For seniors David Watermiller and Luke Merz it all started when they first played tee ball together. Their friendship continued to grow as they continued playing baseball together for the past 14 years. This is the last year in a bison uniform for Watermiller and Merz, but not the last time on the diamond together.
Dave and Luke are attending Bethel University next fall to continue academic and baseball careers. “I really liked the campus and the entire university,” said Watermiller “It’s a good bonus that I can also play baseball.” For Luke he was more focused on the baseball aspect of Bethel. “I liked how the coach was pursuing me almost every week,” said Merz. Dave decided to go to Bethel two weeks prior to Merz’s decision. “I think it’s just a bonus to have one of my best friends on the same campus as me,” explained Watermiller. They hope to room together and continue to grow their friendship. “I think that hearing dave was going [Bethel] made my decision that much easier,” stated Merz. The coaches saw that they had different talents and roles that could contribute to the team
Dave is a pitcher for the Bison, who tends to favor his fastball. “It‘s always been helpful having him behind the plate,” explained Watermiller, “He knows how I like to pitch and calls the game accordingly.” Dave firmly believes he was a big help in getting him to the next level. Dave ended the past year with a 2.10 era and over 30 innings pitched. “I’m excited to go to Bethel to be apart of a collegiate team, one of my dreams since I was a kid,” said Watermiller.
Luke Merz is the catcher for Bison and has the best batting average for returning players, but his bat isn’t the only thing that caught Bethel coach’s eye. “The coach liked how I had a strong arm, but also how I was able to call the game,” stated Merz. Merz threw out an impressive 75% of the runners who tried to steal on him. Merz says Dave was able to help him along the way. “It’s nice being so close with Dave,” explained Merz “when I want to practice him and I will go to the cages, or go to the mound to be able to get some extra pitching and catching in.”
Both seniors are looking forward to their final season in a Bison uniform. “I think we both have our individual goals, but the main goal of the team is to make some noise in the section playoffs,” stated Watermiller. The Bison have had a tough section in the past years with the State Champions Chanhassen, but the bison look to make a run in their new 8AAAA section.
