Richard Bland To Induct Cunningham, Gray Into Athletics Hall of Fame

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, Va. – Richard Bland College will induct two new members into its Athletics Hall of Fame on Wednesday night, February 22, in Statesman Hall.  The school's fourth class includes Dr. Eric Cunningham '86, a member of the men's basketball team from 1984-86, along with Michael Gray '90, a member of the men's basketball team from 1988-90.  The two will be honored prior to the scheduled 7 p.m. tip-off of the game against Vance-Granville (N.C.) Community College.

"It is always an honor to recognize distinguished basketball alumni," said Director of Athletics Chuck Moore.  "Eric and Michael are the epitome of what Statesmen Athletics was and is becoming.  Because of their outstanding careers at Richard Bland, they are both deserving of this award."

Cunningham, who wore jersey number 35, led Richard Bland in both scoring and rebounding during his two years with the program.  He was named the Team Most Valuable Player during 1985-86, averaging a double-double of 19.5 points and 10.3 rebounds.  Cunningham averaged 19.2 points and 9.6 rebounds during 1984-85, and completed his two years with the Statesmen totaling 968 points and 496 rebounds.  The Chester native graduated from Thomas Dale High School and continued his collegiate career at Liberty University.  He currently resides in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina where he is the superintendent of Halifax County (N.C.) Public Schools.

"Eric was an extremely hard worker with a great attitude," said Cham Pritchard, his head coach at Richard Bland.  "He always came to practice ready to improve, and most nights he had to go up against much taller opponents and was hard to stop offensively in the paint.  Eric knew the importance of a good education and was a true student-athlete.  I will always remember the game against Fork Union when he was virtually unstoppable.  It was a real pleasure coaching Eric and I am very proud of his accomplishments.  Being named to the RBC Athletic Hall of Fame is well deserved." 

Gray, who wore jersey number 33, played for both the 1988-89 and 1989-90 Region 10 Championship teams at Richard Bland.  He was named the Team Most Valuable Player during 1989-90, averaging a team-best 13.2 points, while second on the team with 7.0 rebounds.  Gray helped Richard Bland to a two-year record of 31-24, including 19-8 during 1988-89.  The Petersburg native graduated from Petersburg High School and currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland where he is the business owner of KMMD Consulting Group LLC, a mortgage and investment firm.

"What a great personality Mike had," said Pritchard.  "He always had a smile that was infectious and a great sense of humor.  I could always count on Mike to keep the team's spirit up.  Once on the court, he was a very aggressive player that gave it his all.  Mike was never afraid to dive for a loose ball or battle for a rebound.  He could score from both inside and outside and was a true team player.  It is great seeing Mike continue his support of RBC basketball.  I am truly proud that Mike was and will always be a Statesmen.  It is with great pleasure knowing that Mike will be part of the RBC Athletic Hall of Fame." 

Cunningham and Gray will join previous Hall of Fame selections Cham Pritchard (2014), Brandon Coles Sr. (2015), Fred Gray (2015) (no relation), Ron Harris (2016) and John Thomas (2016).