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Show I've always wanted to have a ball in my hands Right now AAerv faces two futures after graduation. His major in the Recreation Department is preparing him for a leadership and teaching position in a boys' club or camp, while, if he gets the opportunity, he will go into pro-ball. Meanwhile, he is busy making a foundation for both possibilities. The Recreation Department, under Dr. John Squires, finds summer jobs for students near their homes. For the past two summers AAerv has worked with boys in Savannah, preferring this work to his studies. "My studies will help me basically," he notes, "but my experience working with different types of organizations and kids will help me to understand people more." Merv likes people and is a pleasure to be around, though at times he might seem quiet, a loner, one might say. No matter the subject, he always manages to express how much he enjoys meeting and working with other people. His attitude carries over onto the basketball court where he is an excellent team player who can pass off as well as he can shoot. A definite pro prospect, Merv has been playing ball since childhood. "I've always wanted a ball in my hand," he states, and his long practice has given him a quick and accurate shot, phenomenal jumping power and unique poise on and off the court. To quote a Utah fan, "He has real class." Not so much, however, to resist replying when asked if he would play pro-ball if drafted, "Oh sure ... I love money." Besides basketball, Merv played community baseball while in high school. He still blows a hot trumpet, a carryover from four years of high school band and several months of making spending money in a small combo. Merv and a couple of teammates check out the Berkeley House Hotel where they stayed while in California. (Above) "This is one of my pastimes, guess you could say," comments Merv on his interest in music. He has a phonograph in his room on which he plays rhythm and blues, rock and roll and jazz. Below, Merv works on a P.E. 130 (Physical Education in the Elementary Schools) final. 24 |
