Senior Kyle Steigenga Sets New All-Time Leading Scorer Record for CU Basketball

With a powerful and athletic drive to the basket on Saturday afternoon versus Madonna University, Cornerstone University senior Kyle Steigenga surpassed Jared Crandell (B.A. ’96) to become the all-time leading scorer in the history of Cornerstone men’s basketball. At the start of the night’s game, Steigenga needed only seven points to break Crandell’s career record of 2,772 points, a record that has stood for 22 years.

Steigenga, an education major from Holland, Mich., finished the afternoon with 19 points and now has his sights set on the state of Michigan scoring record. Current record holder Dominez Burnett, a graduate of Davenport University, finished his collegiate athletic career with 2,858 points; Steigenga is 74 points away from surpassing that number.

“Kyle has impacted Cornerstone’s basketball program in every possible way,” Kim Elders, head coach for men’s basketball said. “He goes about his business and improves his craft every day. His approach is consistent. He’s had a tremendous influence on his teammates and on this campus.”

Former teammate Ty Mason (B.S. ’15), a member of the 2015 National Championship team, recalled Steigenga “dominating camps” as a youngster. While he knew that Steigenga projected well to the next level as an athlete, one moment in practice Kyle’s freshman year announced his arrival.

“I decided to match up against Kyle in a five-on-five drill,” Mason said. “Kyle caught the ball in the corner, drove baseline, spun into the lane and crushed a two-hand dunk, much to the chagrin of my teammates. We all looked at each other in amazement. I think at that point, we fully understood that Kyle was no ordinary basketball player.”

Throughout his four years as a student-athlete, Steigenga has garnered numerous accolades. In addition to being named a NAIA First Team All-American three times, he has received recognition as a CoSIDA First Team Academic All-American and as a WHAC Player of the Year (2016-17).

While Elders is proud of Steigenga’s achievements on the court, he also recognizes that basketball is not what defines Kyle. Steigenga’s love for God, his passion for others and his selflessness embody what it means to be a Cornerstone student.

“You’ll oftentimes see Kyle sitting in the cafeteria holding a conversation with anyone,” said Elders. “His demeanor, friendliness, kindness and approachability is truly authentic. Who he appears to be is who he is.”

As the 2017-18 season comes to a close, Steigenga’s leadership on the court and the dedication of his teammates have made for a memorable year. The Cornerstone men’s basketball team currently ranks No. 1 in the country and has won 21 of their last 22 games.