NHTI Athletic Hall of Fame
A proud native of Pittsburg, NH, the most northern town in the state of NH with typical graduation classes of 4, 5 or 10 students, I met Luke for the first time when he was just a ninth grader while running my basketball camps in Pittsburg and Colebrook, NH. A three-sport athlete in high school, Luke focused strictly on baseball at NHTI after a tremendous career in high school.
Luke was a popular member of some of the most successful NHTI baseball teams playing for Coach Eric Duquette. His ability to play shortstop and pitch earned him lots of recognition on the baseball diamond and great respect from his teammates and YSCC conference foes.
During Merrill’s time at NHTI, he led our Lynx to our only USCAA national tournament appearance in 2010. His steady play earned him the YSCC Player of the Year in 2010 along with all conference recognition in 2008 fall, 2009 spring and 2010 spring.
Luke played with a very quiet unassuming passion for the game of baseball at NHTI and continued on to Plymouth State earning numerous honors for the Panthers while earning a degree in physical education. He continues to play competitive sports and has gained nationwide recognition as one of the very best softball players in the country.
His consistency with his daily approach to the game he loves and his college experience, His ability to play different positions flawlessly allowed the baseball coaching staff to really strategize with each and every game.
When he arrived at NHTI, Luke separated himself immediately with his versatility, and his passion for baseball. His instincts and athletic IQ are second to none.
He played SS, 3B and even some 1st base. Of course, he was also our #1 pitcher for both years. His ability to throw any pitch in any count, combined with a fastball in the mid 80’s made him very difficult to hit.
Fundamentals were strong coming out of high school but so was his poise. Luke was a very classy performer that proved to have a very calming influence on his teammates in the most pressured moments of a game.
A tireless and passionate worker, Luke earned his teammates and coaches respect with the old-fashioned work ethic. Don’t be fooled by his quiet demeanor! He disguised his competitive zeal effectively.
Offensively is where he put in the most work, and showed the most improvement changing from a dead pull hitter to someone who used all fields, Luke became one of the toughest outs in the Yankee Conference. Luke hit 2 HR’s in a Yankee conference tournament championship game against rival SMCC, a game he was also the winning pitcher in.
Luke’s biggest athletic accomplishment at NHTI was leading our Lynx baseball team to the USCAA Small College World Series. He was the winning pitcher in game # 1 throwing a complete game gem against Clark St out of Ohio. The trip to the USCAA small college world series was and remains the only time an NHTI baseball team has attended this prestigious tournament. Quite an accomplishment.
Luke lives in Henniker, NH with his wife Danielle and little girl Emmie.
On behalf of NHTI Athletics, let’s welcome Luke Merrill on stage for his induction to the NHTI Athletic Hall of Fame
