Women's Cross Country

Coaching:
Head Coach, Cato-Meridian and Westhill High Schools, 1984-86
Assistant Coach, Miami (Ohio), 1986-88
Assistant Coach, Ball State, 1988-89
Assistant Coach, Miami (Ohio), 1989-92
Assistant Coach, Rhode Island, 1992-present

The 2011-12 academic year marks John Melnick's 20th year with the Rhode Island women's cross country and track & field teams. He has coached numerous Atlantic 10 champions and NCAA qualifiers during his tenure at Rhode Island as well as over a dozen school record-setters.

A native of Cato, N.Y., Melnick graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1982 with a bachelor's degree in business administration and a concentration in accounting. In 1989, Melnick earned a master's in physical education/health enhancement and appraisal from Miami (Ohio).

While at Miami, Melnick coached the sprints, hurdles and throws. He trained a two-time NCAA All-American javelin thrower and 1992 Olympic trials qualifier and coached 69 All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) athletes and 12 MAC Champions.

Melnick holds a USA Track and Field Level I coaching certification as well as an NCAA recruiting certification.

He served as meet director for the Women's New England Cross-Country, Indoor and Outdoor Championships for nine years.

Melnick lives with his wife, head coach Laurie Feit-Melnick, in Narragansett with their children Mollie Joy and Adam John.