West Georgia Athletics

Carrollton, GA - It is with great sadness and regret that The University of West Georgia announces the passing of UWG Hall of Fame member Russ Sharp, who died Wednesday after a long battle with prostate cancer.

The contributions that lead to induction into any hall of fame are often made in front of the public and well chronicled by fans, the media, and others. In the case of Russ Sharp, it was behind the scenes contributions that few could see. However, Sharp’s efforts led directly to many victories and championships by West Georgia teams.
   
Sharp’s first involvement with West Georgia’s program came as a student trainer in 1977. He later became the program’s Head Athletic Trainer and Director of Sports Medicine. Also, Sharp was responsible for overseeing all aspects of athletic training as West Georgia resurrected its football program in 1981.
     
As West Georgia Athletics grew, so did Sharp’s responsibilities. He became business manager for the entire athletic program, a post making him responsible for budgeting, purchasing and travel for all West Georgia teams. Also, he served the school as head golf coach, and executive director of the West Georgia Athletic Booster Club.
   
A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Sharp left West Georgia in 1990 to for a position at Arkansas State University. He later became the Director of Athletics at Centenary (La.) College before becoming associate director of athletics for administration and finance at West Virginia University.