University of Rhode Island Women's Cross Country

Coaching: Assistant Cross Country Coach, Rutgers, 1988-89 Assistant Coach, Miami (Ohio), 1989-92 Head Coach, Rhode Island, 1992-presentLaurie Feit-Melnick enters

The 2018-19 academic year marks John Melnick's 28th 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 Meridian, 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.