Chris Cunanan looked forward to accepting leadership roles all year.
Whether it was on the football field, where he stepped in as his team's starting tailback, or on the baseball diamond, where he was an integral part of Bridgeport's state championship team, Cunanan rose to the challenge and, in turn, enjoyed a brilliant senior season.
Next fall, Cunanan will focus his attention to baseball as he became the fifth Harrison County player to sign with Alderson-Broaddus.
"I really like what (A-B) is doing," Cunanan said. "I know most of the kids on the team. We played together in high school, so that really helped my decision.
"This a great way to end my senior year. I got to be part of a state championship team and now I'm getting the chance to play four more years."
The hard-hitting left fielder was a two-year starter for coach Robert Shields. Cunanan batted .370 with 23 RBIs and two home runs. Cunanan was an All-Big 10 and Harrison County first team selection and was a member of the Class AA All-Tournament team.
On the football field, he rushed for more than 1,000 yards and was a Class AA second team all-state selection.
"Chris will do whatever it takes. That's the way he's always been," Shields said. "If you look at his older brother (Roberto), you know he's going to get bigger and he's already got a lot of baseball talent."
Cunanan said he entertained thoughts of walking on at either West Virginia University or Marshall but said after making a visit to A-B he was sure it was the right fit for him.
Cunanan was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated with a 3.6 grade point average. He plans to major in sports medicine.
Although he has played a number of positions, Cunanan said he will likely get his shot in the outfield.
"Hopefully I can fit in easily next year and play, but if I have to wait a year that's fine," Cunanan said.
Sports writer Mike Nutter can be reached at 626-1444.
