DURANGO, Colo. — Fort Lewis College men's soccer player Jamie Cunningham received the Don Whalen Outstanding Senior Male Athlete of the Year award at tonight's Skyhawk Awards Banquet.

“A two time All-American, Jamie was always a steady hand and his leadership on defense literally carried the Skyhawks to the national championship in his junior year with a stunning late-game save in Tampa to secure the title,” said Director of Athletics Kelly Higgins. “He was always there to help his friends, teammates and other teams, and I know he will have success as he pursues his professional career.”

Cunningham, who just last week signed a professional soccer contract with the Puerto Rico Islanders, was a four-year starter for the Skyhawks whose career highlight was helping his team win the 2009 NCAA Division II championship — the second national title in school history.

The 6-foot-2 defender from Pinnacle High School in Scottsdale, Ariz., is one of the most decorated student-athletes in Fort Lewis College history. He earned Daktronics All-America accolades the past two years for the Skyhawks, chosen as an honorable mention All-American in 2010 after being named to the All-America second team in 2009. He was also a two-time Daktronics first team All-Central Region selection, a member of the RMAC All-Tournament Team four times from 2007-10 and a four-time RMAC All-Academic award winner. He was chosen by league coaches as the 2010 RMAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and was a member of the 2008 and 2010 Preseason All-RMAC teams.

During his four-year Skyhawk career, Cunningham appeared in 83 matches and earned a starting assignment 80 times. He amassed 39 career points on 17 goals and five assists.

The Don Whalen Outstanding Senior Male Athlete of the Year award is presented annually to the most outstanding senior male athlete(s) at Fort Lewis College. It is named after Dr. Don Whalen, a longtime coach, administrator and supporter of Skyhawk Athletics. During his career at Fort Lewis from 1959-88, he served as men's basketball coach, golf coach, director of athletics, dean of education, vice president of academic affairs and, ultimately, two stints as interim president. He died in 2006, age 75.

Past recipients of the Don Whalen Award include:
• 2010 – Tom Settle (soccer), Zane Wells (soccer)
• 2009 – Mark Meng (football)
• 2008 – Devon Manning (basketball)
• 2007 – John Cunliffe (soccer)
• 2006 – Nick Clark (soccer)
• 2005 – Joe Moore (football)
• 2004 – Andrew Webb (football)
• 2003 – Kevin Hatch (basketball)
• 2001 – Brandon Kaplan (soccer), Jeremy Marlow (basketball)
• 2000 – Luc Cisna (soccer)
• 1999 – Rich Hansen (soccer)
• 1998 – Rocky Schneider (football)
• 1997 – Steve Schutz (basketball)
• 1996 – Jeff Rickert (football)
• 1995 – Thad Trujillo (football)
• 1994 – Johnny Cox (football)