Head Coach
Jeff Runion
Jeff Runion is the head coach for the Varsity Baseball Program. Coach Runion has been on staff at River Ridge for 10 years, serving the last 6 years as Lead APEX Facilitator. This role has involved him working closely with counselors, teachers and administration assisting at-risk students with navigating their way through their High School academics. Runion has been an integral part of the successful graduation efforts of River Ridge High School serving as the pseudo-graduation coach.
Coach Runion has also been on staff with the River Ridge Baseball program since the 2011 season serving as the pitching coach. During his 10-years, he has assisted many players in preparation for their next-level in baseball. Runion has had several all-region and all-state selections develop under his guidance. Coach Runion was part of two Final Four appearances, two Sweet Sixteen appearances and most recently River Ridge Baseball’s first Region Title. This 2021 season produced 4 pitchers who were selected for the all-region roster and also who have received nominations for all-state recognition. Player development has always been a big part of Runion’s focus, especially amongst his pitching staff.
Runion spent his amateur days playing basketball and baseball at Riverdale High School in Clayton County Georgia. He was part of multiple Final Four basketball teams and received collegiate offers thereafter, but baseball was his true calling. Runion fielded several Division I offers but chose to sign with Robert Sapp at Middle Georgia who was the #1 JUCO team in America at that time.
However, Runion was a 7th round selection by the Texas Ranger in 1992 MLB Draft and forewent his opportunity at Middle Georgia. As a right-handed pitcher, he was a part of the Texas Rangers organization for 6 years, finalizing his last year of professional baseball in the Independent Northern League. A series of shoulder surgeries plagued Runion’s playing career but was only a start for him to help others pursue their pitching dreams. During his time with Texas, the pitching coordinator was the infamous Tom House. Runion spent many days with “Housey” while rehabilitating his shoulder. Tough times during the Minor Leagues has enabled him the opportunity to pass-down an extent of pitching instruction to all his players on a personal level.
Immediately after Runion’s professional baseball career ended, he completed his degree from Auburn University in Accountancy. He spent several years away from the game, but always felt a desire to re-engage and help young men pursue their baseball dreams. He ultimately decided to leave his 8-year career in taxation with a mid-sized CPA firm to pursue a coaching and teaching opportunity. Runion enrolled at Liberty University to earn his Masters of Education in 2012.
Coach Runion has been married to his wife, Shay, for 17 years. Shay is also a graduate of Auburn University and Villanova University. She is employed by Arrow Exterminators as their Chief Human Resources Officer and SVP of Professional Development. Coach Runion and his wife have three children, Zeb (13), Eason (12) and Judd (7 months).
Assistant coaches
andrew marinelli
Coach Marinelli is in his 7th season as an Assistant Baseball Coach and Head Softball Coach for the Knights. Before coming to River Ridge, Marinelli taught and coached at Carrollton, Mt. Zion, and Gilmer High School. Coach Marinelli was named Region 7A Coach of the Year for softball in 2015.
In college, Coach Marinelli attended Chattanooga State where he played in the Junior College World Series in 2010. Marinelli was also selected to the Chattanooga State all decade team as a catcher. After two years in junior college, Marinelli signed with the University of West Georgia. While at UWG Coach Marinelli was selected to the All Gulf South Conference team and was on the All American watch list by the ABCA.
In 2012, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education from the University of West Georgia. A native of Woodstock Ga, Coach Marinelli currently lives in Canton GA with his wife Carli, their daughter Riley, and son Brooks.
In college, Coach Marinelli attended Chattanooga State where he played in the Junior College World Series in 2010. Marinelli was also selected to the Chattanooga State all decade team as a catcher. After two years in junior college, Marinelli signed with the University of West Georgia. While at UWG Coach Marinelli was selected to the All Gulf South Conference team and was on the All American watch list by the ABCA.
In 2012, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education from the University of West Georgia. A native of Woodstock Ga, Coach Marinelli currently lives in Canton GA with his wife Carli, their daughter Riley, and son Brooks.
Mark Lewis
Coach Lewis is in his11th year as an assistant baseball coach at River Ridge High School. Before coming to River Ridge he served as head freshman and head JV coach at Woodstock High School. He also serves as the mathematics department head at River Ridge so he enjoys seeing the players excel on the field as well as in the classroom.
In high school, Coach Lewis played for High School Hall of Fame baseball coach David McDonald. Upon graduating from the University of Georgia in 1997 he went to work for the Atlanta Journal and Constitution for four years. He then returned to the University of Georgia and earned a math degree in 2005. Coach Lewis currently resides in Woodstock with his wife Jennifer, daughter Katherine, and son Caleb.
