Junior cross country runner Bennett Melita has quickly made a name for himself as one of Utica University’s most dedicated athletes. Originally from Johnstown, Melita first joined cross country in high school simply looking to try something new—but it didn’t take long for him to fall in love with running.
“I just wanted to try a new sport,” Melita said. “Once I started, I realized how much I enjoyed pushing myself to get better.”
Melita’s turning point came during his junior year of high school, when he finished fourth at the state meet. That result motivated him to train harder. “After that race, I told myself if I actually ran all summer, I could win,” Melita said. “The next year, I did—and I won states my senior year.”
Running quickly became more than just a sport for Melita — it became a passion shaped by the people closest to him.
“My parents have always been the ones motivating me,” Melita said. “They’ve supported me through everything and always believed in what I could do, even when I doubted myself.”
When it came time for college, Melita wasn’t sure he wanted to go at first. But Utica University offered something that caught his attention.
“I didn’t know if I wanted to go to college after high school,” Melita said. “But they had the Construction Management major, and the facilities—especially the dome—really helped convince me.”
Balancing running and academics takes discipline, and Melita has found ways to make it work. “I use the library a lot between classes,” Melita said. “It’s close to my dorm, and it’s a good place to get stuff done before practice.”
Like many athletes, Melita has faced challenges along the way. In high school, he broke his ankle, which taught him the importance of staying healthy.
“Injury prevention is big for me,” Melita said. “And when I have a bad race, I try not to let it get the best of me.”
When he isn’t training or competing, Melita enjoys running local trails. His favorites are the Rayhill Trail and the switchbacks behind Valley View Golf Course. Before races, you might catch him listening to something by Drake to get hyped up. Afterward, he celebrates with a meal at Chipotle.
As for what comes after college, Melita hopes to keep running a part of his life—at least for a little while. “I’ll probably do a marathon after college and call it quits,” Melita said with a grin.
For now, though, Melita remains focused on finishing strong at Utica and leading by example both on and off the course.
Utica cross country head coach Sam Catterson said what sets Melita apart is his mental toughness and determination.
“He runs with more heart than anyone,” Catterson said. “A lot of people push themselves and try hard, but Bennett is willing to suffer more. He’ll run races at paces that hurt and doesn’t listen to that part of his brain that tells him to slow down—he just goes.”
Catterson has watched Melita grow as both an athlete and a leader since joining the program.
“He’s definitely grown as a leader,” Catterson said. “It’s hard to be one at seventeen, but he never misses practice, does everything he’s asked, and runs all the miles he needs. Because he’s willing to do the work, other people follow.”
According to Catterson, Melita’s steady improvement comes from his consistency and commitment. “His training got faster and more consistent,” said Catterson. “He keeps turning up the intensity because he never gets hurt—he only gets better.”
And looking ahead, Catterson believes the ceiling is high for his standout runner.
“He should be at the national meet every season,” Catterson said. “Cross country is all about execution, and regionals are always tough, but Bennett keeps getting faster. I don’t think that’ll ever be a problem for him.”
