Ohio Stadium
Columbus, Ohio
Saturday, October 09, 2010
In West Milton, Ohio, the name Mitchell Evans evokes images of football greatness. Four years after his graduation, people still talk about Mitchell’s prowess on a football field. They gush about the 101 yard interception return in 2006 that sealed Milton-Union’s first ever home playoff win. They speak of the fact that he is the school’s all-time leading passer earning a full-ride athletic scholarship to Indiana University. Even more importantly, they speak of his leadership and character on the playing field. Mitchell Evans has done about everything a twenty-one year old football player can do…. except play in Ohio Stadium.
Today, Mitchell Evans played in Ohio Stadium in front of family and friends rooting for him, and @105,000 fans rooting against him, but much like everything else, Mitchell seemed to take it all in stride. “I have always looked forward to playing at Ohio Stadium just because it’s a great college football atmosphere,” Evans stated. “Every player loves competing in the big game, and that is why I joined this conference. Ten years down the road, I’m going to look back and remember big games.”
The last four years for Mitchell and his fans have flown by all too quickly. He is now a senior leader and is looked up to by the younger players for guidance and leadership. This has been a role he has embraced. Coach Bill Lynch has called on Mitchell to do many things on the football field and lead in so many areas. The IU press release stated that he is a “Mitch of All Trades.”
“Mitchell has meant a lot to our program, and his attitude has been terrific. He is the consummate team player,” Coach Lynch said. Evans agreed.
“I am happy where I am at both on the field and off the field. I have always had a love for the game, and I’m willing to do anything. I think that is why Coach has asked me to switch positions so many times. He knows that I am going to give it everything I got and take it seriously.”
What does the future hold for Evans?
“I think it would be a shame if I didn’t try and pursue football as far as possible. If it doesn’t work out, then at least I can look back with no regrets later in life. Not many people get that opportunity, and it’s up to me to make the most of it.” He continued, “My major as a fitness specialist (3.2 GPA) is perfect for who I am. I am not the type of person that would be happy sitting at a desk, so it is a good fit.”
Evans is on schedule to graduate in the spring, and whether it be the NFL, a fitness specialist, or something else, he will be ready for the next challenge. After all, he is a “Mitch of All Trades.”
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