In Memory of James “Russ” Ebbets, DC

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of James “Russ” Ebbets, DC, a husband, coach, athlete, author, editor, chiropractor, and friend to many. Russ passed away on August 29, 2025, while under the care of Tompkins County Hospice. He was 72 years old at the time of his passing.

Known simply as “Russ” to most, he devoted his life to advancing athletics and health care in profound ways. He served as President of the USATF Niagara Association from 2021–2023, during which time he worked tirelessly as Meet Director for numerous association events, including the Empire State Classics. Prior to serving as president, he held various roles within USATF Niagara, including chair of the High Performance committee.

Contributions to Sports Medicine and Athletics
Russ’s career was defined by service to both athletics and chiropractic care. He was recognized by the American Chiropractic Association Sports Council for his pioneering work bridging chiropractic science and sport performance, including a presentation on Chiropractic Care and Training Theory.

He was selected to serve as USA National Team Chiropractor at several international competitions, including the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Maebashi, Japan (1999), the IAAF Junior Championships in Kingston, Jamaica (2002), and the IAAF World Championships in Helsinki, Finland (2005). He also served as Head Chiropractor for the Pan American Junior Games in Bridgetown, Barbados (2023) and at the Carifta Games in Turks and Caicos (2007).

Coaching Education and Thought Leadership
As an educator and speaker, Russ shared his expertise on some of the nation’s most prestigious platforms. He was an invited lecturer at the USA Track & Field High Performance Workshop in Las Vegas (2005, 2006), where he presented on distance running training strategies, including techniques for decreasing ground contact time.

He was a cornerstone of the USATF Coaching Education Program, instructing across Levels I, II, and III on topics such as biomechanics, sport psychology, sprint and distance training, restoration and regeneration, balance, proprioception, and speed development. Over the course of his career, he organized and participated in more than 50 USATF Level 1 Coaching Education Schools. In recognition of his decades of service, Russ was honored with the USATF National Coaching Education Legacy Award in 2024.

At Union College, he founded the women’s track & field program and served as Meet Director for numerous New York State Collegiate Championships. He also created an intern outreach program at New York Chiropractic College, which provided care at more than 160 athletic events across the Northeast and served over 10,000 athletes.

Educator, Author, and Editor
Russ’s passion for teaching extended beyond the track and clinic. He taught in the Technique Department at New York Chiropractic College and in the Continuing Education Program for Certified Chiropractic Sports Physicians. His influence reached thousands of athletes and professionals through his lectures, workshops, and mentorship.

He was also a gifted writer. Russ served as the fifth editor of Track Coach/Track Technique, USATF’s technical journal, shaping professional discussions on training and performance. Beyond his technical works, he authored the novel Supernova, which tells the story of a freshman runner in Villanova’s famed program. Embraced as an “underground classic,” the book became a treasured read within the running community.

A Life of Service and Fulfillment
Russ’s commitment to service also extended into the broader community. From 2022–2023, he served as Lions Club International District Governor for the Finger Lakes Region 20E2, where he was instrumental in securing donations to support USATF Niagara youth programs.

In 2025, after a remarkable journey of more than 50 years, Russ proudly completed his undergraduate degree at Villanova University. He had originally enrolled in 1972 but left before finishing, going on instead to travel the world, earn three Master’s degrees and a Doctorate in Chiropractic, publish numerous papers, and author a novel. Receiving his bachelor’s degree from the institution where his career began marked a fitting capstone to his extraordinary life of learning and service.

Legacy
Throughout his career, Russ earned many accolades, including the “Pride of Chiropractic” Award from the NY Chiropractic College Student Government Association and the Practice and Professional Service Award from the college faculty. His innovative “Athletic Triage Model,” presented in Syracuse, NY, was implemented at the Festival of Races, further demonstrating his ability to shape the future of athlete care.

Dr. James Russell Ebbets resided in Union Springs, NY, and is survived by his wife, Jeannie. His legacy is one of service, innovation, and passion for sport and health. He touched the lives of thousands as a mentor, teacher, colleague, and friend, and his contributions will be felt for generations to come.

A Wake will be held on Wednesday, September 3 (4-7pm) at Burke's Funeral Home in Saratoga Springs, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday. September 4 (10am) at St. Mary's Church in Glens Falls, NY.