Slippery Rock High School track and field head coach Tom Meling was named a PIAA coach of the year this week.

The award was given to 25 coaches in every varsity sport for the 2023-24 season.

“Coaches are nominated from their school communities, PA coaches’ associations, Board of Directors, and PIAA staff,” a PIAA statement said. “They are selected based on their impact to their specific sports program, success of their team(s), adherence to PIAA By-laws, and sportsmanship throughout the year.”

Meling led the Rockets to the PIAA Class 2A Track and Field Championship in the spring, their second team title in program history. Levi Prementine and Eli Anderson finished first and second in the 300-meter hurdles and third and fifth in the 110 hurdles to power the victory.

Meling was also named the U.S. Track and Field Coaches Association Pennsylvania coach of the year in August.