Sean Russell
Sean Russell, head coach of RTC South and Minion Training Center, has been named Baylor School’s varsity wrestling coach.
Mr. Russell became the head coach of RTC South in June of 2021 after an impressive collegiate career. RTC South is a premier wrestling development program that has produced numerous high school state champions, Fargo champions, and All-Americans.
“I'm incredibly honored and excited to take on the role of head coach for Baylor wrestling.
Baylor’s tradition of excellence, both in the classroom and on the mat, is something I deeply respect and am eager to build upon. My goal is to elevate this program to be the most premier wrestling powerhouse in the U.S.,” said Mr. Russell.
"Our athletic department and wrestling program can continue along its trajectory of excellence with Sean Russell as our head wrestling coach,” added Baylor School Athletic Director Mark Price. “His background as both an elite competitor and coach will offer tremendous benefits to our athletes at Baylor. He will provide mentorship for our athletes in the most positive ways both in and outside of the wrestling room."
A four-time state champion and NCAA Division 1 All-American, Mr. Russell has coached several athletes to national prominence, including NCAA qualifiers and Southern Scuffle finalists. Through RTC South, he helped UTC wrestlers secure conference championships and national tournament berths.
Mr. Russell is also the head coach and founder of Minion Training Center, a wrestling facility in Chattanooga with specialized programs dedicated to the growth and development of wrestlers of all levels, from beginners to elite competitors. His expertise in business operations, team building, and tournament coordination has positioned Minion Training Center as a nationally recognized program.
After its first year in operation, Minion Training Center was honored as the Tennessee AAU Boys Club of the Year, and Sean was named Coach of the Year.
Collegiately, Mr. Russell wrestled for Edinboro University before transferring to the University of Minnesota for his final season. While competing for the Fighting Scots, he was a three-time EWL Champion, three-time NCAA Qualifier, and 2017 NCAA All-American at 125 lbs.
For the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Mr. Russell compiled a 28-6 record with 18 bonus point victories and finished 3rd place at the 2019 Big Ten Championships. Russell finished his illustrious career with 125 wins to only 30 losses and qualified for the NCAA Championships four times.
Mr. Russell’s career extended to the national stage after college, where he qualified for the 2020 Olympic Trials by winning the Last Chance Qualifier. His impressive run included wins over NCAA Champion Darian Cruz (6-4) and NCAA Runner-up Jack Mueller (5-4) before dominating 2-time All-American Zane Richards (12-4) in the finals. A week later, he finished 1-2 at the Trials.
The Georgia native attended Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Ga., where he won four GHSA state championships and compiled a 240-11 career record. In 2013, he was an NHSCA Junior National Championship and 3rd Team ASICS All-American. Russell was ranked as high as number one in the country during his high school career.
Mr. Russell replaces Rex Kendle who is leaving Baylor in June for a job in the private sector.
"I am thrilled to welcome Sean to the Baylor community as our new head wrestling coach. He joins our program as only the fourth coach since the legendary Luke Worsham ushered Baylor wrestling into the national spotlight and set the stage for decades of dominance," said Baylor’s Head of School Chris Angel '89. "I also want to commend Baylor Athletic Director Mark Price for his leadership in conducting a thorough national search to find the best fit for our program."