University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

Mark Cunningham put together a stellar career on the mat and is one of 10 four-time All-Americans in UCO’s storied wrestling program.

The Tulsa Union High School product redshirted his first year and then started at 150 pounds in 1993-94, finishing 26-18 and winning the Midwest Regional crown before claiming All-America honors with a sixth-place finish to help the Bronchos win the national team title.  He repeated as Midwest Regional champion the following season at 158 and lost a one-point decision in the national finals to finish runner-up with a 31-11 record as UCO again won the team crown.

Cunningham stayed at 158 pounds in 1995-96 and was the Midwest Regional runner-up before capping a 29-9 season with the national championship, capturing the title with an 8-6 finals victory over the No. 1 seed.  Nagging injuries slowed Cunningham as a senior, but he still managed a 27-11 record after moving up to 167 pounds while finishing second in the Midwest Regional and seventh at the national meet.

Cunningham ended his career with a 113-49 record that included 57 bonus-point victories and was inducted into the NCAA Division II Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2010.  He ranks 14th on UCO’s all-time wins list and fourth in major decisions (28).