October 9, 1930 – January 13, 2018
Few people exemplify what it means to be a Tiger more than our beloved friend Paul Andrews Mitchell, who dedicated 61 years of his life to our Athletics Department. A man of many talents, Mr. Mitchell was known as a biologist, botanist, geologist, statistician and tactician, but above all, a true family man and humanitarian. Paul had a fruitful teaching and coaching career at Reedley High School that spanned 38 years (1953-1991) and was the public-address announcer and statistician for the Reedley College football & men’s basketball teams for 61 years from 1953-2014. He was extremely proud of the fact that he only missed one game; an afternoon football game in the 1980’s. He made it back right after the game was over, and just in the nick of time to call the local newspapers and television stations with the final score, using his distinctive semi-high pitched voice. Paul would drive to every road game without hesitation, another demonstration of his love for the College and the student-athletes who benefited from his commitment. As a teacher, coach and public-address announcer he touched many lives throughout his life, in his own, unique, inspirational way. Paul lived a full, healthy life, and was truly in his element, whether searching for a rare species of cacti, or keeping the scorebook for the Tiger basketball team. Paul’s Motto in his last few months was “Onward & Upward, because it covers so much ground.”
On June 12, 2018, the State Center Board of Trustees unanimously approved the naming of the Reedley College gymnasium court to “Paul Mitchell Court.” With many of his family members and friends in attendance, an unveiling ceremony was held November 19, 2022 right before the Tigers home men’s basketball game against Solano College. It was the first basketball game played on the brand new gymnasium floor, which will forever bear his name.
