Wabash Valley College Athletics

By Ray Hamill — Merek Sears is heading back to NCAA Division-I collegiate baseball.

The former Arcata Tiger, who is playing this spring for Wabash Valley College in Illinois, recently announced he has committed to play for the University of Houston.

“I’m beyond excited to announce my commitment to the University of Houston,” Sears announced on social media. “I want to thank my family, my coaches, and God for being there for me every step of the way.”

Sears joined the Washington State program after graduating Arcata High in 2020 and redshirted with the Cougars in the spring of 2021.

This season he transferred to play for Wabash Valley College, a National Junior College Athletic Association Division-I powerhouse, but it will be a quick turnaround for the former Arcata player, who led the Tigers to a North Coast Section championship as a junior.

The Warriors, who are considered one of the top JC programs in the nation, compete in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference.

Sears is enjoying a productive season for the conference-leading Warriors, who are 37-5 on the season and 20-2 in the GRAC.

The left-handed pitcher has appeared in 12 games, including two starts, and has an impressive ERA of 2.18.

He has struck out 23 batters in 20.2 innings, while walking just eight, and is 2-0 with a save.