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Mersman finds niche as sprinter PDF Print E-mail
Sports
Written by Gene Morris   
Wednesday, 17 June 2009 07:00
Hayden Mersman has always been a competitor.

Few have played as many sports as the Paola High School senior did during his tenure with the Panthers.

Mersman played four years for the Paola basketball program. While his winter sport was a given, Mersman tried just about everything in the spring.

He spent two years on the Paola baseball team. Last year he played tennis.

This spring, for the first time, Mersman decided to run track.

And he discovered he was pretty good at it. College good, in fact.

Despite sprinting just one season for the Panthers, Mersman drew the attention of college coaches.
After drawing interest from several programs, Mersman signed a letter of intent to run with Ottawa University on May 18.

He also capped off his season by qualifying for state in the 4x100-meter relay and the 100-meter dash, helping the Panthers to their first state track and field championship.

“This was my first year to run track,” Mersman said. “Some of the guys teased me about it. I think I actually found my sport.”

Having the opportunity to run at the college level is something Mersman never expected.

“It is really surprising to me,” he said. “I am still in shock about it.”

Mersman, a sprinter, is one of the Panthers’ featured performers in the 100-meter dash.

In addition to signing an athletic scholarship for track and field, Mersman was presented with a $10,000 academic scholarship in recognition of his 3.8 grade-point average.

He was recruited for the 100-meter dash, the 4x100-meter relay and could also see action for the Braves in the 200-meter dash.
Ottawa seemed like a perfect fit, Mersman said. He had several options, but was drawn to the programs at Ottawa University, the faculty, coaches and the campus.

“I like the fact that it is a small college,” Mersman said. “I really liked the coaches there.”

The next step is preparing to compete. Mersman said he is ready for the next level.

“I am looking forward to new challenges,” he said.

Mersman plans on majoring in physical therapy. He is the son of Jim and Cindy Mersman.
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