Marks, Mellon Named Athletes of the Month

Shani Marks and Zach Mellon earned USATF-Minnesota Athlete of the Month honors for July, the organization announced today.

Marks was recognized for winning the women’s triple jump at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon last month. The Apple Valley High School and University of Minnesota alum jumped 47 feet, 2 and ¼ inch to earn a place on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team.

Mellon, a Buffalo High School junior, was honored for breaking the all-time Minnesota high school record in the 800 meter run with his 1:48.64 runner-up finish at the USA Junior Track and Field Championships in Columbus, Ohio last month. Earlier in the season, Mellon defended his Minnesota State High School League Class AA title in the event.

USA Track & Field Minnesota selects Athletes of the Month to honor excellence in track and field and its related sports in Minnesota. USA Track & Field is the governing body of the sport in the United States and the Minnesota Association of USATF sanctions and sponsors track and field, cross country, road racing, and racewalking events for athletes of all ages in the state.