DAVE MERKLEY

Dave Merkley played tight head prop between the 1990-’92 seasons.  “Twin” (to “Lichpipe”), “Merk”, “MerkPipe” joined the team with Lichpipe in 1990 as Juniors (better late than never).  They found rugby to be an excellent outlet from the Engineering school grind.  

MerkPipe shared the “Rookie of the Year” award with Lichpipe and one other newbee in 1990 and took a co-captain role in 1991 alongside Kevin “Rump” McDonald.  He recalls winning the “Hardest Head” award while playing under the coaching excellence of Zippy and with the ‘91 dream team of MCP, Chaffin, Rump, Babar, Dinsmore, Ratt, Nosal, Moose, Rosie, Charlie Brown and the Hobbits, as well as many others.  

He also has fond memories of tournament games at Jackalope, Denver, Tulsa as well as College Station, TX.  One of his favorite memories took place after the UNL invitational during a post-game party and involved the UNL Women’s Basketball team.  It was here that Merk showed his affinity and skill for naked beer slide chair bowling.  

He is a VP at a leading power generation company in Omaha, where he’s dedicated 23 years.  He and his wife live in Waterloo, NE, where they are hoping to soon enjoy grandchildren from their three grown boys.