Johnny Mitchell did not pick up the discus until 1981, but the Muskegon High School standout’s combination of physical talent and work ethic soon was producing statewide and national honors. The Michigan High School Athletic Association’s (MHSAA) Class A discus state champion in discus as a junior in 1982, Michell earned all-state and honorable mention All-American that year.

In his senior year at the MHSAA Regional meet hosted at Houseman Field in Grand Rapids, he shattered the state’s discus record by more than seven feet, with a heave of  198 feet, 5 inches. Rated as one of the top three preps in the nation entering the 1983 MHSAA Track and Field Championships, Mitchell earned his second state title. Again named All-State, he gathered first-team prep All-American honors from three different outlets, then was named the top boys discus thrower in the country by Track & Field News.

Mitchell also excelled in shot put and in football. A true gentleman who was always willing to lend advice and help other athletes, he moved on to Western Michigan University where he was a Mid-American Conference champion and school record-setter.