WARMING UP — Drew DeYarmon of Columbus warmed up for the Josh Merriman Foundation’s sixth-annual Golf Outing Saturday at the Steubenville Country Club and was among many competing in the tournament, which is named for his late cousin. — Warren Scott
STEUBENVILLE — More than 200 golfers converged on the Steubenville Country Club Saturday for a tournament held to educate the public about suicide prevention and the importance of seeking help when troubled at any time.
In its sixth year, the Josh Merriman Foundation Golf Outing involved a total of 52 four-member teams in two tournaments played in the morning and afternoon.
Bob Merriman, among founders of the annual event, said he has been very pleased with the level of participation during the years, noting there currently are 28 teams on a waiting list to compete in the future.
“Most of these teams have been here since it started,” said Merriman, who with his wife, Colleen, is among many volunteers behind it.
The foundation was established following the death, by suicide, of the Merrimans’ son, Josh, in 2017.
A 2014 graduate of Catholic Central High School, Josh was 21 and nearing graduation from Robert Morris University with a bachelor’s degree in business and finance and was looking forward to another season on the school’s hockey team.
His death was unexpected and his family hasn’t ruled out the possibility it was the result of multiple concussions he had sustained as an athlete.
Various scientific studies have found a head injury can cause people to suffer from depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.
But the issue came under closer scrutiny several years ago with the suicides of several professional football players who had sustained concussions.
But it is one of many mental health issues for which the foundation hopes to spread awareness.
The group has arranged for representatives of mental health agencies to speak to students and school personnel about matters ranging from coping with stress to identifying signs of mental illness or substance abuse.
The help is available at a time when many area schools have been touched by teen suicide.
But volunteers behind the Josh Merriman Foundation say they won’t come to schools unless they are approached.
“We’re not here to force ourselves. We’re just trying to help,” said Michael Barber Jr., who serves on its board.
He said mental health problems exist among all people, young and old, and from all walks of life, and it’s important that everyone comes to understand that.
Barber said too often people suffering emotionally are reluctant to come forward, and the foundation wants them to know seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
“They need to know that it’s OK to say I’m not OK,” he said, stressing the foundation’s mission is all about prevention.
Barber added the golf outing also is an opportunity to celebrate the positive impact Josh made on others.
While at Catholic Central, he played baseball, football and golf, was an avid poker player and has been remembered by classmates for his confidence, loyalty and humor.
“Josh touched a lot of lives in his short time here, and they have given back for him,” said Barber, who noted participants and supporters of the golf outing have included many who knew him personally.
This year’s event was coordinated by his son, Michael Barber III, who was one of Josh’s classmates.
Bob said he’s been moved by the numerous businesses and others who have supported it each year.
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