Delbert Melton came to then Chowan College in the Fall of 1971 after being recruited by then-Head Coach Jim Garrison. Delbert, a native of nearby Norfolk, Virginia went on to have two reputable years as a defensive lineman for the then-Braves.
Delbert attended Frederick Military Academy and Norfolk Catholic before coming to Chowan in 1971. He helped the team to two successful seasons under Garrison, Jerry Hawkins, and Dan Surface, all three of whom are members of the Chowan University "Jim Garrison" Hall of Fame.
"Delbert is smart, strong, and quick," stated of Melton in 1972. "He is known for making the big play." One of his most memorable plays came during a goal line stand in a game against Harford College. On 4th and goal from Chowan's one-yard line, Delbert met the Owls' fullback head on, stopping him shy of the end zone and help preserve a 17-0 shutout win.
Delbert's play in his sophomore season earned him All-Coastal Conference honors, All-Region X honors, and NCJAA All-America, Second Team honors. His play caught the eye of many four-year schools, but he chose North Carolina State University to continue his education and playing career. He attended NCSU with teammate and fellow NJCAA All-American, Joe Gro, and a Chowan University "Jim Garrison" Hall of Fame member.
Unfortunately, an untimely injury thwarted his playing career at North Carolina State University. Delbert has made a name for himself along with narrow strip of sand along North Carolina Highway 12, also known to many in the United States as North Carolina's Outer Banks. He is an avid surfer and travels the Outer Banks looking for the best sunrise surf on any given day.
Delbert has spent more than 30 years on the Outer Banks working various jobs and doing what he loves, surfing and serving as an advocate for the ocean and for the Outer Banks. He is well known all over the world as a surf legend in the Outer Banks and has been the highlight of many local, regional, and national films on surfing and living on the Outer Banks.
