Rusty participated in Baseball, Basketball, football and track through his elementary school years lettering in all, but it became evident to him by his junior high days that his size or body maturity was not keeping up with his more physically adept classmates. He began to box for the “Pal Club” when he was 10 years old and fought for a total of 5 years with a 15-1 record. In the 1957 Goden Gloves, he was defeated by Richard Orr from Coos Bay, but his last fight in 1962 he was awarded a unanimous decision over – Richard Orr

His brother, Rod, encouraged him to start wrestling in the 8th grade. He won the 1961 City Championship at 85lbs and the 9th grade Southern Oregon Conference freshman tournament at 98lbs Under coach Ralph Monroe, as a sophomore, he became the Oregon State A.A.U. High school free style champion at 110lbs. in 1964 – unblemished record taking the S.O>C. Championship, 1st place Medford Invitational Free Style “A” division, O.S.A.A. collegiate style A-1 champion at 123lbs., and Oregon A.A.U. state free style champion at 120 lbs. His expectations as a senior were going flat when Coach Newland filmed a match – he studied it and practiced with a newfound desire, winning S.O.C. Championship at 123lbs., O.S.A.A. collegiate style A-1 Championship, Oregon A.A.U. frees tyle 120 lbs., and Oregon A.A.U. Greco-Roman style 120lbs., both 2nds.

The tour on the Oregon Cultural Exchange trip to Europe took Rusty to England, Denmark, Finland, Poland, and Sweden. It was the first trip to Europe for any team of prep wrestlers from the United States. Following this trip Rusty wrestled for the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland and from there enrolled at the Oregon Technical Institute of Klamath Falls under the coaching of Howard Morris. His accomplishments there included a perfect dual meet record, the N.A.I.A. District 2 Championship N.A.I.A. District 2 All-Star, 2nd Oregon Collegiate Conference, team high point award, and voted Outstanding Wrestler by his teammates.

Rusty expressed his gratitude toward his brothers, Rod and Terry, who have stood by him all the way and who also nominated him to the Medford Sports Hall of Fame. He said, “I accept their unselfish love toward me as a true honor.”