Skepticism kicked in for Marlow baseball coach John Morgan while watching his players triumphantly sprint onto the field.
He pinched his wrists to confirm his consciousness and if he could feel a sensation. He watched his team's dogpile form in center field.
"It was a surreal moment, to say the least," said Morgan. "I began to examine everything like, 'No way this actually happened, right?'"
For the first time in school history, Marlow is the Class 4A baseball state champion .
The Outlaws (29-7) capped off their historic season with a 3-2 win over second-ranked Blanchard on Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.
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"I've been a coach for 25 years, and I don't have many hobbies," Morgan said. "I have kids, and we outright love the game of baseball. I never weighed my value in winning, but I never thought the good Lord would bless me or a team I was coaching with a championship.
"I believe the good Lord shined on Marlow and our community today."
Marlow freshman outfielder Jaxon Murray hit an RBI single in the top of the sixth inning to break a 2-all tie.
Marlow senior pitcher Mason Holding earned the win in his final high school start. He faced 28 batters and pitched a complete game, allowing just two hits and striking out five.
Holding's electric day on the mound comes less than 24 hours after his walk-off RBI single lifted the Outlaws past Tuttle . While acknowledging yesterday's extraordinary moment, he also knew the job still needed to be finished.
"I came in with a little bit of confidence after last night, but at the same time, I treated it like it was a whole new day," Holding said. "We knew today would be a challenge — and it truly was. My teammates rallied behind me in that last inning, and getting to hold up that trophy meant everything to me."
The state title resulted in Marlow's 12th win in its last 13 games. It also represented and reminded the program of its valiant efforts throughout its history.
Before Saturday, the Outlaws appeared in just one state championship game despite making the tournament 14 times.
Marlow's sole appearance came in the fourth year of Morgan's tenure. Prior to his arrival, the program had made it past the state quarterfinals just once.
When Morgan signed on the dotted line to coach the Outlaws in 2015, a state championship was at the top of his list of goals. He admittedly initially viewed a title as a lofty objective, but now he values the reality he will forever be a part of, cementing his name in the school's record books.
"I'm hard on the kids, and they will tell you I don't cut them any breaks," Morgan said, "but they know best that I do it out of love.
"We've been here so many times and coached teams with so many good players who deserved to win it. So this is for them. Our program's toughness is off the charts, and that's a testament to the players' families and our community."
Jordan Davis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jordan? He can be reached at jdavis@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @jdavis34_ . Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Jordan’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Class 4A baseball: Marlow defeats Blanchard to win first state championship
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