Colorado University Athletics
Cunningham Named WhiteWave Homegrown Hero
BOULDER- University of Colorado senior defensive lineman Curtis Cunningham has been selected as this weekGÇÖs recipient in CUGÇÖs partnership with WhiteWave to recognize ColoradoGÇÖs HomeGrown Heroes.
Cunningham came into the 2011 season with 1,356 career plays and 24 consecutive starts, making him the most experienced defensive tackle on the CU roster. The Ohio State game marked his 40th game and he has compiled 87 career tackles, including 10 for a loss and three sacks. Last season, Cunningham started all 12 games at defensive tackle, recording a season-high of five tackles against both Oklahoma and Iowa State.
He attended LittletonGÇÖs Columbine High School where he started on both sides of the ball senior year. Alternating between defensive tackle and end, Cunningham racked up 75 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 recoveries and forced 2 fumbles. Starting at offensive tackle, he allowed zero sacks and contributed to ColumbineGÇÖs 3,633 total yards, 47 touchdowns on the ground, and two backs who rushed over 1,000 yards. During CunninghamGÇÖs tenure at Columbine he led the Rebels to a 46-6 record in four seasons on the varsity team, including a 5A state championship his junior year.
His talent during his high school years did not go unnoticed, as he was named All-Midlands by PrepStar and SuperPrep, the latter of which ranked him as the No.55 player overall in the region and the third rated defensive tackle in the state. Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News named Cunningham All-Colorado, making him the only repeat member on the team in the state. He was also the Rocky Mountain News 5A State Player of the Year, 5A South Metro Conference MVP, and the Denver Post Defensive Player of the year. His junior and senior years, Cunningham afforded the two-time honor of South Metro Defensive Player of the Year.
Cunningham missed half of spring practice due to an elbow injury and entered the 2011 season listed second at defensive tackle. In the four games the Buffs have played, Cunningham as accounted for six total tackles.
About WhiteWave Foods
The mission of WhiteWave Foods is to be the EarthGÇÖs favorite food company, by creating nutritious, innovative, responsibly-produced foods that nurture people and the planet. WhiteWave brands include Horizon-«, the leading national organic dairy brand; and Silk-«, the national category leader in natural and organic plant-based beverages, including Silk-« Soymilk, Silk-« Pure Almond and Silk-« Pure Coconut. WhiteWave also makes International Delight-«, the nationGÇÖs leading provider of flavored, liquid non-dairy creamers and LAND O LAKES-«* liquid dairy products, including AmericaGÇÖs number one nationally branded Half & Half and Fat Free Half & Half. Based in Colorado, WhiteWave is committed to sustainability, from encouraging the use of renewable energy to reducing waste, water use and greenhouse gas emissions at its farms, plants and offices. For more information, visit WhiteWave online at www.whitewavefoods.com, explore the WhiteWave blog at www.thegrazingmind.com, or follow WhiteWave on Facebook and Twitter.