Steve Merli

2012

Football

Steve Merli is one of the finest running backs in Manasquan High School history. A member of the Class of 1973, Merli earned All-Shore 3rd Team recognition as a junior in 1971 and shared the team's Peter Blocksom Roetzel Award as co-MVP.

His senior season in 1972 was even more decorated: he earned a 1st Team All-Shore selection, won the Peter Blocksom Roetzel Award again, and was named Shore Conference Player of the Year — a rare distinction that placed him as the best player in the entire conference. He was the engine of the 1972 Warriors' undefeated 9-0 Shore Conference Class B Championship season.

Following his MHS career, Merli went on to play college football at Eastern Kentucky University. His career at Manasquan remains a benchmark for the running back position.

1972 Shore Conference Player of the Year on a perfect 9-0 team — the best in the Shore.

Profile Highlights

MHS Class of 1973
1971 All-Shore 3rd Team — Running Back
1971 Peter Blocksom Roetzel Award (co-winner, Team MVP)
1972 All-Shore 1st Team — Running Back
1972 Shore Conference Player of the Year
1972 Peter Blocksom Roetzel Award (co-winner, Team MVP)
Member of 1972 undefeated team (9-0, Shore Conference Class B Champions)
Eastern Kentucky University — Football