Zach Merrill Hired as Santa Margarita Catholic High School’s Head Wrestling Coach
Zach Merrill has been hired to lead Santa Margarita Catholic High School’s wrestling program, the school announced today. Coach Merrill, a former international wrestler for the Puerto Rican national team, comes to the Eagles with a wealth of coaching experience at the high school and collegiate level.
Coach Merrill was a two-time CIF Champion for Palm Desert High School, two-time NCWA National Champion for Cal Baptist University, and an Academic All-Big 12 First Team Selection for the University of Oklahoma. He totaled 105 career wins during his collegiate career before starting an international career for Team USA where he qualified for Olympic Team Trials at 97kg Greco-Roman. After Team USA, he competed for Team Puerto Rico and was a silver medalist at the Central American and Caribbean Games at 97kg freestyle, and bronze medalist at the Pan-American Olympic Qualifying Tournament at 125kg freestyle.
“We are fortunate to have Coach Merrill lead our wrestling program,” said Santa Margarita Catholic High School Vice President of Athletics Jim Hartigan. “Coach Merrill is a passionate coach who understands the mission of our school, the strategies of wrestling, and how to connect with today’s student-athletes. I am looking forward to the future of Eagle wrestling under the guidance of Coach Merrill.”
Merrill’s coaching philosophy seeks to create a positive environment where confidence and the value of hard work are instilled into student-athletes through the sport of wrestling.
"I am eager to get started with the student-athletes," said Merrill. "The opportunity to lead the wrestling program here with the Eagles is exciting. There is an amazing support staff in place and some of the best facilities in the country. I'm looking forward to the future."