PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. – Plattsburgh State Athletic Hall of Fame member Dr. Merritt Spear, who spent 42 years as the team physician for Plattsburgh State Athletics and served as the Director of Medical Services at SUNY Plattsburgh from 1976-91, passed away peacefully on June 12.
 
"This is a very sad time for our Sports Medicine Department," Director of Sports Medicine Jason Pachter said. "Dr. Spear was a true legend and pioneer in the field of sports medicine. Throughout his more than 40 years as our team physician, there was no greater advocate for athletic trainers or the profession as a whole. The care, compassion and dedication he provided to our student-athletes were second to none. Beyond his tremendous contributions to our Cardinal family, Dr. Spear was a trusted mentor, colleague, and friend to so many within our Sports Medicine Department. His impact on countless lives will be felt for years to come, and his presence will be deeply missed."
 
From 1976 to 2018, he served as the department's team physician and provided medical oversight to the Sports Medicine staff to ensure top-notch care of all Cardinal student-athletes. Dr. Spear was recognized by the Eastern Athletic Trainers' Association in 2006 as the recipient of the David G. Moyer Award, presented to a team physician who has served the profession of athletic training as an educator and advocate, while also serving the community in which they live and work. In 2015, the New York State Athletic Trainers' Association (NYSATA) proudly honored Dr. Spear with the Kent Scriber Recognition Award, an Executive Council-nominated award presented to individuals whose acts, promotion, support, and service positively reflect the goals and mission of NYSATA and the athletic training profession in New York State. As a result of his many contributions to Cardinal Athletics, he was inducted into the Plattsburgh State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1995.
 
"Doc Spear was a fixture in Cardinal Athletics for decades, and his impact on the student-athletes he interacted with during that time is simply immeasurable," Plattsburgh State Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Mike Howard said. "As our team physician, trusted colleague and fan of all of our programs, there is no doubt his commitment to student-athlete welfare leaves a lasting legacy in Plattsburgh State Athletics."
 
Visitation will be held at Peru Community Church on Saturday, June 20, at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Operation Valor Horizon https://www.facebook.com/p/Operation-Valor-Horizon-61579584458766.