Billy VandeMerkt begins his first season on staff in 2014 and will coach the team’s running backs.
Originally from Riverside, Ill., VandeMerkt comes to SMSU after a four-year playing career at NCAA II St. Joseph’s College (Ind.). VandeMerkt started 32 games at quarterback during his career and was a three-time team captain. He was named second team all-conference as a senior in 2013, passing for 1,480 yards and 13 touchdowns, while rushing for 291 yards and two touchdowns. He finished second in the conference in pass efficiency and was fourth in total offense.
VandeMerkt was named honorable mention all-conference his first two seasons, including earning Freshman of the Year accolades in 2010. He closed his four-year career passing for 6,432 yards and 56 touchdowns.
VandeMerkt – who spent the 2014 spring season as a student assistant coach at SJC – earned his bachelor’s degree in history. He is pursuing his master’s degree at SMSU.
