Head Coach Boys Basketball

Eisenhower High School

1957-1969

Inducted January 2018

Joe Russell was Decatur public high school's first African-American head coach, but he was one of the best Panthers round ball coaches. As the boys’ basketball head coach, Joe compiled a won-loss record of 171-99 in his 10 years roaming the courtsides, earned four Capital conference titles, two Decatur City titles, and the 1969 Carbondale Holiday Tournament title. Joe’s daughter, Candace Durham, is writing a book on her father’s achievements.