Cunningham named Bowerman trophy winner
Photo courtesy FSU athletics
By Tim Hofmann
Semoinoles.com
AURORA, Colo. – Trey Cunningham had already solidified himself as one of the top hurdlers in collegiate history, but his name will forever be etched into collegiate track and field history as he was named The Bowerman winner.
Cunningham is the second Seminole to win The Bowerman joining Ngoni Makusha who won the award in 2011. Florida State is now one of three schools to have multiple male Bowerman winners.
“I thought about what I was going to say tonight and it all boiling down to two words, ‘What if?’” Cunningham said, as he accepted the award on Dec. 15. “What if I didn’t go to Florida State? I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I decided to come to Tallahassee. I truly found myself there and was able to push my bounds athletically, academically and socially. This university has provided every opportunity I needed to succeed and has made me feel at home.
“I’m just glad it’s been a fun ride so far and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next. Thank you all for coming tonight, and thank you all for voting me as your Bowerman Award winner.”
Cunningham put together one of the greatest hurdle seasons in collegiate history. Cunningham won national titles in both the 60m hurdles indoors and 110-meter hurdles outdoors. Cunningham clocked the second-fastest time in collegiate history in the 60-meter hurdles (7.38) in the national championship race.
Cunningham also tied for the second-fastest time in collegiate history in the 110-meter hurdles national championship race with a blistering time of 13.00.
Cunningham’s success was recognized in the awards season. He was named the ACC Track Performer of the Year for both the indoor and outdoor seasons. He was also named the USTFCCCA South Region Track Athlete of the Year for both the indoor and outdoor seasons. Track and Field News named Cunningham their National Athlete of the Year.
Cunningham holds the FSU and ACC records in both the 60m hurdles and 110-meter hurdles. Following his collegiate season, Cunningham made his name known in the professional ranks, earning silver at both the USATF Championships and the World Championships.
Cunningham was also phenomenal off the track as he was named the National Indoor Scholar-Athlete of the Year to go along with his ACC Indoor and Outdoor Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards. Cunningham was also a USTFCCCA All-Academic honoree.
Cunningham is pursuing a Master’s degree in sport management at Florida State. He will continue to train in Tallahassee under associate head Coach Matt Kane.
