Gadsden, AL – John David Cunningham and Luke Russo, members of the Gadsden State Community College men’s tennis team, have been named Tennis Co-Players of the Week by the Alabama Community College Conference. The recognition comes after the duo’s impressive 3-1 record last week at No. 2 doubles, securing key conference victories against Coastal Alabama Community College-North and Marion Military Institute, as well as a non-conference win against Shorter University.
Cunningham, a sophomore from Rome, Ga., attended Model High School and is currently pursuing pre-engineering courses at Gadsden State. Russo, a freshman from Springville, Ala., is a graduate of Springville High School and is majoring in accounting technology.
Coach Buster Stewart praised the pair’s performance and teamwork, emphasizing their contributions to the team.
“Their chemistry works well together,” Stewart said. “John David provides the experience and enthusiasm while Luke always provides great effort. They really enjoy playing matches together, and it shows.”
Cunningham and Russo are the sixth and seventh Gadsden State student-athletes to earn Player of the Week honors this academic year. Previous honorees include Ally Croy (softball), Keshawn Watkins and Giovanni Nannucci (men’s basketball), Kamoriah Gaines (women’s basketball), and Allie Bryant (volleyball).
“We are very proud of John David and Luke,” Stewart said of the Cardinal tennis players. “This recognition is well-deserved, and it highlights their outstanding play and the strength of our tennis program.”
The honor further underscores Gadsden State’s growing presence in collegiate athletics, demonstrating the dedication and talent of its student-athletes.
