Peter Cunningham was officially named the cross country and track and field head coach on May 24, 2024 and enters his first season leading the programs.
After five seasons in the role of assistant, Cunningham was selected as the third head coach of the running program since its revival in 2010, and as the second track and field coach, which debuted in 2019.
For the past several seasons, Cunningham has advanced from volunteering his time and energy to the program to taking the lead over the middle distance runners. He then took on more culture development responsibilities, as Schochler devoted more time to sprints, jumps and throws – allowing Cunningham and fellow assistant Ben Ledbetter to direct the distance crew.
Under Cunningham, assisted by Ledbetter, the Golden Eagle cross country program produced five national qualifiers in just the past two seasons, including one All-American. In track & field alone, events led by Cunningham and Ledbetter resulted in national qualifying marks in the men's 800 meter relay, men's 800 meters, two in the women's 5,000 meters, women's mile (All-American), women's 1,500 meter and three men's 3,000 meter steeplechasers.
Cunningham graduated with a bachelor's degree from Colorado Christian University in youth ministry in 2013. During his time as a Cougar, he served as team captain for two seasons on the cross country and track teams.
The Branson, Mo. native currently resides in Siloam Springs.