Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Mitchel, originally from Perryton, Texas, graduated from Northwestern in 1970, lettering four years in basketball as the Rangers’ center.  The three-year starter earned All-OIC honors in 1970 and at that time held the single-game rebound record. 
 
Surviving four years under coach Keith Covey was the highlight of Mitchel’s career, but his greatest memory was leading the team with 26 points against All-American Charlie Paulk, upsetting the then undefeated and No. 1 Northeastern State, he said.
After earning his law degree in 1973 from the University of Oklahoma, he began a career practicing law and was selected as the Oklahoma Bar Association Outstanding Young Lawyer in 1982. Presently, he is senior partner with the law firm Mitchel, Gaston, Riffel & Riffel PLLC.
 
Mitchel has served on a number of boards, including the Northwestern Foundation Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2005, and currently sits as a regent on the Regional University System of Oklahoma.  He also cofounded the 101 Classic Bowl Foundation in Woodward and the Boiling Springs Golf Course. 
 
Mitchel and his wife, Connie, live in Alva and have three grown children, Mikela Williams, Jay Mitchel and Jared Mitchel.