One thousand, five hundred and twenty-six.
Last Friday, Austin Grunder reached that point total, making him the only man in the history of SUNY Cortland basketball to score that many points in their career.
During the January 27th game against SUNY Potsdam, the star guard scored 24 points en route to eclipsing the previous all-time mark of 1,525 career points. He surpassed a record that lasted a decade relatively untouched. Grunder is the first man in school history to get within 100 points of the record.
“It meant a lot,” Grunder said. “It means a lot because there have been so many great players to come through and play for Cortland.”
Austin nabbed 12 rebounds in the win to make the double-double the cherry on top of his historic sundae.
That dual threat of rebounding and scoring is precisely what Head Coach Thomas Spanbauer asked Grunder to provide from the beginning.
“We ask him to score. It’s part of what we want for him to help the team”, Spanbauer said. “He’s performed at a super high level. If you look at how teams are defending him and his statistics, they’re outstanding”.
Grunder’s rebounding and scoring numbers have been outstanding every year he’s been on the court for Cortland. In his rookie season, he averaged 21ppg and 14.7 rpg with 527 points and 367 rebounds – a Cortland record.
He made history during his sophomore campaign, netting 579 points – third all-time, with 22ppg and 11rpg.
Austin is midway through his third season and averaging 21.5 ppg and 10.8 rpg sitting north of 400 points on the year. The Red Dragons still have multiple regular season games and conference play to follow. Yet, what’s truly special is that the record belongs to him now.
Grunder recognizes what an accomplishment it is for him to break the record in three seasons.
“I did it in three years, which is pretty remarkable,” Grunder said. “It’s cool because it shows how much work and dedication I’ve put into the game.”
For context, the previous owner of the Red Dragons’ top spot, Jesse Winter ‘13, needed all four years, including deep playoff runs in the SUNYAC and NCAA play.
Winter was particularly impressed with Austin completing the feat in three years. “You don’t get a record like this being lucky,” Winter said. “He’s a three-level scorer, and many unseen hours go into this. If anybody was to do it, it’s Austin. He’s deserving.”
Grunder’s performances throughout his Cortland career have more than proven that he is deserving.
If you listed Grunder’s on-court resume as a Red Dragon, this article would need a ‘Part 2’. The 6’6” guard/forward was a Second-Team All-American last year. At this point, it’s pretty clear how dominant he is and has been on the floor.
Just ask Grunder’s teammates about Austin, the player, and they’ll relay their view of that dominance.
Kareem Lubin, senior co-captain, called Austin “A once-in-a-generation player.”
Grunder’s longtime teammate and friend, Isaiah Preston, added, “When it’s time to put the ball in the hoop, Austin does that better than anyone ever to wear a Cortland jersey.”
However, what’s more impressive, more indicative of who this star player is: is the responses you get when you ask about Austin, the person.
Lubin speaking about Grunder’s off-the-court persona, said, “That boy never fails to make me laugh or crack a smile, and he’s one of the most down-to-earth people I know.”
Preston, who also lives with Grunder, explains that he didn’t even know Austin was close to breaking the record until the night before, displaying Grunder’s humility.
Maurice Kearney ‘15, former Cortland assistant coach who helped recruit Grunder to Cortland, followed the trend of speaking to Austin’s personality.
“The greatest thing about him is how humble he is,” Kearney said. “He attacks his day-to-day life of being a good person.”
Austin’s personable nature and versatile scoring prowess have allowed him to lead as a two-time team captain. He’s amidst a tremendous individual season, but the main goal hasn’t deviated from the collective. Grunder, the team, and all Red Dragon faithful have their eye on one goal:
“It’s the same goal as every year,” said Grunder. “Win the SUNYAC Championship.”
Whether or not the Red Dragons hoist an eighth SUNYAC banner in Park Center this February or make a deep postseason run to ‘Go Dancing,’ Austin Grunder’s legacy in the program is ineradicable.
He’s more than left his mark – over one thousand, five hundred and twenty-six of them.