Ian Mitchell – Dickinson – Racking Up Yards & Money

http://www.dickinson.edu/news-and-events/news/2009-10/Quarterback-Nomina... (picture)

Like most young kids, Ian Mitchell had his typical neighborhood friends. Evan Brady was one of them. Tragically, Brady was diagnosed with bone cancer and eventually died his senior year of high school.

“I wanted to figure out what I could do to help other kids with cancer,” Mitchell says.

With the help of his dad, Mitchell raised money and awareness with various fundraisers, but then he stumbled on something even greater. Mitchell used his football skills to remember his fallen friend.

Mitchell was the quarterback at Dickinson College and he devised a plan where every game was, essentially, a fundraiser for Brady. Mitchell collected money for his rushing yards and passing yards.

“It could be a set donation amount or even a penny a yard,” Mitchell explains.

In three years time, he’s raised more than $95,000 to help families with terminally ill children.

“It feels awesome,” Mitchell says. “It makes me feel great knowing I’m making a difference.”

Mitchell admits once a game starts, he’s never felt like he was raising money. When he did think of his mission, it was when he was in the weight room.

“I felt like if I worked out longer maybe in season, I could run a little further,” Mitchell says.

Mitchell compassion for helping those struggling with their health didn’t stop with his in-game fundraiser. He also grew his hair for Locks for Love.

“I would have loved for it to have gone to Evan," Mitchell says.

He grew the required ten inches of hair and in the spring, 2009, he made yet another contribution. It’s the least he can to help those in need.

Mitchell is finished with football at Dickinson, but that doesn’t necessarily mean his fundraising days are finished. He hopes to continue playing football at the next level, meaning he still has the opportunity get pledges for his yards. If that doesn’t work out, he already has the opportunity to return to Dickinson to coach. By the sounds of how Mitchell carries himself, he’ll be an asset no matter what.