Adelphi University Athletics

A native of Israel, Mel Less graduated from Wooster College (Ohio) in 1963 and received his master’s in biomechanics from Kent State University in 1965. Two years later he completed his PH.D in biomechanics from Penn State. He became a member of the Adelphi University Physical Education Department in 1967 and a full professor in 1979.  
 
In 1969, he took over as the Adelphi men’s soccer coach with five games left in the season. He continued on as head coach for nine more years, compiling a 124-28 overall record. From 1970-75, his teams won the Metropolitan Conference Championship five times and he was named Coach of the Year four times. 
 
In 1974, he guided the Panthers to their first and only Division II National Championship, giving up only two goals in the entire tournament-a then NCAA record. Less was also named NCAA Division II Coach of the Year. The Panthers reached the national semi-finals the following year and in 1976 the program was elevated to Division I status.