Merkel moved to Columbia, SC in the summer of 2022 and attended Irmo High School for his senior year, He was the Senior Captain on the IHS Swim Team and earned a varsity letter graduating with honors in May of 2023.

He also swam on the Columbia YMCA Mudcats Swim Team. 

He transferred to Midlands Technical College in SC in Spring of 2024 and will be majoring in Criminal Justice Technology.  He wants to pursue a career in law enforcement. He is also a member of the U.S. Masters Swimming and swam at the US Masters Swimming National Championship in Indianapolis in June of 2024.