TOPSHAM

Nick Merrill is a senior at Mt. Ararat High School. He is the archetype of a student athlete. He is a honor roll student, a National Honor Society member, and a three-sport star, all of which keeps him pretty busy.

Nick was co-captain of the boys soccer team that had a very successful season. A defensive stalwart, Nick also played a leading roll on offense. He was the second leading scorer with five goals, all of which came off headers.

Nick has a knack of being in the right place at the right time. This doesn’t happen by luck. He is usually marked by the other team’s best defenseman. His ability to anticipate and recognize the destination of the ball from the monster throw-ins by Dalton Streeter and corner kicks by Max Spelke allowed him to get the first step and gain position.

According to Nick “ I just want the ball more,” than my opponent.

He uses his positioning and jumping ability to get his head on the ball and send it toward the goal.

According to boys soccer coach Jack Rioux, Nick has provided “quiet leadership through out his four- year varsity career. He is a leader by example, so when he speaks, the other kids listen.”

As basketball season approached, Nick found himself with a new coach in Jeff Hogan.

“Coach Hogan has a different philosophy, so as a team we need to adapt to his game plan. It features an upbeat tempo. We’re still learning and adjusting to his schemes.”

Things went well for the Eagles on opening night, with Mt. Ararat coming away with a 75-50 victory at Leavitt.

Tonight, Nick and his teammates face “Battle of the Bridge” rival Brunswick on the road at 7 p.m.

When asked what his biggest asset is on the court, Nick is reluctant to specifically point out his shooting, passing and rebounding skills. Instead he states “my biggest asset is team play.” Nick uses his basketball savvy to hit the open man, set the pick underneath, box out on the boards, and take and make the open shot. He is one of those rare individuals whose play makes everyone else on the court better.

Although Nick enjoys all sports while he is playing them, his true love is baseball in the spring. Nick has been the starting shortstop since his freshman year. He is a slick fielding shortstop with good range, a strong arm, and he hits, often with power.

“Nick is one of the hardest workers I’ve seen in my 17 years associated with Mt. Ararat baseball,” said longtime Eagles baseball coach Bob Neron.

Nick is a member of the National Honor Society and a member of the very competitive Mt. Ararat math team. Nick carries this intelligence onto the field of play, which may explain why coach Neron says “Nick has one of the highest baseball IQ’s that I’ve seen. He’s always thinking about the situation in front of him with regards to playing shortstop, always thinking ahead, whether it’s a bunt situation where he’s wheeling over to cover third or just looking in to see what pitch is coming and adjusting his positioning accordingly.”

He was an important part of the Eagles baseball team that last year reached the Class A Regional finals. With virtually the entire team returning this spring, Nick and the Eagles are looking forward to continued success.

Just not at the expense of the basketball season!