Dan Mitchell was a three-time NCAA qualifier and participant for the Behrend men’s track and field team from 2003-07. He earned Rookie of the Year in 2004 after becoming the first Behrend track & field athlete to compete at nationals in the javelin. Mitchell, a four-time ECAC qualifier, was crowned champion in the javelin in his senior year. He also earned team MVP and All-Conference accolades his junior year, before garnering the two most prestigious awards - Behrend Sportsmanship and Athlete of the Year honors in 2007.Mitchell reached goals in his freshman year that many athletes did not achieve in four. His throw of 196’7 in the javelin on April 24 not only set the school record but it qualified him for the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Mitchell became the first-ever Behrend participant at nationals, seeded 10th in a field of 16 throwers. He was named the team’s Rookie of the Year and was also an All-ECAC performer.
Even with a minor setback due to an injury to his throwing arm, Mitchell was able to qualify and compete in the ECAC Championships in his sophomore year. He placed fifth in the javelin with season-best throw of 187’8.5 to repeat on the All-ECAC list.
The following year, Mitchell returned to the national stage and placed ninth in the javelin. He was also All-Mason Dixon in both the javelin and shot put, while earning team MVP honors.
Despite falling short of qualifying for the NCAA Championships in his senior year, Mitchell was crowned ECAC Champion in the javelin. He came six inches from breaking his school record at the ECAC Championships to win the title. Mitchell had his best indoor and outdoor shot put performances that year. He recorded the fifth-best indoor throw in program history and the fourth in outdoor.
Mitchell graduated with the top 9 throws in the javelin, including the top throw, which stood for almost 10 years.