Russ Genco graduated from Mt. Morris in 1939. He was instrumental in the creation of the Livingston County Parochial School Basketball League in 1960, and coached the St. Patrick’s Mt. Morris boys basketball team in that league for several years. This included boys in grades 7-8, which was called Varsity, and grades 5-6, which was called JV. The St. Patrick’s team played other schools from around the county, played in CYO tournaments, and played an annual game against the Mt. Morris 7th and 8th grade team. After the 7th and 8th grade team was cut at St. Pat’s in 1968, he worked with a committee to help form an intramural league for all those boys aged 15 and over who got cut from the JV and Varsity team at Mt. Morris. He recruited others to coach and referee, and he helped promoted fundraisers to cover insurance and to fix the St. Pat’s gym floor. Six teams were created and they all played a 10-game season with a championship, that included trophies, and a banquet. Stat booklets were also provided for each player. This man was well known for teaching the fundamentals and many critical skills of basketball. He was also a huge role model to many young boys who emphasized character, respect, integrity, service, and self-sacrifice. He coached many boys who went on to successful high school careers at Mt. Morris including many of the 1967 and 1969 Section V championship team members and also several of our Hall of Famers from that time era. He was credited with being a huge factor for why these teams and players were so successful.