Merg makes point

Posted: March 30, 2009 |(0) Comments

Alex Merg says he may major in something along the lines of economics or finance when he continues his education this fall.

Until then, he will continue to contribute a monthly column in his position as sports editor of the "Pioneer Outlook," the monthly publication at Greendale High School.

Merg, a senior guard on the basketball team, provided a good story this season. He came back from a back condition that forced him to miss half of his junior season to earn co-player of the year honors in the South Division of the Woodland Conference and a spot on the CNI All-Suburban Boys Basketball Team.

Kate Wagner, Merg's English teacher his freshman year, suggested to Amy Hutter, a language arts teacher and publications adviser, that Merg would be a good fit to write for Pioneer Outlook.

"He would always write about sports when given the chance, and of course he always had a lot of strong opinions about various sports-related topics," Hutter said.

It was natural for Merg, who has been writing for the publication since he was a sophomore.

"I really love it," Merg said. "You can voice your opinion, stay in the world of sports."

Merg, a big University of Wisconsin basketball fan who said he gets some heat from his friends who are Marquette fans, helped the Panthers challenge for the Woodland South title.

"Given all the circumstances, I would have to say that year went pretty good," Merg said. "It could have been a lot better, it could have been a lot worse. I'm just real thankful I y in every game (except the season opener), and we won some big ones and we competed with everyone. It was definitely a fun year, that's for sure."

Greendale coach Paul Krajewski enjoyed having Merg, an all-Woodland pick as a sophomore, back on the court.

"It was really, really nice that he was able to play in all but one game this year, and his dedication, his work ethic, his passion for the game obviously paid off, for both our team and for himself," Krajewski said. "We had a good year. With a good year as a team come individual honors. All the honors he has are well deserved.

"It's nice to be considered one of the three players in the conference, by that I mean co-player of the year with Bryan Stave in the South Division and Geordin Panagopoulos from Pewaukee on the North side. To be in that same breath with those other two players and be one of those three is a great honor as well. His performance on the floor warranted that and that was really great. I'm very happy for him."

Merg has been selected as an alternate for the WBCA Division 2 All-Star Game, to be played Saturday, June 20, at the University of Wisconsin Field House in Madison. By that time, he will have made his collegiate choice.

He list includes UW-Whitewater, UW-La Crosse, Lawrence, Carroll and Lake Forest.

"I really am not close to making any decision," said Merg, who is looking for the right combination of opportunities in basketball, financial aid and majors. "I've got until May 1st, and I might have to wait until April 30 to decide. There are so many factors involved. I've still got to take some visits."

 

Jerry Karpowicz can be reached at (262) 446-6628. Read his blog at GreendaleNOW.com.

Panther Pride

Greendale CNI All-Suburban Boys Basketball Team selections

1989-90: Brad Murawski

1990-91: Brad Murawski

1995-96: Steve Malkowski

1995-96: Brian Dorrington

1996-97: Greg Zens

1998-99: Phil Calvert

2005-06: Kyle Johnsen

2008-09: Alex Merg