Ride for Russ (20th Anniversary)
UNF Cross Country teammates Jeffrey Hill, Christopher Madzik, Matt Nelson, Adam Pugh, Jeremiah Reckart and KC Reeves join friend Kevin Lucciola and sister Kristi Novak surrounding the 20th anniversary of the first Ride for Russ.
Glenn Russell “Russ” Steward was a UNF cross country runner from 1999-2002. Jeremiah Reckart (’03), his roommate and one of his teammates, says that Russ was the guy everyone got along with, everyone loved, and he really could make you laugh. “He was the smallest guy on the team and gave himself the nicknamed ‘The Muscle’ which just shows you he wasn’t taking himself too seriously,” Reckart said.
Kristi Novak, Steward’s older sister by 17 months, said the age difference did’t mean anything because they were always very close, and even though he was younger, he was always protective of her. She said they always had the same circle of friends growing up, and they always had each other’s backs. “He had my back when I started dating,” Novak said. “He made sure that boys treated me right, and I had his anytime he had a crazy idea.”
Even years later, the love and admiration of Russ’ cross country teammates is ever present.
“Russ was a guy who had this incredible ability to change your mood by just smiling, which he did often,” said KC Reeves (’05). Even today, all Reeves can remember is him smiling, laughing and joking around with them. Christopher Madzik (’03) said, “Russ was the type of guy that would make you laugh without even trying.” Madzik said the semester he was living with Russ was full of fun times, but most of those stories aren’t for the public. Russ was known for always giving his best effort and encouraging his teammates. Jeffrey Hill (’03) said “he was an inspiration to those around him and a natural leader.”
Matt Nelson (’02) said one of the things he loved about Russ is he saw the world from a unique lens. “I am unaware of anyone else that ever contemplated, much less attempted, a summer training program that included running up the East Coast of Florida and beyond, but to Russ the thought seemed not only possible but likely.” Novak said, “When he wanted to run from Pompano to Jacksonville and their mom was less than thrilled, she helped her give in to the idea because let’s face it he was never going to give up.” In 2000, Russ and a friend attempted to run the coast of Florida from Pompano Beach to Jacksonville. They had to stop due to an injury, but Russ vowed to finish at a later date.
In 2001, Russ was struck by a car during a training run. Though doctors gave him a slim chance of survival, Russ pulled through. After extensive physical and mental rehabilitation, he returned to UNF in the fall of 2002. Kevin Lucciola (’03), one of Steward’s college friends, said “seeing how hard [Russ] worked after his accident to get back to UNF, and especially his faith in God during his most difficult times, really inspired me.”
Reckart said after the recovery, he would still come to practice, support the team and go for runs. “He could maybe run ¼ mile because of some of the complications from the crash, and I’m sure he was in pain, but you would never know,” Reckart said. He said that the rest of the team would run with him at his pace, but Steward would jokingly say “Alright guys, I need you to get out of here. You are slowing me down.” Adam Pugh said “When I think about Russ, my heart fills with love. ‘Kryptonite’ from 3 Doors Down comes to mind because he was my Superman.” Pugh said Russ never stopped smiling and always inspired him to be a better person.
Tragically, shortly after returning to UNF, Russ passed away due to an undiagnosed heart condition on Sept. 16, 2002. Novak said the year between the accident and his death was truly remarkable to watch. “He touched and saved so many with his testimony,” she said. “He struggled a lot after the accident, determined to go back to school but never once said ‘Why me?’ He always knew there was a greater purpose.”
A year after Russ passed, his teammates and friends vowed to finish his coastal run by cycling from Steward’s last dorm room at UNF to his final resting place in Pompano Beach. It was done to honor him and his amazing, loving family. “The trip was grueling at times, but during that period if you thought of Russ and why you were doing it, the pain went away and his spirit would rise in us,” Reeves said.
The group completed the first Ride for Russ themed “Finishing What He Started” and raised $25,000, which created the Russ Steward Memorial Track & Cross Country Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship is now awarded each year to a student-athlete that embodies Russ’s work ethic and eagerness to motivate and encourage teammates. “We all have special stories and memories of Russ, but for me the lasting impact he had was his perseverance,” Lucciola said.
Now 20 years later, the theme this year is “Hustle for The Muscle,” a nod to his nickname, and is about sharing his memory with a new generation. Jeffrey, Chris, Matt, Adam, Jeremiah, KC, Kevin and Kristi all have their spouses and children joining along for the ride this year to honor Russ’ memory and legacy.
“Russ was the best of us and I hope I have made him proud with what I have done in my life and continue to tell others how he lived,” Madzik said.
“I miss him so much, but I am reminded that he still watches over me and gives me that voice to never give up,” Novak said.
If you are reading this, all the original riders encourage you to join the Run or Ride for Russ 350 Challenge at your own pace and make your gift of any size today.
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Jeffrey is joined by his wife Kimberly and children Madeline and Braden.
Christopher is joined by his wife Kristen and daughter Audrey.
Matt is joined by his wife Becky and daughters Emily, Chelsea and Kinsley.
Adam is joined by his wife Colleen and children Connor and Aidan.
Jeremiah is joined by his wife Angela and his children Juliette and Augustine.
KC is joined by his wife Tatiana and sons Sebastian and Alexander.
Kevin is joined by his wife Megan, and children Kevin, Christian and Faith.
Finally, Kristi is joined by her husband Donny and children Nylah and Landon.