Richard Merritt
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- Induction Year:
- 2024
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- Sport:
- Champion of Skippers Athletics
Rich Merritt made an outstanding impact on Skippers Athletics for over 20 years. During his career he announced the names of thousands of players with a high-level of dedication, professionalism and passion.
“I enjoyed watching these young adults give their best for the love of their sport,” Rich said. “It was a great way to give back to my community.”
Rich first started doing the public address in the mid 1990’s when SC4 had a void they needed filled quickly. Without hesitation, Merritt immediately stepped in to help new Athletic Director Dale Vos and became a staple of the Skippers for the next two decades. “I called him up one Saturday morning to see if he could help us in a pinch, he showed up an hour later and he never left,” Vos said. He continued as the voice of the Skippers through the opening of the SC4 Fieldhouse in 2016.
“My favorite sport to call was Skippers softball when they used to play at Pine Grove Park,” Rich said. “Even with all of the cold weather we got I always enjoyed working those games the most.” While softball was his favorite, he was dedicated to all of Skippers Athletics as he did the PA for volleyball, basketball, and baseball teams as well.
“Rich was the voice of the Skippers for more years than him or I wish to count,” Vos added. “His love for the student athletes and coaches made him special.”
Outside of his work for the Skippers, he also announced games for Silver Stick, figure skating, and both Port Huron Northern and Port Huron High School teams.
Rich is a true Champion of Skippers Athletics and deserving of this award honoring the legendary Jim Whymer. He has four adult children and lives in Port Huron with his wife Karen.
