Jeff Russo, the sports director for Eyewitness News, WKBW Channel 7 in Buffalo, will be the emcee at the 32nd annual Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet on Feb. 18 at the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club.
"We are thrilled to have Jeff as the emcee for our induction dinner," said Randy Anderson, CSHOF president. "We fondly remember his time as the sports director at Channel 8 in Jamestown. His appearance will enhance the ceremonies surrounding the induction of Ron Blackmer, Cal Cederquist, the late Jim Foti, Dan Palmer, Walt Thurnau and Jim Young.
"Plus, Jeff is widely respected for his enthusiasm for local sports. So on an evening that 35 high school, collegiate and other top Chautauqua County athletes will be recognized, it's very appropriate that Jeff will be presiding."
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Rochester native Jeff Russo, the sports director at WKBW Channel 7 in Buffalo, will be the master of ceremonies at the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame Banquet on Feb. 18.
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Russo joined Channel 7 in 2003 as a sports anchor/reporter and was promoted to sports director in December 2007. A native of Rochester, Jeff was excited to get back to Western New York after serving as sports director and anchor for the ABC affiliate in Kearney, Neb. where he was honored with the Associated Press award for "Top Sportscast" in the state. He was also the recipient of six Nebraska Associated Press Awards in his time there.
After graduating from SUNY Fredonia in 1997, Jeff got his start in broadcasting in Jamestown as a sportscaster and reporter for Time Warner Cable Channel 8 from 1998-2001.
In addition to being Channel 7's sports director, he is also a contributor to the "Bills All Access" program and can be seen on the Jumbotron at Ralph Wilson Stadium at halftime during Buffalo Bills home games.
In addition to Russo, two-time Olympic gold medalist Bruce Baumgartner, regarded as the greatest heavyweight freestyle wrestler in American history, will be the guest speaker.
The CSHOF induction banquet on Feb.18 at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club will begin with a hospitality session at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased at Jamestown Cycle Shop, Matt's News in Dunkirk and the Fredonia Food Mart. Tickets can also be ordered by phoning Chip Johnson at 485-6991. The price per ticket is $50. CSHOF members receive a $5 discount.