Bothell’s Russell Wacker, a University of Puget Sound graduating senior, has earned the prestigious Fulbright award for the 2008–09 academic year. The Fulbright is the U.S. Department of State’s premier scholarship program. The full grant covers round-trip transportation, language or orientation courses, tuition, book and research allowances, maintenance funds and supplemental health and accident insurance for the academic year, which for Wacker will be in Niedersachen, Germany.

While attending the University of Puget Sound, Wacker was also a four-year letterman for the Logger football team, and in 2008 earned Division III All-Northwest Conference recognition for his defensive secondary play.

The 2004 Bothell High graduate was a three-year football and track letterman. He was also a two-year captain of the 2002 and 2003 undefeated 4A Kingco championship football team, and voted the team’s most inspirational player each year.

As a senior, he was recognized first-team All-Kingco at defensive safety and second-team All State. As captain of the 2004 track-and-field team, his 4 x 100-meter relay team won the state championship.

Upon graduation from Bothell High, he was awarded the Pop Kenney Memorial Scholarship for the top academic football player in the Northshore School District.