50-for-50: Jean Melson, Track & Field / Basketball 1979-81
In 2021 LB celebrates the 50-year anniversary of its athletics program. Beginning in January, we will highlight people, teams and moments from the past five decades of Roadrunner Athletics. You can nominate a former athlete, coach, team, suppter or memorable moment from LB Athletics using this form.
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The 1980's
Jean Melson, Track & Field / Basketball 1979-81
Jean Melson was the first female to win a national title at Linn-Benton, capturing the NJCAA crowns in the discus (147-9) and shot put (43-7) in 1980. Her efforts helped the Roadrunners capture 4th Place at the national championship meet.
Her toss in the shot put won the title by more than a foot and her javelin throw won by more than 20 feet. Melson went undefeated and untied in both events during the 1980 track season.
In addition to track, Melson played two seasons of basketball for the Roadrunners and earned 2nd Team all-OCCAA honors.
A standout high school basketball player and state champion in the discus and shot put from Tillamook, Melson originally went to Oregon State to compete in track & field. After one season with the Beavers, and narrowly missing qualifying for the NCAA Championships, Melson left OSU. After taking a year off, she enrolled at LB in the Fall of 1979.