University of Nevada Athletics

Basketball, Track & Field (1942-47)
Although one of the smallest at 5-8, Jim Melarkey was one of the most colorful and popular basketball stars in the University of Nevada history. Ironically, Melarkey never made the “A” squad in high school, but when he entered the University of Nevada, the Reno High graduate developed skills which compensated for his lack of height in a “big man’s” game. He perfected the one-hand jump shot before that tactic became universal. It was the first seen in this area, and Melarkey used it with deadly accuracy from the corners. He also used extraordinary leaping ability on driving shots from the end lines. If a defender was about to block a Melarkey layup, the Nevadan would hold the ball and “crank” it backward as he floated under the hoop.  Melarkey’s undergraduate days were interrupted by service during World War II. He was a Navy air pilot from 1943-45. On his return to the Wolf Pack, he joined a team of mature, skilled veterans coached by the legendary Jake Lawlor. They had winning seasons, went to national (NAIA) semifinals and scored the famous New York City upset over nationally first-rated St. John’s. Melarkey’s jumping ability was also valuable in track and field where he competed four seasons as a high jumper and pole-vaulter. He was also active in student affairs at Nevada. A member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Block N, he was selected to Coffin and Keys and was elected the president of his junior and senior classes. After graduating in 1947 with a degree in civil engineering, he stayed in Reno where he was active in Wolf Pack Boosters and alumni affairs and was associated with an oil distributorship.