May 14, 2001

Chicago, Ill. - University of Illinois at Chicago Head Tennis Coach Chuck Cunningham announced on Monday his intentions to retire from the coaching ranks. He will continue to be a part of the university as a kinesiology teacher and as a recruiting officer in the admissions department.

"I've been here for 25 years and it has been a wonderful experience," Cunningham said. "It's always tough leaving something you enjoy.

"It's an exciting time for men's tennis and it's time for this team to take it to another level," Cunningham continued. "The team needs a new look and someone to take the team a step or two beyond."

Cunningham, who also served as the women's coach for seven years from 1982-89, compiled a career record of 304-453 while at UIC.

UIC's most successful season under Cunningham came during the 1997-98 season when the Flames earned a runner-up finish in the Midwestern Collegiate Conference Championships. Cunningham was hailed as the MCC Co-Coach of the Year following that season.

"I thank Chuck for his untiring service to UIC," UIC Athletic Director Jim Schmidt said. "It's tough to lose one of the veteran coaches who has served in the Flames family with great integrity.

"Chuck Cunningham is a model person for whom I have great respect," Schmidt continued. "He has seen it all in his 25 years of coaching and has influenced many young men in his role as educator, friend and coach.

"I'm thrilled he will continue his career with the University of Illinois."

Cunningham's athletes have earned the distinction of being true scholar-athletes as several have been feted for their efforts. Four of the last six UIC Student-Athletes of the year have been men's tennis players, including Stefan Andren (1996), Sasa Oreskovic (1997) and Scott Davies (1998, 1999).

Davies was selected as an Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar-Athlete All-American in 1999 while Nick Bodmer and Vijay Krishnamoorthy received the same award in 2000. Krishnamoorthy was also named to the GTE Academic All-District V Team in 2000.

Cunningham is also an active umpire for the United States Tennis Association. He has officiated at numerous local national and professional tennis events, including the David Cup semifinals between the United States and Sweden, the past five U.S. Open Tournaments, Virginia Slims and Volvo Tournaments in Chicago as well as the NCAA Division I Championships from 1977-1986. Cunningham also served as the head tennis pro at the Hyde Park Athletic Club in Chicago from 1990-93.