LYNNFIELD — Endicott College has been a popular destination of late for Lynnfield High School graduates.
Last year, approximately 20 Lynnfield students went on to attend school at Endicott, including several student-athletes who continued their playing careers there.
Cooper Marengi is the latest to trade in his Pioneer blue for Gulls green.
Marengi, who served as a senior captain for the football and baseball teams and also was a 2-time hockey captain, earning all-star honors in all three sports, intends to play baseball at Endicott.
“It came down to Salve Regina and Endicott and it was a tough decision,” he said. “I ended up picking Endicott because of the close location, the people I knew there and the feeling I got from the coach.
“Another big thing was they have a great program for my intended major,” he added. “I want to do athletic training with a business minor so I can open my own athletic training and physical therapy business. Endicott is strong in both programs so that was a big factor.”
Marengi said he also considered Franklin Pierce, Wheaton and St. Joseph’s, where former teammate Justin Juliano is playing, following the MSBCA Junior All-Star game last year at Bentley.
“I had a pretty decent day all-around and that I think led to me getting a lot of college looks. I’m just looking forward to another four years of baseball. I could not imagine my life without sports and I am grateful that I get to keep playing.”
Marengi is also grateful he had the opportunity to play with younger brother, Clayton, on the football and baseball teams.
“It’s been a really cool experience to have played with my brother,” Marengi said. “It’s especially great for my mom so she only has to go to one game.”
Marengi has a course load that includes AP psychology and Spanish and honors physics, which will prepare him for the challenges of balancing academics with sports at Endicott.
“I know it will be a new experience at Endicott because playing at the college level is a huge commitment, but it’s been like that all my life so I know how to handle the balance,” he said.
For now, however, the left fielder is focused on doing what he can to lead the baseball team to an elusive North Division III title and ultimately a state title. The Pioneers have come close, losing the last two years in the North championship game.
“That’s the goal, to go out on top,” said Marengi. “We’ve come so close the last two years, so hopefully this year will be our turn.”
Lynnfield coach John O’Brien has high praise for Marengi.
“He’s the only kid I ever had that hit eight home runs other than Mike Roberts, who also hit eight,” he said. “He was surrounded by some big hitters we had last year, but this year he’s in the money slot now at No. 3, so we need him to come through for us. He’s played terrific in the outfield and I’m glad he’s found a spot so he can take it off his mind and he can just focus on playing his last season for us.”