In high school, Coach Lewis played for High School Hall of Fame baseball coach David McDonald. Upon graduating from the University of Georgia in 1997 he went to work for the Atlanta Journal and Constitution for four years. He then returned to the University of Georgia and earned a math degree in 2005. Coach Lewis currently resides in Woodstock with his wife Jennifer, daughter Katherine, and son Caleb.
Eric Britt
Coach Britt is in his 4th season as an assistant baseball coach at River Ridge High School. Prior to his time at River Ridge he coached baseball at Etowah High School (2016) where he won a 7A state championship working with the Etowah outfield.
In college, Coach Britt attended Kennesaw State University where he played outfield for the Owls. Coach Britt was a member of the Owls program when they won their first A-Sun Championship in baseball, then proceeded to win their first NCAA Regional in Tallahassee, and finish their season off losing to Louisville in the Super Regionals. The Owls finished 13th in the nation that year. In high school, Britt played outfield for the North Cobb Warriors where he was a 1st team All-County for Cobb, 1st team region and an All-State honorable selection his senior year.
In 2017, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in History Education from Kennesaw State University. As of 2021 Coach Britt has completed his Masters of Education from Georgia Southern University. Coach Britt who is a Georgia native currently lives in Cumming with his fiancé Allison.
In college, Coach Britt attended Kennesaw State University where he played outfield for the Owls. Coach Britt was a member of the Owls program when they won their first A-Sun Championship in baseball, then proceeded to win their first NCAA Regional in Tallahassee, and finish their season off losing to Louisville in the Super Regionals. The Owls finished 13th in the nation that year. In high school, Britt played outfield for the North Cobb Warriors where he was a 1st team All-County for Cobb, 1st team region and an All-State honorable selection his senior year.
In 2017, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in History Education from Kennesaw State University. As of 2021 Coach Britt has completed his Masters of Education from Georgia Southern University. Coach Britt who is a Georgia native currently lives in Cumming with his fiancé Allison.
Lantz Cleveland
Coach Cleveland has been a member of the coaching staff at River Ridge for just over seven years and comes from vast hands on experience with baseball, having played the game since he could hold a bat. He was also a sought after left handed pitcher and was recruited to play for ABAC in Southern Georgia where he attended for one year.
Coach Cleveland has always had a passion for coaching young men. He understands the importance of class work and hard work on the field and how they are equally important. He was born in Mobile, Alabama, grew up in Florida and now resides in Woodstock with his wife Amy. He is also a proud father to Kolton, and Devin and Liz.
Coach Cleveland has always had a passion for coaching young men. He understands the importance of class work and hard work on the field and how they are equally important. He was born in Mobile, Alabama, grew up in Florida and now resides in Woodstock with his wife Amy. He is also a proud father to Kolton, and Devin and Liz.
past Coaches
scott bradley
Coach Bradley has served the River Ridge Community and has been Head Baseball Coach at River Ridge School for the last 12 years. Before coming to River Ridge, Bradley was an assistant coach at Woodstock High School for three years. While at River Ridge, Bradley has established a program that develops young men through hard work both on and off the field. In addition, a commitment to personal excellence along with the expectation of success so that each player is prepared for their future after baseball. Bradley has lead the 2017 and 2018 teams to the Final Four, and won the first Region Championship in school history in 2021.
In college, Coach Bradley attended Middle Georgia College where he played in the Junior College World Series in 2001 and 2002, finishing 6th and 8th in the country. After two years at junior college, Bradley signed with Kennesaw State University where he played in the Division II National Championships in 2003 when they finished 3rd in the country.
In 2005, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education from Kennesaw State University. In 2009, he finished his Master of Arts Degree in Health Studies from the University of Alabama, and in 2013, he completed his Educational Specialist Degree from Lincoln Memorial University. A native of Dublin Georgia, Coach Bradley currently lives in Canton with his wife Jennifer, their sons Bryce , Easton and daughter Charlie.
Coach Bradley has since become the new Athletic Director at Etowah High School, thank you Coach Bradley for your time and service to the River Ridge Community.
In college, Coach Bradley attended Middle Georgia College where he played in the Junior College World Series in 2001 and 2002, finishing 6th and 8th in the country. After two years at junior college, Bradley signed with Kennesaw State University where he played in the Division II National Championships in 2003 when they finished 3rd in the country.
In 2005, he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education from Kennesaw State University. In 2009, he finished his Master of Arts Degree in Health Studies from the University of Alabama, and in 2013, he completed his Educational Specialist Degree from Lincoln Memorial University. A native of Dublin Georgia, Coach Bradley currently lives in Canton with his wife Jennifer, their sons Bryce , Easton and daughter Charlie.
Coach Bradley has since become the new Athletic Director at Etowah High School, thank you Coach Bradley for your time and service to the River Ridge Community.