Hall of Fame
Melvin attended PSC in 1942 and 1943. In the spring of 1943, the Navy’s Officer Training Program sent him to Iowa State. Melvin became a member of the PSC track team that won the 1943-44 and 1044-45 indoor and outdoor Big Six Championships. At the latter meet, he qualified for the NCAA Championships where he became All-American in the long jump.
The Illinois Senior Olympic program began in 1983. It was during the first year of the program at the age of 59 that Melvin won the Illinois Senior Olympic long jump. He continued to win the long jump as well as the 100 and 200-meter dashes for fifteen consecutive years. Melvin holds both American and World Masters Track and Field records.
At age 83 Melvin is preparing for the world championship meet in Italy. He will compete in a field of 6,000-8,000 athletes.
