As a sophomore at Revere High School Joao Victor “JV” Cunha made a truly spectacular debut in the boys track program, winning in the All-State Freshman-Sophomore Meet and qualifying for Indoor Nationals in the sprint medley relay.
Competing in the 2022 Nationals at the University of Oregon, JV Cunha ran the 800-meter leg as the anchor of the relay team that also consisted of Mark Marchese, Ricardo Goncalves, and Keny Guerrero. The relay team, led by RHS coach Sam Ros, claimed the fourth-place medal and set a new RHS record of 3:38.87. Arguably, it was one of the greatest achievements in the history of the RHS track program.
Cunha took the baton, so to speak, and continued to perform at a national-caliber level for Revere High. His impressive record of accomplishments in track – which has placed him deservedly among all-time RHS greats such as Mike Fitzpatrick, Dom Finelli, and other elite athletes – earned the respect of Greater Boston League opponents and the attention of college track programs.
Last Thursday afternoon, in a beautiful ceremony in the Merullo Fieldhouse orchestrated by Athletic Director Frank Shea, JV Cunha signed a national letter of intent to attend the University of Rhode Island, a Division 1 school that competes in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
Cunha said he also considered UMass/Lowell and Merrimack before choosing URI.
“I will be majoring in pharmaceutical sciences and want to be a pharmacist,” said Cunha, who is an honor roll student at RHS. “I’m so excited to attend URI. It felt like home from the moment I stepped on the campus.”
Cunha credited the Revere High faculty for preparing him well for college.
“I love my teachers,” said Cunha. “I have had the best experience academically and from the administration. I couldn’t ask for a better academic or athletic experience.”
A superlative career
JV Cunha followed up the RHS relay team’s record-setting performance in 2022 by teaming up with Medy Bellemsieh, Isaiah DeCrosta, and Sami El Asri to take second place in Nationals in 2023.
This past winter, Cunha was the state runner-up in the 600-meter run. This spring he is looking ahead to the Division 1 state meet, “and hopefully the All-State Meet.”
“I’d like to top off my career with a state championship,” said Cunha.
Cunha’s track career began in middle school where he was a member of the Revere cross country team.
“Sam Ros was my coach in middle school as well in my sophomore year,” said Cunha. “Coach David Fleming has been my coach in my junior and senior years. I also train with Peter Crapsey at New England Elite. They’re all outstanding coaches.”
Fleming said he is happy about JV Cunha’s decision and his future participation in the URI men’s track program.
“I’m thrilled that JV has decided on URI,” said Fleming. “He is more than just a tremendous athlete. He’s like having another coach on the team. His leadership is off the charts. He strives for excellence, and he brings the level of the team up incredibly. I took over for Sam Ros two years ago, and I look at JV as one of Sam’s runners, and JV accepted me as a new coach, and the rest of the team followed.. URI is getting more than just an exceptional runner. They’re getting an amazing leader and person.”
A dedicated, year-round athlete
JV Cunha said he stands exactly “6-foot, .04 inches” tall and checks in at 145 pounds.
How does JV stay in tip-top shape for the year-round indoor, outdoor, and summer track seasons?
“It takes hard work and dedication – I run every day and I practice every day,” said Cunha. “I have workouts at least three times a week. It’s really demanding, but you have to do what you have to do to succeed.”
A close-knit, supportive family
JV Cunha is the son of Adelino Dacunha and Cristiane Cunha.
“My parents and my siblings were all born and raised in Brazil,” said JV, who was born in the United States. “My sister is a criminal justice college professor, and my brother is the head chef at The Cottage in Wellesley. I’m so grateful for my family’s support and inspiration. I want to give a big shutout to my mom especially. She’s been my No. 1 supporter throughout my whole dream whether it be soccer or track. I wouldn’t be where I am without her.”
Cristiane Cunha, who attended the letter-of-intent ceremony at RHS, said proudly, “He’s an amazing son. He is so dedicated to everything he does. He helps all his friends and teammates. I think his success has inspired his teammates.”
