RIPON, Wis. — Ripon College announced today that Eric Cruise has resigned as head baseball coach after 14 seasons. Named the 14th head coach in school history in May of 2012, Cruise departs with 224 career wins — third-most in Ripon baseball history behind Hall of Famers Gordie and Bob Gillespie — and as the 10th-winningest coach in Midwest Conference history.

"I am incredibly proud of the overall success we had and the schedule we played," said Cruise. "The memories and relationships will stay with me forever. I want to thank our players for that experience."

"Coach Cruise consistently helped elevate his players to become some of the best in the conference," said Chris Schumacher, AD and Vice President of Athletics. "We thank him for his steady presence, not only with his teams, but also as a leader in the department."

Cruise came to the head job after 11 years as a Red Hawks assistant, including four seasons as assistant head coach under Gordie Gillespie and the next seven seasons as associate head coach with Bob Gillespie. He hit the ground running, earning Midwest Conference (MWC) North Division Coach of the Year honors in each of his first two seasons and leading Ripon College to at least 24 wins and a first-place MWC North finish in each of his first three years.

Among the program highlights under Cruise: back-to-back-to-back #1 seed in the MWC North, resulting in MWC Tournament hosts in 2013 and 2014. In both 2013 and 2015, the Red Hawks won the tournament and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. In 2015, knocked off defending national champion and No. 3-ranked UW-Whitewater in the opening round. His teams went 147-126 in MWC play across his tenure. 

Cruise developed numerous All-MWC performers, highlighted by Michael Polcyn — a two-time MWC North Player of the Year, All-American, and eventual Cardinals minor league signee. Marshall Zahn earned back-to-back MWC North Pitcher of the Year honors. During the 2025 season, Cruise recorded his 200th career win and guided Ripon College to a competitive showing against three nationally-ranked programs, including a tight 8-10 loss to eventual national champion UW-Whitewater.

"I want to thank Bob, Gordie, and Julie Johnson, who gave me a chance and taught me how to be a coach. I would also like to thank my family for all your years of sacrifice and support.  A career like this could not be done without you," Cruise said. "I'm looking forward to the next opportunity life brings me."

A native of Oregon, Wis., Cruise holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics Statistics and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, both from UW-Oshkosh. He resides in Neenah.

Cruise's last day at Ripon College will be May 29. Sam Paden, current assistant baseball coach, has been named interim head coach.