Russ has been the announcer for the Eight-Man All-Star Game for nearly 3 decades and is a key contributor to the annual tradition’s success. His contributions to the game began as a member of the sports department at KHAS-TV in Hastings. In his early days, he helped produce an Eight-Man All- Star pre-game special for local viewers. After spending multiple years around the All-Star camp as a reporter, Russ became a full-time member of the Hastings Sertoma Club in 1991. He then went on to become a member of the All-Star Game committee and has served as the public address announcer for every game since. Russ is a key volunteer in making each All-Star Game a success and his efforts are truly appreciated by Eight-Man players, coaches, and fans alike. The NEMFCA thanks “The Voice of the Eight-Man All-Star Game” Russ Batenhorst for his 25-plus years of service and is honored to welcome him into the Eight-Man Football Hall of Fame class of 2018.