Will Cunningham: The Voice of Eastern Athletics

The roaring voice booms, “Now introducing your Eastern Eagles,” and sounds of cheering crowds set in after. This is a familiar scene in various locations across Eastern’s campus. Sports at Eastern are heightened with the energy that comes from the announcing booth. That’s where you’ll find Will Cunningham, the voice of Eastern Athletics for nearly four years. 

Announcers like Cunningham make sports into more than a game; they make sports come to life. As an announcer, Cunningham excites the crowd, fosters team camaraderie, and brings passion to the game. Cunningham, a senior Communication Studies major, has helped to propel Eastern Athletics to prominence to build the close community that it is today. Junior Jason Karch, Cunningham’s understudy, said, “Will as an announcer is the face of EU Athletics. All around campus if you hear the loud voice on the field, you know who it is.” 

Cunningham’s passion and drive for sports is a large part of his identity. His rise to becoming a skilled and beloved announcer at Eastern started long ago when Cunningham was just a boy in Chester County Pennsylvania. His love of sports began at seven when his dad exposed him to the world of sports. Cunningham’s dad would write game notes summarizing games when Will was too young to stay up and watch. Cunningham was known by his peers as someone who loved sports. His love of sports opened a door into a path that would impact Cunningham’s life forever. 

It all began in senior year of high school. “Up until I started announcing, I had no idea what I wanted to do in life,” Cunningham said. “I was lost, confused and overwhelmed by looming adulthood with no plans nor dreams to make it fulfilling.” However, a door opened when Cunningham’s school was searching for a sports announcer. Cunningham was approached because of his known love of sports. He accepted the job for the sake of trying something new.

Cunningham quickly adapted to the job, and it came to him naturally. Cunningham’s co-announcers encouraged him, and he began to work more games. 

“Emotionally, I became more confident in talking to people with so many people complimenting my announcing. I felt a sense of belonging, [and my] self-confidence soared,” Cunningham said.

Once high school came to a close, Cunningham stepped onto Eastern’s campus with hopes of being involved in sports media. He was given the chance to announce within his first few weeks at school. 

“I felt exhilarated and mortified,” Cunningham said. “I had an insane dopamine rush from announcing in front of a college crowd. The screams and rants from the stand definitely distracted me a bit from my job and it was tough to adjust.” 

With hard work and determination, Cunningham became more skilled as a sports announcer. Cunningham describes this process of becoming the lead announcer at Eastern University as a “work of God.” Cunningham gives the glory to God for how his career fell together so effortlessly. 

Cunningham has set himself apart from other college announcers with his unwavering passion and endless dedication to his craft. He has become emotionally attached to the role by cheering for his friends and by having a connection to Eastern as a student. Cunningham has found an identity and formed a community through his career at Eastern. “My announcing career has given me a sense of identity and belonging not just at Eastern, but in life,” he said. Cunningham said announcers have a “unique ability to captivate an audience with their voice.” 

Part of what makes Cunningham such an accomplished announcer is his knowledge of the teams he covers. He does extensive research and cares deeply about the teams. Cunningham has a photographic memory of plays and player information. His attention to detail and passion for game play are two factors that enable him to excel as a sports announcer.  

What’s more, Cunningham announces every game like he has just won the lottery. His energy is infectious, and it has made an impact on the Eastern community. 

From high school to college, Cunningham has built something special just with his voice. It is clear that when Cunningham graduates, he will be leaving a significant legacy at Eastern. 

 “I’ve discovered that my love for sports and days of talking to myself about them can be more than just a hobby, but a career. I channeled that love into something that middle school me wouldn’t dare dream about,” Cunningham said. “I’m full of confidence in myself and my skills as I head off into the world. I’ve been trained incredibly well these last four years, and for once, I truly believe that I can make a positive impact on whatever community God puts me in.”