Former 3-Time NFL Pro Bowler Now A.D. At H.S.

http://www.thereporter.com/sports/ci_22383713/ex-nfl-star-merriweather-new-athletic-director-at

Vacaville Christian High School may be a little star struck after hiring former NFL star Michael Merriweather as its new athletic director.

Merriweather, a 1978 Vallejo High School graduate who went on to three Pro Bowls in a 12-year NFL career, mostly with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings, moved into his new position with Vacaville Christian last week.

The new AD was part of a meet-and-greet night on Monday at VCS in conjunction with the Falcons boys and girls basketball games against Highlands. Not coincidentally, former Olympian and Sacramento Monarch Ruthie Bolton met with the VCS girls players and delivered a chapel devotional.

“It’s kind of different having Chris Doleman, Rocky Bleier and John Randle on a resume,” said Paul Harrell, VCS Head of Schools. “Talking with Rocky Bleier about Michael and his work on a golf tournament really gets your attention. We are so blessed to have Michael on our staff.

“He has a tremendous Christian walk. He’s a tremendous leader.”

Merriweather, 52, has worked in a variety of athletic endeavors since his retirement from the NFL in 1993. He currently lives in Stockton with his wife, Sandra, and the two youngest of their six children.

The former linebacker still has family in Vallejo, which was one of the reasons he was interested in the position.

“My father-in-law is a pastor in Vallejo,” Merriweather said. “It’s just a blessing to be closer to family. I have a passion for sports, and I’ve coached or been involved with a variety of sports at almost every level.

“When people think of Vacaville, they obviously think of Vacaville High, or Will C. Wood. But Vacaville Christian I believe is a diamond in the midst of a big area,” he said. “They’ve produced winners, and it’s a great family organization.”

One of Merriweather’s first tasks will be to hire a new head football coach. Chris Smith, the Falcons’ former AD and the only head coach the football program has had, resigned after 12 seasons on Nov. 13.

“I would love to coach football,” he said. “That was a draw for me. Obviously, I’ll get in where I fit in. I want what’s best for the athletic program.”

Another early duty will involve work at the school’s annual crab feed fund-raiser, set for Feb. 23.

Merriweather already has lined up former San Francisco 49er Eric Wright for the evening.

The names just keep on coming.

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