Gannon University Athletics

Merkley will compete for a starting position in the outfield … transferred from Sauk Valley (Ill.) Community College prior to the 2009-10 academic year.

2010: Played in 13 games during his first season at Gannon, all starts … was a PSAC Scholar-Athlete … received the NCAA Division II Athletics Directors Association (ADA) Academic Achievement Award … produced a .361 slugging percentage and .341 on-base percentage … recorded two multiple-hit games and two multiple-RBI games … had a hit in each of the first four games he played in … recorded his first career hit at Gannon during his first appearance February 27 against Hillsdale … had another hit and two RBI in the second game of the Hillsdale doubleheader … went 2-for-3 with two RBI at Slippery Rock … added two hits in three at-bats while scoring twice at Lake Erie.

At Sauk Valley Community College: Played for head coach Rene Valdez … hit .349 with three home runs and 28 RBI as a sophomore … led Sauk Valley to a 25-16 record and a regional appearance … was named to the Dean’s List twice.

High School: Played for head coach Mark Stuckless at A.Y. Jackson (Ontario) Secondary School … hit 12 home runs during his four-year high school career … led A.Y. Jackson to a second-place finish at the EOFSAA.

Personal: Business major ... son of Brenda and Brent.