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Dear Editor:
My brother, Bill Mitchell, will be retiring from coaching basketball (again) this year after 39 years. He agreed to coach this last year to help our new head coach, Mr. Austin when Mitch Wainwright retired. I might add that he has coached all grade levels in the off seasons for nearly as long...We both started 39 years ago coaching the 7th and 8th grade boys, and continued this for about 5 years. He took over both grades and eventually moved to JV girls and then JV boys for the last 35 years. He was by far the best "Mitchell" coach...Always able to gain and retain the respect of his players. His level headed and calm approach to all his players (from the floor to the entire bench) made the game fun. (And in most cases, victorious). I remember when the Mineral Point girls won the State Championship in March of 2016 and Bill took the microphone, with tears in his eyes, and simply said, "I would like to thank these young women for making this the most memorable season ever." And I know he spoke for all the young women and young men he had coached and influenced.
I speak not only for the entire Mitchell clan, but many, many parents and players when I say, "Thank you Coach Mitchell for your dedication, time and devotion to our basketball programs...but most importantly, instilling respect and compassion for the game while representing our students and the entire Mineral Point Nation." Bob and Ruth would be proud.

Big Mike Mitchell
Mineral Point