Rick Russo
WVLT Sports Director
Knoxville, TN
Rick Russo is the Sports Director for WVLT News.
He arrived in Knoxville in August of 1987 when the station call letters were WTVK. Rick remained with the station as it transitioned to VHF becoming WKXT. The final transformation came with the acquisition by Gray Television and the switch of our call letters to WVLT.
Rick's first UT football game was the Kickoff Classic in the Meadowlands in 1987 and he's enjoyed covering the Big Orange ever since, including the memorable championship season of 1998.
Rick has had the pleasure of reporting on everything from high school football to NASCAR and even Super Bowls.
He's been married for 32 years and has two lovely daughters. Rick's family is proud to call East Tennessee home.
UT’s 39 rushing yards allowed marked the 19th time surrendering less than 100 yards under defensive coordinator Tim Banks.
Alcoa, West, Maryville and Catholic and Coalfield among highly ranked teams
The Tornadoes top man named High School Football Coach of the Week by the Titans Foundation
Vols will host 2nd annual Visit Knoxville Collegiate Tournament
UT WR Coach Kelsey Pope says, "They love playing for that guy"
Nico Iamaleava throws for a UT record 314 yards in half tossing 3 TD passes in the process
Carson-Newman opens Ashley Ingram era with a 50-7 victory over Reinhardt
Tennessee welcomes #7 Penn State to Food City Center Friday night
Varsity All Access powered by 5Star Preps is ready to kickoff the new season
Tennessee to face six Power-5 opponents prior to SEC play
Junior Dylan Sampson leads a talented group into the new season
Russell Biven and Football Night Live set to kickoff on MyVLT
Several teams across East Tennessee participated in jamborees for fans to get a preview of what they can expect on Friday nights this fall.
Tennessee’s revamped secondary was the topic of conversation on Monday after the Vols completed their 10th practice of preseason training camp.
Vols leaning on experience heading into new season
Dandridge native Peter Malnati holds annual Kids’ Classic to benefit young golfers in East Tennessee
Tony LaRussa led team won 1978 Southern League Championship
SEC Media projects Tennessee to finish 7th in League standings
Tuesday was Tennessee Day at the annual pre-season football meetings
Tennessee takes its turn at the 2024 SEC Football Media Days on Tuesday at the Omni Hotel in downtown Dallas
Knoxville AAU girls basketball team earns World Championship
Curley is the seventh UT player to earn postseason All-America recognition
Tennessee opens play Friday night in Omaha against Florida State
Tennessee will practice at Charles Schwab Field on Thursday
Karns and Gibbs High Schools will host this years Knox Co. Jamboree’s
Thunder Valley Nationals back at Bristol Dragway
#1 Seed Tennessee and #4 Seed Evansville begin play in Knoxville Super Regional Friday afternoon
Tennessee and Louisville basketball to play home and home series beginning next season
Chris and Kate Malveaux named Co-Head coaches at the University of Auburn
Burdick becomes the 15th Lady Vol basketball player to earn a spot on a USA team at the Olympic Games
Tennessee opens with Northern Kentucky Friday night at 7:00 p.m.
Vols to face Miami in annual Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden
Kell was a two-time consensus All-American and three-time All-SEC selection
Tennessee opens with Northern Kentucky Friday night at Lindsey Nelson Stadium
Gottshall and Pickens are Tennessee’s 20th and 21st NFCA All-Americans
Lady Vols eliminated by rival Alabama in the Knoxville Super Regional
Alabama wins longest ever NCAA Softball Super Regional game, 3-2
Harry Higgs birdied his final 4 holes finish at 11 under par
3-Seed Tennessee rallies to beat 14-Seed Alabama 3-2 in game one of the Knoxville Super Regional at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium
Admirals cruise in baseball while Carter wins first ever State softball match-up
Kentucky’s loss to Vanderbilt on season’s final day opens door for top ranked Tennessee
Tennessee (42-10) advances to play in Sunday’s regional fina
Tennessee upsets 8-Seed UCLA and becomes first 16-Seed in the modern format to advance
