevalent in today's sports coverage, he served as an orchestra conductor. Of course, Russell offered his opinions on the Gators and much more, but he had guests from all branches of the sports tree: high school coaches, national media figures and some of the biggest names tied to the Gators and beyond.
Steve Russell, right, with Jeff Cardozo in Florida's baseball radio booth. (File photo: Tim Casey/UAA Communications)
And he had callers. They often were the stars of the show.
"That's what they really enjoyed about your show,'' said his longtime friend and former local media member Marty Cohen, one of Tuesday's out-of-town callers. "You gave them the forum. That's a real skill because not everyone in your profession can do that."
"That's part of the charm,'' Russell said.
Meanwhile, technology kept Russell's show available to Gators fans wherever they were. Many shared stories on Tuesday about how they still listen to Russell despite having moved away. It's their connection to UF and the Gators. They are going to miss him.
"That is such a cool thing," Russell said.
On Tuesday, they called from near and far. Unlike in a typical show, the callers seemed to agree.
One of the regulars, a gentleman they call Swamp Train, perhaps said it best.
"You are going to be missed dearly,'' he said. "Everybody knew not to call me between 12 and 2. That slot is open, and I'm not going to like it."
Russell kept the show moving, the conductor motioning to the orchestra from behind his microphone. He only let discussions stay on him briefly before he transitioned to another caller or story.
He reiterated his most crucial message more than once.
"When I came here in 1998, nobody knows how long you're going to stay,'' he said. "But the most enjoyable thing I did was sitting in this chair and working in the other room with our kids. I owe this place a great deal. I owe this college a great deal. The people I work with here, it's great to walk in the door and work with them every day. I know they have the same goal in mind, which is helping our kids. That, in the end, is what we're here to do."
Finally, it was time for a final goodbye. There was one surprise caller left. Russell was clearly not expecting to hear the voice.
He was the kid, and the caller was the teacher.
"Hi, Steven. This is your 94-year-old mother calling you,'' she said. "Patty and I are here in Middletown listening to your show and want to congratulate you on your retirement. And I want you to know that we love you, and we know that whatever you do, you'll be successful. I love your Steven."
A pause.
"Holy smokes,'' Russell whispered.
He regrouped, got his emotions under control, and soon signed off.
"We'll see what the future holds,'' he said. "But thank you, thank you, thank you.
