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Northeast graduate has one last chance

Russ Tyson is hoping he can attract college attention at the Adidas Outdoor Nationals.

By BOB PUTNAM, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published June 12, 2002

At 6 feet, 275 pounds, Russ Tyson is a big guy who casts a big shadow. But his size has never been enough to absorb the spotlight on the playing field.

A senior who graduated from Northeast last week, Tyson's athletic career has been spent in the trenches as an offensive lineman and a shot-putter. In other words, he might as well have been on the dark side of the moon.

Relative obscurity figured to be Tyson's lot, even though he played on three playoff teams in football and won back-to-back state titles in track.

Still, Tyson has done his part to make himself known. He has tried to grab the attention of colleges by sending tapes and letters. So far, no offers.

Now, Tyson is down to his last chance.

He is traveling to Raleigh, N.C. to compete in the shot put at the Adidas Outdoor Nationals, a meet that serves as the national championship for high school athletes. The shot put is Friday at 8 p.m.

"It's frustrating not to have a scholarship in place," Tyson said. "I'm not being picky. It's not like I'm just after a Division I school. I wouldn't mind going to a Division II or III school. There's just nothing so far. But I'm not going to let that interfere with anything."

Since winning his second state title last month, Tyson has spent time working out in the gym and practicing his technique on the football field. To get noticed this weekend, Tyson said he needed to throw the metal ball 60 feet, something he has yet to do. At the Adidas Outdoor National last year, the top six each threw 60 feet or better.

"Deep down, I know I have that type of throw in me," said Tyson, whose best is 57-111/2, a mark he achieved on his final throw at the Class 3A state meet. "I think I can pull it out, and I know I'll need something strong in order to get some exposure. It puts more pressure on me, but I think I perform well under pressure."

If Tyson doesn't get that elusive scholarship offer, he said he has a backup plan. He plans to enroll at Florida, Central Florida or South Florida and he is awaiting his SAT and ACT results to see if he qualified for a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship.

"Wherever I go, I'll still be in involved in sports," Tyson said. "I just might have to walk on."

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