Batesville- Batesville cross country and track standout Hayden Merkel was being pursued by several NCAA Division I programs. After a lengthy internal deliberation, the Batesville senior will pursue both sports starting next fall at the University of Missouri.

According to Tim Merkel, Hayden’s father, Hayden selected the Mizzou Tigers over San Francisco, Drake, UNC Asheville, Florida, Ole Miss, Texas, Indiana State, Memphis, South Alabama, Alabama and Arizona State.

Merkel missed much of the fall cross country season due to injury but returned in time for the postseason and also made it to the Junior Olympic Cross Country National Championships.

SEI Local Sports congratulates Hayden on his major announcement and wishes him the very best as he shows off his talents in the “Show Me” state.