The roots of Wayland’s success in track and field extend well beyond the plains of West Texas. In 1973, Canadian Ron Melnichuk enrolled at Wayland, beginning what would become a continuing progression of outstanding international athletes. A graduate of Daniel McIntyre Collegiate in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Melnichuk made his presence know immediately and was named Wayland’s Outstanding Freshman Athlete for 1973-74. A year later, he became Wayland’s first NAIA All-American in cross-country.
     Melnichuk’s stellar career also included All-America recognition in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in 1975 and as a member of the indoor distance medley relay in 1976. He was Wayland’s Male Athlete of the Year in 1976 and garnered the Roscoe Snyder Award as a graduating senior in 1976-1977.
    Throughout his career, Melnichuk has been directly involved in service to other through both medicine and athletics. Following graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry, Melnichuk returned to Canada, completing a bachelor of nursing degree at the University of Manitoba in 1985 and a diploma in critical care in 1987. At the time of his induction in 1997, Melnichuk was an associate and cardiovascular thoracic clinician in Manitoba Cardiac Services’ open-heart program at St. Boniface General Hospital in Winnipeg.
     In addition to his successful medical career, Melnichuk has coached at the highest levels of Canadian sport. He was head coach of the Canadian National Team at the World Cross-Country Championships in France in 1990 and in Spain in 1993. He has also coached Canadian athletes in international competition in Japan, Cuba, China, Sweden, and Madagascar. Athletes coached by Melnichuk have won eight national track titles in individual events from 1,500 to 10,000 meters and represented Canada on 32 national teams.