NEWBERG, Ore. — The Newberg-Dundee School District has officially named the wrestling room at Newberg High School in honor of the Russo family, recognizing decades of coaching, leadership, and community impact within the school’s acclaimed wrestling program.

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The School Board voted unanimously in December 2025 to rename the facility the Russo Family Wrestling Room inside the Chuck Caffall Center, citing the family’s sustained contributions to the sport and to generations of student-athletes.

The decision acknowledges the combined legacy of Tony, Pete, and Neil Russo, multigenerational coaches whose involvement with Newberg wrestling dates back to 1968. Members of the family have been instrumental in building the Tigers program into one of Oregon’s most successful, marked by numerous team and individual achievements over many years, including 16 team state championships.

On January 14, 2026, the high school held A public dedication ceremony and alumni event was held on January 14, 2026, drawing community members and supporters to celebrate the family’s impact and to formally unveil the new name.

Pete Russo listens to the speakers as they talk about the Russo Family's impact during the Jan. 14 commemoration ceremony. (Scott Gaede / Newsberg)
Former state champion Bob Hampton, who was coached by Pete Russo, shared words of admiration during the commemoration ceremony on Jan. 14, 2026. (Scott Gaede / Newsberg)
Neil Russo listens to the presentations during the Jan. 14, 2026 wrestling room commemoration ceremony. (Scott Gaede / Newsberg)
Neil Russo addresses the crowd during the Jan. 14, 2026 Russo Family Wrestling Room commemoration ceremony. (Scott Gaede / Newsberg)
NHS Interim Principal and Athletic Director Mark Brown shares stories of the Russo Family during the wrestling room dedication on Jan. 14, 2026. (Scott Gaede / Newsberg)
Former coaches, wrestlers, and staff see the new hanging sign dedicating the wrestling room to the Russo Family during the commemoration ceremony on Jan. 14, 2026. (Scott Gaede / Newsberg)
Neil Russo catches up with the crowd during the Jan. 14, 2026 commemoration ceremony at Newberg High School’s wrestling room. (Scott Gaede / Newsberg)
(From left to right) Tony, Pete, and Neil Russo pose for a photo in front of the new Russo Family Wrestling Room sign on Jan. 14, 2026. (Scott Gaede / Newsberg)
The entire Russo family poses under the new Russo Family Wrestling Room sign at Newberg High School on Jan. 14, 2026. (Scott Gaede / Newsberg)

CORRECTION Jan. 22 at 10:50 a.m. — The original story misspelled Chuck Caffall Activity Center. Newsberg regrets the error.