"We have the personnel to win Conference" is Rick Merk's evaluation of this year's golf team. As Maine West's most outstanding golfer, Rick is this week's Warrior of the West.

Rick stands 5' 9" tall, weighs 165 pounds, and has brown eyes and curly brown hair. His golfing accomplishments include the winning of the number one spot on the team for the past three years, as well as earning his varsity letter last year.

The greatest thrill that Rick has received from golfing occurred when he holed out a 160‑yard 5‑iron shot for an eagle‑2. His best match was against Barrington this year when he carded an excellent 41. Rick has also recorded a round of 39 at Chevy Chase Country Club.

"Don't get discouraged if you don't make it right away" is Rick's advice to beginning golfers. He feels that getting the right rhythm back is the hardest part of training. The members of the golf team usually are inactive from October to March.

Rick's favorite sports are pool and bowling. What most people don't know about Rick is that he is an excellent pool player. Rick's favorite saying is "Oh, Esmerelda!"

From his many years in athletic competition, Rick has learned good sportsmanship. Still, Rick has a quick temper that he would like to eliminate.

His pet peeves are "people who stand in the middle of the doorways" and "kids who go out for sports and quit."

Rick thinks that the coaches and teachers are the most outstanding things at Maine West. He believes that more student participation could improve school spirit. He manages to maintain a good grade average by using all of his study halls advantageously.

Rick hopes that his future will include attendance at the University of Houston on a golf scholarship. He plans to major in business administration.