Fred Mitchell
Mitchell’s accomplishments vast:
A published author, Chicago Tribune sports columnist, philanthropist, inventor and namesake of the Fred Mitchell Award are just a handful of accomplishments to describe the range of Fred Mitchell’s contribution to the world of writing and sports.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mitchell grew up in Gary, Indiana. While attending Tolleston High School he earned letters in baseball, track and football — and graduated with honors at the age of 16. From there he attended Wittenberg University in Ohio where he became the nation’s top collegiate place-kicker. At Wittenberg, Mitchell lettered in football and track and was named to the Lutheran College All-America team in 1968 after setting the NCAA College Division record for career kick scoring. He was inducted into Wittenberg’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995.
After college, Mitchell coached and taught English at Grove City High School and also played semi-pro football in Columbus and Chicago Heights. Mitchell joined the Chicago Tribune in 1974 as a beat writer covering the Cubs, Bulls and Bears, becoming the only reporter in Tribune history to handle the three major sports as a main assignment.
The annual Fred Mitchell Award is provided to the nation’s top collegiate placekicker among more than 750 FCS, Division II, III, NAIA and NJCAA football teams. The recipient of the award is chosen based on excellence in football and in the community.
