At Delaware: Will share catching duties with Ryan Englehardt.

High School: Three-year letterwinner at South Plainfield High School for coach Ray Ciecwisz • named Rookie of the Year in 2003 • named defensive player of the year as a sophomore and junior • named all-state, all-group, all-area, all-division, all-county and all-conference as a senior • also named offensive player of the year as a senior • team won division championship with a record of 20-7.

Personal: William Joseph Merkler • born January 12, 1987 • son of Robert and Doreen Merkler • uncle Eddie Merkler ran in New York City Marathon in 1982 and 1983 • enjoys hunting and spending time at the beach • health and physical education major at Delaware.