The Grand Valley State University golf team had the opportunity to be represented at the 2013 NCAA Division II National Championships when junior Chris Cunningham took the stage at the individual tournament, where he finished 44th overall.

“It was a great opportunity for not only me but for Grand Valley as well,” Cunningham said. “It was unlike any tournament I’ve played in before. Getting experience at such a big event will definitely benefit me down the road.”

Hershey, Pa., was the site of the national championships, which offered Cunningham the biggest stage he has played on to date.

“Everywhere you look, there was people,” Cunningham said. “It seemed like my every shot was being watched. It was a unique feeling, that’s for sure.”

Cunningham started off the tournament with an opening round of 76 (5). The second day provided little change as he shot a 74 (3).

“I could have played much better,” he said. “Definitely wish I could have some shots go the other way. At the end of the day I went out to play my best, and sometimes that’s all you can really ask for.”

Cunningham finished up the tournament with a final round of 78 (7) to put him at 228 (15) overall. His final score led him to finish tied at 44th overall.

“When I look back at this tournament in particular, I won’t really look into my placing all that much,” he said. “The experience I gained from being able to partake in this event is what I will really take out of this. Hopefully I can pass it on to my teammates and lead the way into next season as well.”

Although these were not his best rounds, Cunningham did his part in representing GVSU at the national championships—with hopes that he won’t be the only one back next year.

“When you look at what Chris has been able to accomplish, it somewhat drives the rest of the team to do the same,” sophomore Jack Rider said. “It was great for Grand Valley to be represented at the national championships. Hopefully we can send the whole team next season.”

It was a bitter sweet moment for Cunningham during the national championships, as the rest of the Laker golf team missed the trip by only a few shots. Cunningham hopes that his performance to get to the national championships will drive not only him, but the rest of the team to do the same next season.

“I know that Chris really wanted all of us to be there competing with him and we also wanted to be there as well,” Rider said. “I think that this will only push us and motivate us even more to get to that stage. “It’s a common goal we have all shared and I think it’s about time we accomplish it.”
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