Spartanburg District Five Schools announced Tuesday that Dr. Russell Howard has been selected as the new Athletic Director for James F. Byrnes High School. The announcement comes following unanimous approval by the District Five Board of Trustees.
Howard has served Byrnes High School for 26 years, first arriving at the school as a teacher and coach in 1993. He left briefly in 2006, to get his first experience as an Athletic Director at Greenville High School, where he served from 2006-2008.
During Howard’s time at Byrnes, he has led the varsity wrestling team to numerous county and region championships, as well as leading many wrestlers to individual state titles. He has also been honored multiple times as “Region Coach of the Year”. Howard also served as an assistant coach over the Rebels offensive line.
“I’m extremely honored to be given this wonderful opportunity,” Howard said in a statement. “Byrnes High School has a rich tradition, not just in athletics, but also in academics. We’re a strong school district in many ways, and the reason we’re so strong is because of this wonderful community.”
Howard said he’s looking forward to building on the school and district’s foundation of community support, in hopes it will inspire continued success for the Byrnes Athletic Department, and all athletic teams and programs. “My years here in District Five have molded me into the person I am, and I want to continue to give back to this district in every way that I can,” Howard stated.
Howard received his Bachelors in History from Wofford College, a Masters in Education from Converse, and a Doctorate of Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy. He will officially begin his new role on July 1.