It was a tremendous career that won’t be easily forgotten any time soon.
Friday, Shaddye Melu capped off his collegiate track and field career at his second-consecutive NCAA West Preliminaries, finishing in the Top 20 in the high jump.
Melu jumped 2.12 meters (6’-11.5”) for a 19th-place finish in the entire West Region.
It was an impressive feat, but not quite enough to carry him on to the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Ore. In order to move on the Finals, high jumpers must finish in at least the Top 12.
“Shaddye had quite a successful year,” head coach Trisha Steidl said. “While I’m disappointed for him that he didn’t qualify on to the finals, I’m truly proud of his work, effort, and focus this year, as well as the person he’s become.”
Due to inclement weather, the high jump was one of the many events moved from Rock Chalk Park to Anschutz Pavilion in Lawrence, Kan. after having not only its start time changed numerous times, but even the day of the event moved up.
Melu handled it like a professional.
“He did a great job managing the numerous changes,” assistant coach Chad Pharis said. “He had three great looks at 2.16 meters, but was not able to put a complete jump together. It was really great to see him battle to the end. He put his everything into the last jump.”
Melu is known for putting everything into his craft.
This year, Melu became a WAC Champion in the Indoor 400 and high jump, as well as the outdoor 400 and high jump. He leaves Seattle U as a seven-time WAC Champion (2015 Indoor high jump, 2015 Outdoor high jump and 400, 2016 Indoor high jump and 400, 2016 Outdoor high jump and 400).
When asked how proud he is of Shaddye’s accomplishments, Pharis responded immediately, “Extremely proud. He defined what our program can be and lived it every day.”
Melu’s mark on the program runs deep.
He re-wrote the school record book multiple times, and leaves the Redhawks with four indoor (high jump, 400 meter dash, distance medley relay, 4x400 meter relay) and three outdoor school records (high jump, 400 meter dash, 4x400 meter relay).
Melu’s physical presence will be missed by his teammates and coaches next season, but in no way will they forget what he left behind for them to pick back up and carry onward.
“His spirit is positive and driven, and he’s had a tremendous impact on this program,” Steidl said.