Senior Jeff Runyan is the top scorer on the men’s water polo team and has recently added to his impressive athletic resume by becoming a commentator for the video live stream broadcast for the CUI home men’s soccer games. 

Runyan originally began his student athlete career at Merced Junior College. During his two years he “scored 182 goals, placing third on the all time scoring record board” for Merced Junior College. Runyan also received “First All American, First team all Northern California and First team All Coast Conference.”

After racking up accolades from community college, Runyan signed with Concordia on Jan. 27., 2020. Runyan said, “The transition into the water polo program at CUI was very smooth and I was able to fit right into my role on the team.” 

While enjoying his new home and family of teammates, Runyan said, “I wanted to get more involved with CUI Athletics because of how incredible the program and community has been for me.” He complimented the athletics program recognizing “student athletes, coaches, and staff [for being] welcoming, encouraging, and [giving] everything they have back to this community.” CUI Athletics is planning to tap Runyan’s insight about water polo to broadcast women’s water polo games this spring. 

Ben Rosehart, Concordia’s Sports Information Director, also spoke on the camaraderie and opportunities available within athletics at CUI. Rosehart said, “Our student-athletes enjoy playing for each other,” and shared his personal enjoyment of “interacting with such a diverse group of people who love sports, who love competition and love Concordia.” He added, “One of my favorite things about my job is getting a chance to be around so many different types of people and seeing them grow during their time here at CUI as they evolve as people and as athletes.”

One student-athlete in particular Rosehart has been able to closely see the growth of is Runyan. Rosehart said, “Jeff has been a great addition to our staff.” Real recognizes real. Rosehart himself has a variety of experiences in sports broadcasting by covering University of Iowa football and basketball games, and working for professional sports teams like the Padres and Chargers. Rosehart said, “[Runyan is] a natural. He’s genuine, he’s comfortable being himself and he’s coachable.” He added “[He] just gets better with every opportunity.”

Runyan said, “Broadcasting has been an absolute blast,” and added, “It is so exciting to have an amazing view of the game all while talking about it with the livestream.” This fall Runyan has been specifically assigned to men’s home soccer games, but Rosehart said, “We hope he will be able to serve as our live stream broadcaster during our women’s water polo season as well.” Rosehart thinks this would be fitting “because he knows the game and can help bring that unique perspective to anyone watching.”

Even though Runyan has only been at Concordia for a little over a year, he has found his path to being fully involved in the school. He said, “Students should absolutely take every opportunity to come to as many games as possible.” As an athlete he shared that “athletes and coaches love when they are supported.” He added, “There’s nothing more exciting as an athlete than getting a big win in front of a huge crowd of your friends.”

As Runyan continues to produce wins in the pool, and announces wins from the broadcasting booth, Rosehart said, “To best follow all our CUI home games and sporting events, you can go to our Composite calendar: https://cuieagles.com/calendar.” Anyone interested in hearing Runyan broadcast can visit: www.cuieagles.com/live.

Tags: sports, NCAA, water polo, Men's Athletics

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