Biography

Power-Strength-Size-The prototype Stud Lineman who can single handedly control a game best describes Dean "The Dream" Merlin. The 6'4" 240 pound tackle teamed with 6'4" 235 pound Mike Achin in creating one of the most formidable tandems ever to play for Bishop Feehan. As Coach Paul O'Boy stated, "By virtue of their size and athletic ability, they're two of the best lineman we've ever had here." A two year starter at tackle and defensive end, Merlin was instrumental in turning around the fortunes of the Feehan football program which had fallen upon hard times in the previous two years.

While defense was his forte, Merlin was an intimidating presence at offensive tackle creating gaping holes for the likes of Hall of Famers Terry Buckley and Henry McDeed to run through and giving young sophomore QB, Rob Lee, time to throw the ball with his smothering pass blocking. Nonetheless, it was Merlin's presence as the immovable object at Defensive End and Tackle which allowed him to be recognized as a Sun Chronicle and Conference All Star. So impressive was this defense led by Merlin, Achin and teammates Mark Cuddy, Steve "Chico" Fillman and Mike Cornetta that the 1974 Shamrocks shut out four opponents and held three others to only one TD. The most memorable of games in Merlin's senior year was an upset win over Attleboro, whose coach had mistakenly proclaimed, prior to the game, that the Bombardiers key to victory would be running at Feehan's tackles. Needless to say Mr. Merlin and Mr. Achin had something to say about that as Attleboro was held to less than 100 yards on the ground and shut out the Bombardiers 12-0. In his last game, the Shamrocks won a thrilling come from behind 8-6 victory over Bishop Stang and Feehan returned to its winning ways with a solid 6-4 record in the rugged SEMass Conference.

After graduating from Feehan, Dean went on to play ball at Tabor Academy where he was named to the 1975-76 Prep All America Team. After prep school, Merlin played three years at Colgate University where, in 1977, the team's 10-1 record represents the most successful season in the history of the school. After procuring a degree in Exercise Physiology, Dean has worked as a sales representative for a surgical instrument company for the last 15 years. He currently resides in Plymouth, MA with his wife, Gail, and three children, Mark, Rachel, and Sarah.