For Dan Russell, a full trophy case still left a void.
A four-time NCAA wrestling champion and 2004 Olympics coach, Russell learned at the height of his athletic success that there’s more to life than championships.
“I remember winning my fourth NCAA title, coming home with all my trophies and putting them up,” Russell said. “It was the loneliest night of my life.”
That night planted the seeds of a new season for Russell.
In him sprouted an appreciation of the discipline, camaraderie, courage and toughness that sports can provide.
He branched out to become a coach of life as well as sport, both as a pastor at Battle Ground Foursquare Church and motivational speaker.
Now, Russell has a new project that is bearing fruit. It also aims to put Battle Ground on the map beyond your standard Clark County road atlas.
“Battle Ground: Tougher Than Hell” is a four-year project that Russell hopes becomes a full-fledged television series.
The pilot episode follows Russell and mixed martial arts fighter Alex Bubb. They travel to 10 nations over one year in Bubb’s quest to become a professional fighter.
At one point, Bubb is matched against an intimidating pro fighter in Croatia. He clearly feels overmatched. It’s Russell’s challenge to help Bubb overcome his doubts.
To be certain, there are evangelical undercurrents, but the message is universal. Russell doesn’t come across as preachy.
“Facing fear is the big message,” he said. “Hopefully in this show, you’re going to learn some lessons that apply to all of us.”
The show has the equivalent of a major bout on Oct. 11 in Battle Ground. That’s the public premiere of the pilot episode, a free event that Russell hopes will draw an audience of 2,500. Television executives and figures in the mixed-martial-arts community are traveling to the event from across the nation.
A California management company is pitching the show to TV companies and Russell said interest has been high. He said they’ve already turned down one channel that couldn’t provide the exposure they are hoping for.
If “Tougher Than Hell” brings recognition to Battle Ground, it will be in line with Russell’s vision for fighting anxiety in a world that can seem vast and uncertain.
“Looking at the news, we can feel that there’s not much we can do about it, especially when you come from a little town like Battle Ground,” he said. “What I want to begin to capture is watching a community come together with a vision, to watch an impact in one community be inspiring to every community.”
It can be lonely at the top of an awards pedestal, as Russell learned. Embracing a community through the shared struggle of sport is what can fill the void.
Plus, the history of Battle Ground is a metaphor for the show’s message, Russell said. He notes that no physical battle took place at the city’s site because Captain William Strong and Chief Umtuch were able to come to a meeting of the minds.
“The real Battle Ground is in your mind,” Russell said.
IF YOU GO
What: “Battle Ground: Tougher Than Hell” TV pilot premiere.
When: 7 p.m., Oct. 11
Where: Chief Umtuch Middle School, 700 N.W. Ninth St., Battle Ground
Cost: Free
On Web: www.battleground.tv
