Meet The Coaches

Varsity Head Baseball Coach - Philip Russ

Educational Background - B.S. Physical Education, Catawba College, 2011; M.S. Sports Management, Western Carolina Univ.

A native of Polkville, North Carolina, Coach Russ enters his fourth year in the Yellow Jacket baseball program as Head Coach while teaching Earth/Environmental Science at Bessemer City High School. Coach Russ was a member of the Cherryville Post 100, 2007 NC American State Championship team. He played both baseball and football during his time at Catawba College. Since graduation, Coach Russ has created quite an impressive coaching resume. Coach Russ started his coaching career at Salisbury High School where he was a part of the 2010 2AA Football State Champions. After leaving Salisbury High School, Coach Russ completed his student teaching while coaching baseball at Jesse Carson High School. He then moved to West Lincoln High School (2A) where he served in multiple capacities for the football, basketball, and softball programs. There he became the strength & conditioning coach for various athletic programs. In 2014, Coach Russ spent time at Jack Britt High School (4AA), coaching football as the JV Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator and baseball as the JV Head Coach for the Buccaneers .

JV Head Baseball Coach - Steve Fain

Educational Background - B.S. Communication, Appalachian State University, 1989; Masters of Divinity, Gardner Webb University, 2011

A native of Kings Mountain, North Carolina, Coach Fain enters his ninth year in the Yellow Jacket baseball program as the Junior Varsity Head Coach specializing in Outfielders. Coach Fain played baseball and wrestled during his time at Kings Mountain High School. He is the Pastor at Harmony Baptist Church (2008-present) and Team Chaplain of the BCHS Football team.

Coach Fain is happily married to his wife of 23 years, Lisa and the father to his three children, Jacob, Makenna and Andrew.

Varsity Assistant Coach - Todd Landers

A native of Bessemer City and alumni of BCHS, Coach Landers enters his second year in the Yellow Jacket baseball program under Coach Russ specializing in Hitting/Pitchers.

Varsity Assistant Coach - Rod Hayes

A native of Bessemer City and alumni of BCHS, Coach Hayes enters his third year in the Yellow Jacket baseball program under Coach Russ specializing in Infielders/Catchers.