| Gary Cunningham’s legacy as an athlete, coach, and administrator is deeply intertwined with the history and success of UCLA’s storied basketball program. Born with a passion for basketball, Cunningham’s journey began at UCLA as a student-athlete, where he showcased his talents on and off the court, laying the foundation for a remarkable career in sports and education. As a Fall 1960 Epsilon Pi pledge class member, Brother Cunningham could not get initiated with his peers due to his hard court commitments. Still, he ultimately was awarded his pin as part of the Fall 1968 class after EC Jim Zrake and Alumni Board president Bob Meyers successfully petitioned the national fraternity.
As an undergraduate from 1960 to 1962, Cunningham excelled as a 6’7″ forward under legendary coach John Wooden. A three-year starter, Cunningham was known for his sharpshooting, leadership and spine stretching exercises in the Old Wing hall. In his senior year, he co-captained the Bruins to their first-ever Final Four appearance in the 1962 NCAA Tournament, a milestone that signaled UCLA’s emergence as a national basketball powerhouse. His dedication and spirit earned him the prestigious Ducky Drake Award for his inspirational contributions to the team. Teaming up with fellow Sigma Nu Brothers Kim Stewart and Jim Milhorn, Cunningham recalled, “I like to think that our team was the start of Wooden’s dynasty.”
After earning his bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1962, Cunningham embarked on a teaching and coaching assignment at the American School in the Philippines. Two years later, he returned to UCLA as a teaching assistant in physical education, marking the beginning of his coaching career. In 1965, Cunningham took the helm of UCLA’s freshman basketball team, where he famously coached a young Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and Lucius Allen. In a historic game at the newly opened Pauley Pavilion, Cunningham’s freshman team defeated the varsity squad, which was ranked number one in the nation, by a commanding 75-60 margin. This game underscored his ability to nurture talent and set the stage for UCLA’s unparalleled basketball dominance.
Cunningham’s coaching acumen earned him a promotion to assistant coach under John Wooden in 1967. Over the next eight years, he contributed to six NCAA championship teams, reinforcing his reputation as an integral part of the Bruins’ dynasty. Following Wooden’s retirement in 1975, Cunningham briefly stepped away from coaching to serve as executive director of the UCLA Alumni Association. However, his love for basketball led him back to the court in 1977 when he succeeded Gene Bartow as head coach of the Bruins. During his two-year tenure, Cunningham led UCLA to an impressive 50-8 record, securing two Pac-10 championships and NCAA tournament appearances. His .862 winning percentage remains the highest in program history.
Cunningham’s decision to step down from coaching in 1979 to focus on athletic administration reflected his broader vision for leadership. Over the next three decades, he held the title of Athletic Director at Western Oregon State College, the University of Wyoming, Fresno State University and UC Santa Barbara where he retired in 2008. Throughout his career, Cunningham emphasized integrity, preparation, and collaboration, values instilled in him during his formative years at UCLA Sigma Nu.
Gary Cunningham’s life—marked by excellence as a player, coach, and administrator—exemplifies the enduring spirit of our Fraternity. With his wife, Barbara, and their two daughters, Erin and Stacy, Cunningham’s legacy continues to inspire future generations to strive for greatness on and off the court. |
