Slippery Rock University Athletics

JOHN CUNNINGHAM was a four-year member and three-year letter winner for Rock soccer teams coached by the late Jim Egli. Cunningham served as co-captain for the 1964 team.
   
Two years after receiving his bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock, Cunningham was hired in 1967 as Bethany (W. Va.) College’s associate dean of students and Coordinator of Testing and Counseling, as well as advisor to the newly-formed Bethany Soccer Club.

Cunningham subsequently served as Bethany’s Dean of Students, Dean of Admission, Executive Dean of Students, Vice President for Student Services, Executive Administrative Assistant to the President, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Services and Senior Vice President.

In 1987, Cunningham was recognized by the Alumni Association with the Outstanding Service to Bethany College Award. Cunningham retired in July 2007 after devoting 40 years of service to the college.

The soccer club eventually transitioned to an intercollegiate varsity sport with Cunningham as its head coach. In 33 seasons (1968-2001) as a collegiate head coach, Cunningham never experienced a losing season. He led Bethany to the 1994 NCAA Division III national championship, the only national title in school history, as well as a national runner-up finish in 1982.

Cunningham-coached Bethany teams compiled a 370-123-28 record, won 29 Presidents’ Athletic Conference championships and made 17 appearances in the NCAA tournament. Cunningham has also coached 41 All-Americans.

As Bethany’s head coach, Cunningham has played integral roles in the creation of the Bethany Alumni Soccer Association to support soccer and enhance facilities and coordinated $500,000 in improvements to Hoag Field and Soccer Complex.

In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Cunningham founded Bethany Soccer Camps, Inc. in 1974.
Cunningham received his Bachelor of Science degree from Slippery Rock State College in 1965 and a Master of Arts from Kent State University in 1967. He later received his Doctor of Education degree from West Virginia University in 1982.

Cunningham and his wife, Patricia, have three grown children and seven grandchildren.