Michael Merritt

MICHAEL MERRITT, beloved son of the departed Eugene and Theresa Merritt, was born in Baltimore MD on March 7, 1955. Michael was called home on Thanksgiving Day November 28, 2013. Michael, a varsity letterman in cross-country and track since his ninth grade year, matriculated in the Archdiocese of Baltimore at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic School, Mt. St. Joseph High School and in Baltimore City Public Schools at Northwestern Senior High School from which he graduated. Mike, as we affectionately knew him, started his collegiate career at Catonsville Community College in Catonsville, MD and eventually transferred to Mount St. Mary’s College. He received a Master of Education degree from Bowie State University. At Catonsville CC under Coach Mike Carroll and while at Mt. St. Mary’s, under the tutelage of legendary track Coach Jim Deegan, Mike distinguished himself with All-American honors at each level, which propelled him into a distinguished coaching career upon graduating from The Mount. Mike loved running and coaching. His uncompromising work ethic paid substantial dividends. Mike took a Coppin State University program, in its first season, to its first NAIA National Championships and was named NAIA District 19 Coach of the Year. He journeyed back to The Mount where he became a fifteen-time Northeast Conference Coach of the Year, coached a NCAA Champion and an Olympian in 1996. Upon leaving The Mount he found the job he cherished most. In 2000 he became the head coach for the Howard University Bisons. He was extremely proud of his Howard U. student athletes and for good reason. He became a Mideast Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, won the MEAC Cross Country Championship, coached multiple MEAC Champions, All-MEAC performers and was especially proud of his hurdler, Olympic medalist and U.S. Champion David Oliver. Mike’s coaching accomplishments and the number of All-Americans, Conference Champions and high performing student athletes were just too numerous to name here. So please forgive me. Brothers Ronald, Donald and Frank Merritt, Herbert Pitts and Daniel Carter survive Mike immediately; as well as sisters Jaqueline Handy, Mariam Hampton, Janet Merritt and Joslyn Arnovitz; and a multitude of in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends of the family, coaches and former student athletes. Mike lived his dream. His greatness as a coach, mentor, administrator, teacher, role model and brother are instilled in all of us he touched and those we touch. Thank You, Mike. We love you. For the Family, Frank Merritt

Tributes

Michael Merritt

March 7, 1955 - November 28, 2013