In 1960, Joel Melitski graduated Somerville H.S. after a fine experience in wrestling at this powerhouse school. At Bloomsburg State in PA, where he earned his 1964 B.S. Degree in Education, Joel wrestled 4 years achieving a dual meet record of 29-3-1. PA state college champion at 123 lbs. in 1964, Wilkes Open Tournament 123 lb. Champion in 1963, and runner-up in the N.A.I.A. Nationals in 1964 at 115 lbs. With his background, fate would have been errant indeed had he not become the Head Wrestling Coach at Bernards High School for 34 years (1965-1999), achieving an overall record of 192-86-1. Joel coached 4 State Champions, 10 Regional Champs, numerous District & County Champs and place winners. His teams won the Somerset County Championship in 1971 & 1974, & the Colonial Hills Conference Team Title 22 times. They took the Bridgewater-Raritan Christmas Tournament 3 times; and while only a Group l school, Bernards is way up the ladder in production of state champions. Bernardsville is proud of their kids and the job their outstanding wrestling Coach has achieved. Joel worked to get a good junior wrestling program started in his area, conducting the Bernardsville Recreation Wrestling program for 25 years. Joel has served wrestling in many different ways. Volunteered his time at camps and clinics on many occasions, including the Russ Houk Wrestling Camp for over 20 years. Serving the NJ Wrestling Coaches Assn. for a number of years, 2 years as VP (1978-79) & 2 years as President (1980-81). Over the years the sport of wrestling has provided him with many opportunities to advance, and enjoy positive, supportive, long lasting relationships. With high school and college teammates, wrestlers he has coached, fellow coaches he has shared his expertise, and a myriad of officials and administrators in the sport where friendships have been established and endured. Joel presents a commendable record as a former wrestler and Coach, and has fortified this moniker within the community of Bernardsville where he taught social studies & coached wrestling, as well as Football, Tennis & Baseball. Hall of Fame honors came his way, being inducted into the NJSIAA Region 5 HOF (1994), Somerville High School HOF (2004), & Bernards High School HOF (2006). He has demonstrated leadership while serving on a variety of local and statewide committees with the purpose of advancing the merits of wrestling in NJ, and especially in Somerset County circles. A leader among his peers who brought a certain brand of camaraderie and fellowship to the "table," whether at a seeding meeting, assembly of coaches, or speaking to the merits of the sport and its impact on the Student/athlete. He personifies everything that is good for the sport and the legacy Joel established with former wrestlers, teammates, coaching peers and community endures to this day. New Jersey is glad Joel returned to do his teaching and coaching here. Click for a video interview with Joel at his induction to the NJ NWHOF.