The RoundHouse | 8/17/2022 1:23:00 PM

Mellanee Welty remembers her freshman year at Wichita State as a difficult introduction to college track and field.
 
"I was terrible," she said.
 
Viewed from another perspective, Welty's freshman year served as a preview of one of Wichita State's greatest careers. She finished fifth in the Missouri Valley Conference heptathlon with 4,406 points in 1997.
 
Not so terrible. What came next is even better.
 
Welty, a 2006 Pizza Hut Shocker Sports Hall of Fame inductee, earned NCAA All-American honors in 1999 by finishing 12th in the outdoor championships with 5,384 points.
 
"After my freshman year, that summer, I worked hard and just kept at it," she said. "I think I was conference champion my sophomore year and at that point, with a little success, I was like 'OK, I can do this.'"
 
Welty, who attended Maize High School, did indeed win the first of two MVC heptathlons in 1998, scoring 4,875 points. She continued that success over the rest of her career and finished with six outdoor conference titles and two indoor.
 
The versatility of her experience helped her as a track and field coach. Welty, associate head coach at Florida, started with the Gators in 2002-03 and returned in 2008. She has coached sprints, relays, jumps, multis and distance runners, including 2022 NCAA heptathlon and pentathlon champion Anna Hall.
 
"The high jump was always my passion," Welty said. "I did some multis in high school and I found it very rewarding. There was something new to do every single day."
 
Welty planned on medical school. After Wichita State, she went to Illinois State as an assistant and expected to spend a year or two in the profession before returning to school.

 
"I'm still doing it," she said. "It was something that kind of found me. I got into it, and I absolutely loved it. I loved the relationships I could have and the impact I could have on people's lives. That's what still keeps me in it."
 
 
At Wichita State: Welty twice qualified for the NCAA heptathlon and placed 14^th in 2000. In 1999, she scored 43 of Wichita State's 119 points at the MVC outdoor meet by winning the heptathlon and the 100-meter hurdles, finishing second in the high jump and pole vault and third in the javelin.
 
Welty earned MVC Outdoor Most Valuable Performer honors in 1999 and 2000.
 
She graduated Cum Laude in 2001 and earned two Academic All-America honors as a Shocker. 
 
Update us on your current location and life status: I live in Gainesville, Fla.  I'm the women's associate head track and field coach at Florida and been here for 17 years.  
 
What was your major at Wichita State?
I was a general studies major (physics, biology, chemistry) and minored in sociology and Spanish.
 
Why did you choose Wichita State?
I was a mediocre high school track and field athlete, but I wanted a Division I track and field experience.  I didn't have much interest and, I had known the head track coach (John Kornelson) since I was young, and he gave a little scholarship and gave me an opportunity.  
 
Besides the sport you played as a Shocker, what was your favorite sport?
Gymnastics
 
Who was your favorite professor at Wichita State?
My physics teacher.  I was terrible at physics but tried very hard.  She was very kind and knew how hard I worked in the class. Because of the relationship I formed with her I passed Physics 1 and 2. 
 
I also had a tutor that used to say to me "If you're not with me you're against me." I still use that quote to this day. 
 
Which teammate helped your adjustment to college life?
 
(Thrower) Clint Panek. I was definitely in over my head the first year.  The experience was overwhelming, and I didn't really have teammates that did what I did.  He helped me find a place and grow confidence.  
 
What are your favorite memories from college athletics?
Becoming a 2000 All-American, my junior and senior year outdoor conference meets doing lots of events, but it was so fun. Coach Scottie Steffan made things really fun, we had a great relationship, and we had a ton of fun.  
 
What advice would you give to a person starting their athletics career in college?  
Control what you can control, don't let the uncontrollable stuff ruin your attitude.  Enjoy the experience, it will be bumpy but worth it.  
 
Be brave and confident, you can do anything if you work really hard.  Before doing something hard or dreaded take a deep breath, tell yourself "I got this" (or your mantra).  
 
What book you would recommend to current college students?
"Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable" by Tim Grover

Paul Suellentrop covers Wichita State Athletics and the American Athletic Conference for university Strategic Communications. "Catching up" is a regular feature highlighting former Shockers. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.