Wrestling has taken Joseph Russo to five continents and many countries.

His international officiating experience has enriched his life and he has returned that rich experience many times over through his coaching and volunteer efforts in wrestling.

Russo officiated seven World Championships, five Olympic Trials, four Pan American Championships and dozens of other tournaments.

He was the staging manager for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta while representing his county wrestling programs as the sectional chairman for USA Wrestling for several years.

Joe pioneered the Lindenhurst Kid Wrestling program and achieved many outstanding accomplishments as a coach, including three coach-of-the-year trophies, nine sectional champions, four team champions, and participating as a member of the SA Wrestling coaching staff for 10 years.

His service to wrestling has been recognized by The Suffolk Country Coaches Association with the presentation of its “Grand Master Award” in 1995 and being honored by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame with its Lifetime Service to Wrestling award.