NeveHarms Russ Platt has a long record of helping youth sports.
Russ coached women's softball in the early l96Os. In the 197Os he coached baseball in West Peoria. He has been president of the Manual Booster Club, has repaired bicycles for Toys for Tots, and volunteered set-up of the initial Jumpball Jamboree at the IHSA March Madress Experience.
Russ served as president of the Independent Sports Club in 1984, and for the past 11 years has served as treasurer for the ISC. Under Russ' watch, the ISC has grown to over 700 members, making it easier to perform its mission "...to help provide Peoria area youth the best sports programs in the country."
Russ and his wife Betty celebrated 50 years of marriage last year. He is proud to join the long list of friends who have received this award: Gary Trotter, Dan Shea, Jim Watson, and fellow worker from Illinois Mutual, Chuck McCord.
| 2018 Tri-County male coach of the year Pat Garst Pat Garst (Dunlap High School): Qualified girls in 14 of 18 events at the state track and field meet and scored in each event, winning three relays and the 1600 meters. Dominating the class 2A girls meet, the Eagles became the first team in the three-class era to score 100 points at state. Dunlap’s 102 points were 51 points better than the state runner-up. Garst was named Illinois girls track and field coach of the year. |  |