Mitchell steps down after 15 years at HSU

ARKADELPHIA -- Henderson State University's Troy Mitchell is stepping down from his position as sports information director after more than 30 years in collegiate athletics.

The SID for Henderson for the past 15 years, Mitchell cited health issues and personal reasons for his decision.

"I have been in this business since 1986 and have dedicated my life to promoting college athletics at five different institutions," said Mitchell. "I have battled lymphedema in the lower extremities for 20 years, and it has come to a point where the pain is unbearable and my mobility is limited. While my love and appreciation for this school is unmeasured, I feel it is in the best interest of both myself and Henderson State that I step aside and focus on my health."

The Zanesville, Ohio, native worked extensively to promoted Henderson State's 12 athletic teams, student-athletes and coaches. Mitchell researched student-athletes and Henderson athletic teams past and present, assembled record books, handled statistics, provided both color and play-by-play commentary on the Henderson State Sports Network, organized fund-raising golf tournaments and assisted with the Reddie Hall of Honor.

"Troy Mitchell has dedicated 15 years of his life to promoting Henderson State athletics, and has left an indelible mark on the Reddie community," Henderson athletic director Shawn Jones said. "His Hall of Fame-level career in sports information spans three decades, and is a testament to the amount of work he has put in behind the scenes over the years. I want to thank Troy for investing so much of his time, energy and talent to this school and its student-athletes. We look forward to him being a part of the Reddie athletics family for years to come."

Mitchell started his career in sports information at Ohio University, spent two years at Northwestern State in Louisiana, two years at Tulane and 10 years at Louisiana-Monroe before former athletic director Sam Goodwin brought him to Henderson in 2003.

"I hope the boosters and alumni are proud of the work I have done and the legacy I have left behind," Mitchell said. "I have been inspired by their positive messages and support that I have received over the years and I treasure each and every one. I am also proud of the graduate assistants who worked with me that have gone on to become very successful in their careers, including Brandy Sweeden Dixon, Cody Qualls, Daniel Gallegos, Brian Ramsey and Hunter Lively. I know current GA David Salley will be just as successful."

The 1989 graduate of Ohio University has served as Division 2 Sports Information Directors Association Women's Basketball Central Region Chair, Academic All-District Chair of Division I softball and volleyball, National College Baseball Writers Association region representative, chair of College Sports Information Directors of America's baseball and volleyball publications contest and numerous other committees.

Among the 4,500 sporting events that he has covered and worked, Mitchell served as local media coordinator for the 2005 and 2006 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Elite 8 Championship in Hot Springs, assisted with the 1992 and 1993 Sugar Bowls, the 1992 Olympic Trials in New Orleans and the NCAA Division I Basketball Regional in Little Rock. He has also handled statistics for the Arkansas Activities Association's state football and basketball championships for 15 years and served as head of statistics for the Walk-Ons Independence Bowl for 26 years, both of which he plans to continue his work.

Mitchell has earned numerous awards on the national and state level for his media guides and fact sheets. The 2010 HSU Baseball Media Guide placed second at the CoSIDA National Convention, and Mitchell was nationally recognized for the best softball cover design and fourth-place for his 2007 volleyball media guide at the 2008 CoSIDA Convention. His 2006 volleyball media guide and football game program also earned fourth-place honors.

Most recently, Mitchell was recognized with his 25th Year Award by CoSIDA for his years of service in a story written by colleague and friend Paul Smith of Arkansas Tech University.

"I have been blessed to work with so many great people, including fellow sports information directors, outstanding coaches and administrators, but most of all, superior student-athletes," Mitchell said. "I want to thank everyone at HSU that I have worked with over the years, especially the HSU athletic staff, coaches and student-athletes. It's been a privilege to be a part of Reddie athletics."

Mitchell credits his wife Veronica for her support and understanding of the long hours spent away from home.

"Veronica has been so supportive and has been through so much over the past 15 years," Mitchell said. "She has been my rock and I don't know where I would be without her in my life. I look forward to spending more time with Veronica, Daphne and my entire family."

Mitchell will continue to attend Henderson events and volunteer when needed, as well as assist with other institutions, championship events, and possibly work part time within the community.

"I have a long road ahead of me in resolving my health issues, but I know I have plenty of support," Mitchell said. "Henderson State is very special to me, and the Ole Reddie Spirit will be embedded within me forever."

The Henderson State athletic department is making plans to honor Mitchell at an event this summer. Details will be released at a later date.

Sports on 05/24/2018

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