Thiel College Athletics

William “Mert” Merkovsky lettered four years in football and three years in basketball. In 1961, Merkovsky earned a spot on the All-PAC football team at defensive end. During the 1961 season, Merk became the leading pass receiver, catching 12 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns. An injury kept Merk on the sidelines most of his junior year. He was selected to the 1963 All-PAC offensive and defensive football teams.
 
On the hardcourt, 1963 was Merk’s most impressive season. He was the outstanding performer of the team and was the leader in almost every statistic. He was the second leading scorer in the PAC and was selected as a member of the All-PAC First Team.

Merk graduated Thiel in 1964 and went on to pursue a career in teaching and coaching. He got his start at Bishop McCourt in Johnstown as a head basketball coach. He coached the 1964-65 “Crushers” basketball team to the Pennsylvania Catholic Interscholastic Athletic Association (P.C.I.A.A.) Class “A” State Basketball Championships. In 1964, he was chosen by the Chamber of Commerce as the Greater Johnstown Area Coach of the Year.