Bio

A four-time All-American in track and field, Melissa Schaeffer, then Melissa Baustert, was also a four-year runner for the cross country team and helped the Tartans to the program’s first NCAA berth in 1995 when the Cardinal and Gray placed 11th in the nation. On the track, Schaeffer was a three-time All-American in the 800-meter run for the indoor season in 1994, 1995 and 1996, with her highest finish coming in 1995 when she crossed second. She captured her lone outdoor All-American honor in 1996 when she finished third with a school-record time of 4:38.70 in the 1,500-meter run. Schaeffer remains the indoor school-record holder in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:15.79. She received 17 All-University Athletic Association (UAA) honors in track and field, won seven UAA titles, and was a three-time All-UAA honoree in cross country.