Biography
Bonner D. Cunnings
Having been born and raised a central California native, Bonner Cunnings attended Yosemite High School in Oakhurst Ca. from ’87-‘91. Bonner was a 2-year State Champion AAU triple jumper and placed 4th at the AAU National Track & Field finals his senior year, while maintaining his academic progress as a State Scholar Athlete finalist with a 4.25 GPA. Making the Cal High All State Football team selection as a RB/LB his senior year provided to be the foundation for many years in the coaching/teaching profession.
A football scholarship to Saint Mary’s College gave Bonner the opportunity to complete his Bachelors of Art in Health/Physical Education & Recreation, while being a five year starter at running back for the Division 1-AA Gaels. He completed his football career at SMC as their 4th all-time leading rusher with 387 carries for 1,689 yards. His fifth year of NCAA eligibility in Football, due to a medical redshirt, allowed Cunnings to complete his teaching credential process at Saint Mary’s College. It was at this time that coach Cunnings began his career in personal fitness training with the 24-Fitness corporation and entered into the teaching & coaching profession. In ’96 Coach Cunnings was hired as an assistant coach for the Gaels, coaching Running backs and Special teams, while teaching Physical Education at Vista Grande Elementary in Danville Ca.
After 6 years in the Bay area Bonner moved back to the Central Valley and began to teach and coach for his alma mater, Yosemite High School, in ‘97. During his 8 years there Coach Cunnings ran a multi-sport Strength & Conditioning program, coached football and track/ field and earned a second teaching credential as an Education Specialist at Fresno Pacific University. His efforts in Strength & Conditioning helped his teams to a 45-7 record with 3 league championships, 6 consecutive appearances in the semi-finals and 2 valley titles. He was nationally published in Bigger Faster Stronger (spring ’03 issue) for his work with the football team in the weight room. In his last year coaching for the Badgers Bonner taught alternative education at Foothill High School in Coarsegold Ca.
In 2006 Coach Cunnings relocated his family to Madera, teaching & coaching at Madera South High School in the school’s first two years of its opening. After 2 years of Coordinating for the Stallion’s football program Bonner took his first Head Football Coaching position at Fresno Christian Schools. At FCS Bonner “wore many hats”; PE department Chair, Head of marketing & development, 4th-12th grade Physical Education instruction, JH & HS multi-sport Strength & Conditioning coach and Director of Football operations for the youth & High School programs. The highlight of his career for the Eagles was his WSL coach of the year honors in ’09, after having taken his school to a playoff appearance for the first time in 7 years.
For the 2011 season Coach Cunnings moved up 3 divisions when he took the Head coaching position at Lemoore High School. He guided the Tigers to an 8-4 record, advancing his team to the Central Section Division II semi-finals. His team was chosen as the ABC Channel 30 Central Section Playoff team of the week after defeating Reedley 49-10. His Spread offense broke a decade of School records; #1 in team rushing 3,279 yards, #2 in rushing TD’s with 36, to name a few. An unfortunate car accident in his family limited his stint at LHS to just one year, as he resigned his position to care for his family.
Coach Cunnings was privileged to secure a coaching and teaching position at Madera High School, so that he could be near his family during a time of difficulty. This career move home lead to an opportunity to coordinate the Coyote Defense for the ’12 season, and to eventually become the Head Coach. Bonner was invited to the Nor Cal All Sports clinic to speak on his attacking style defense at the consummation of the ’12 season. The 2013 season for the Coyotes showed the beginnings of growth for a healthy program and coaching staff, having only gone 4-8 on the year, but being chosen as the North-South Rotary All Star Coaching selection. His offensive passing schemes in 2103 led to 8 section & school passing records. Against Hanford, in the Central section Division III playoffs, his team threw for 555 yards and had 7 passing TD’s.
Bonner Cunnings has been married to his wife Hannah for 15 years. He and his wife are proud members of the Believers Church of Madera .They have four children; Lilly, Bladen, Bodee and Brock who all attend Sherman Thomas Charter School in Madera.
