Russell attend the College from 1959 to 1965. He was a member of McArthur House and received house colours for rowing. He was member of a number of Exploration Society trips, including Lake Tarli Karng, Otways and North East Victoria in 1963. In the cadets Russell reached the rank of CSM and rowed in the 4^th VIII crew. In 1965 he was Dux of his Form.  Following school, Russell went on to become a teacher.