A 1979 graduate of Tiffin University, Farris was the most valuable player (MVP), leading scorer, and captain of a team that captured the Mid-Ohio Conference basketball crown his senior season in college. He ranked eighth in scoring for the NAIA with an average of 26.8 points per game. After graduation he was awarded the title of assistant basketball coach and head baseball coach at his alma mater.

In 1979, Farris embarked on a nine-year stint on the European basketball circuit; seven years as a player, and two as a coach. He played professionally for six years in England and one year in Scotland. Farris coached men's and women's Division I teams in Norway from 1986-88, and his 1988 women's team captured the national junior title. Farris was recognized for all of his great work in 1995 when he was inducted into the Tiffin University Hall of Fame.

Coach Farris enters his 23rd season as a coach for IU Southeast and has led the Grenadiers to 11 KIAC championships, two regional championships, and six trips to the NAIA National Tournament during his tenure. His 2001-02 squad advanced to the NAIA Sweet Sixteen, a goal for the top programs in the country. He has also been named KIAC Coach of the Year eight times while compiling a 382-276 record at the IU Southeast in 22 seasons, and an overall record of 382-291.

Coach Farris also served 16 seasons as head coach of the IU Southeast Volleyball program compiling a record of 328-193. IU Southeast volleyball took four trips to the NAIA National Tournament.

Jacob enters his first season as a Grenadiers' assistant coach.  He is a 2009 graduate of Murray State University where he earned his bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education.  Jacob spent one season as a manager for the men's basketball team at Murray State.

Jacob also coached women's basketball at St. Vincent High School in Perryville, Mo from 2009-2011. The Lady Indians won a conference title and district championship during the 2010-11 season.  They advanced to the Missouri state playoffs and had the first 20-win season in school history.

Jacob and his wife, Danielle, live in Seymour, Ind.

Merkel has been an assistant coach for the women's basketball team since 1992.His other coaching experiences involve several years of coaching girls' AAU basketball and various girls' basketball city leagues.

. He and his wife Lisa have two daughters, Shelli and Emily, along with three grandsons, Max, Jake, and Trevor.