Players

Mitch Ward

Year Inducted: 2021

Category: Coaches

Schools / Organizations:
Donovan High School
Purdue University (basketball and baseball)

Biography:

Mitch was a 3-year starter on the Donovan High School basketball teams for years 1959-1962.  Our records for our junior and senior years were 21-5 and 23-3 respectively.  Our senior year we won the Iroquois Conference regular season with an undefeated record and won the Iroquois County tournament for the one and only time when we defeated Sheldon 57 – 38.

Mitch totaled 1196 career points. His most points in a season were 556.  His senior scoring average  was 21.4ppg which was 2^nd all-time at Donovan.  His senior scoring average put him at 3^rd   place in the greater Kankakee area.  After his prep days ended, Mitch went to Purdue on a 4-year full ride basketball scholarship.  Freshman weren’t eligible to play then.  He played 2 ½ years on the varsity.  During his senior year, Mitch was given the option of leaving the basketball team to begin training for baseball.

Mitch was a starting pitcher for the Boilermakers who lettered for all 3 years.   As a senior, Mitch started for the Big Ten season.