Coach Russ is a USATF-certified coach and the Head Track, JV Basketball, and Cross Country Coach at Ascend Leadership Academy. A retired U.S. Army Green Beret, he spent over 20 years serving in elite roles—including Special Forces Medical Sergeant and Combat Dive Supervisor.

Off the field, he’s a certified health coach, public speaker, and former competitive triathlete, ultramarathoner, and MMA athlete. His mission is to equip young athletes with the tools to thrive in sport and in life—guided by strength, integrity, and purpose.

He and his wife co-founded Abiding Health & Wellness and are proud parents in a blended family of nine. 

  Coach Jo (Joseph Johnson)
 Coach Jo comes from a military-connected family, where values like discipline, resilience, and integrity were instilled in him early on — qualities that now shape his approach to coaching. A dedicated sprinter throughout middle and high school, he developed a deep love for track and field. Now, as a coach for middle and high school athletes, Coach Jo emphasizes not only physical development but also mental toughness. His philosophy is centered on building strong, fundamentally sound sprinters through strength training, endurance, and disciplined practice, while also fostering a strong, resilient mindset. Off the track, Coach Jo is a devoted husband and proud father of four, committed to leading by example and helping young athletes grow both as competitors and individuals.

Coach Jason Patterson competed from 1998–2005 in events including triple jump, high jump, long jump, 400m, 800m, and relays.
In high school, he earned multiple podium finishes at the Maryland State Championships, including 2nd place in the 4x800m Relay (7:55.16).
At Elizabethtown College, he became MAC Rookie of the Year, a multi-time MAC Champion, and led his team to multiple conference titles.
He earned NCAA DIII All-American honors in Triple Jump (2003) and placed as high as 9th at Nationals, with additional top-11 national finishes in 2004 and 2005.
Known for his versatility and consistency, Patterson excelled in jumps and mid-distance events throughout his collegiate career.