Riverside Brookfield High School graduates Cooper Marrs aAt Riverside Brookfield High School, Cooper Marrs contributed to a 2022 Class 2A state championship in boys cross country – the school’s first team title in any sport.
Now a sophomore baseball player at Denison University (Granville, Ohio), Marrs once again was at the center of program history June 4.
The Big Red captured their program’s first Division III national championship by beating Endicott College in the three-game championship series two games to one.
Marrs earned the pitching victory in the first game and received all-tournament honors.
2025 RBHS graduate and walk-on Ethan Smith also was a member of the Big Red (51-3), whose 44-game winning streak tied the longest in Division III history.
“It’s been pretty unbelievable, like the culmination of a lot of years and lot of people who bought in completely to the program. I’m glad to be part of the team that finally brings it home,” said Marrs, who in cross country finished an all-state fifth for the Bulldogs’ state champions.
“I would say (that 2022 title) helped prepare my mindset for what to expect from a big stage. I believe both achievements were only possible with an extensive community of support and teammates. Both were extremely formative experiences and I am grateful to have been put into environments that allow me to contribute to such positive outcomes.”
Marrs was the winning pitcher in the 6-0 victory over Endicott June 3, allowing just four hits over seven innings with seven strikeouts and no walks. He finished the season 7-0 record in 16 appearances (9 starts) with a 2.05 earned-run average, 60 strikeouts and eight walks in 57 innings and a 0.95 WHIP.
The next day, Endicott won the second game 11-10 in the bottom of the 10th inning, forcing the winner-take-all third game soon afterward.
Denison dramatically won the finale 4-3 in the bottom of the 10th on a no-out single off the wall by All-America junior Jack Lutte – the Big Red’s fourth walk-off victory during their World Series run.
“Of course the final swing (was most memorable),” Smith said. “We had one of our best players up, first and second, no outs. Everyone was anticipating the feeling of celebrating. Jack’s up to bat and going to do the job and bring it home.”
“That walk-off (clincher). That’ll be something burned in my memory for a very, very long time,” Marrs said.
“I remember just kind of looking around and seeing everyone exhausted from how much baseball we had to play. I remember the dugout aroma, just a super fun group to be a part of and another fun day at the ballpark.”
Marrs and Smith also achieved more personally than they ever imagined.
As a freshman, Marrs played in 24 games with 14 starts, hitting .274 with 11 runs batted in. Denison also took a big step by earning its first World Series berth.
But as a pitcher, Marrs was shut down. Last summer, Marrs resumed pitching about five innings and texted head coach Mike Deegan about continuing to throw in the fall.
Especially when Marrs felt his hitting struggled this season (.190, HR, 6 RBIs), pitching become a more significant contribution.
In Denison’s second game Feb. 21, Marrs got the last four outs. In his fourth appearance March 18 in Oregon against George Fox, Marrs took a perfect game into the eighth.
“That right there kind of told me this was something serious to build off of and to start focusing more attention,” Marrs said.
“It was kind of a surprise to get the role I ended up getting. I didn’t make the most of some opportunities I had at the plate. I was able to migrate those talents to the mound.”
Marrs eventually joined the starting rotation and pitched in two regional and two World Series games.
Marrs also was the win in the 8-0 World Series victory over Johns Hopkins May 30, allowing two hits over seven innings.
“Every pitcher’s got to step up, regardless of rest of how you’re feeling. It’s awesome to get the ball and happy I delivered,” Marrs said.
Smith came to Denison with the only guarantee from Deegan that he could try out for the team during fall intrasquad play. Smith learned that he gained a roster spot just before winter break.
“It’s a really surreal feeling. If you would have told me a year ago I’d be on a team that wins a national title, I wouldn’t believe it at all,” Smith said. “Getting onto this team that ended up being so good is a great feeling.”
Smith received quite a surprise against Baldwin Wallace March 14 – his first start.
“I was playing catch and one of the senior pitchers came up and said, ‘Did you see the lineup sheet? You’re starting,’ ” Smith said.
“Immediately I had to flip the switch and lock in. Of course, I was a little nervous. In my first at bat, I ended up getting a single. First at-bat, first career hit was pretty amazing, too.”
Smith made three starts in 16 games, hitting .375 with two RBIs. His last appearance was against Ohio Wesleyan, April 28.
“I was pretty satisfied with my results. With the opportunities I got, I felt like I took advantage of them the most I could,” Smith said.
Denison was dealt somewhat of a surprise when the 44-game winning streak ended in its World Series opener, a 5-1 loss to East Texas Baptist.
Marrs blanked Johns Hopkins the following day. Denison later beat East Texas Baptist twice to reach the championship series.
“We’d say we’re one of the best bounce back teams in the country,” Smith said.
“Especially Game Two (against Endicott), when we lost with a walk-off, I don’t think anybody had a single doubt we weren’t going to win that (decisive final) game.”
Headshots courtesy of Hailey Owens/Denison Athletics Communications