BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
OTIS – When Destiny Mitchell started high school at Otis-Bison, her goal was to maximize her experience.
“I’m outgoing, and I like being active” she said. “I’ve never liked sitting around. I wanted to try everything, so I did that.”
The 4-sport athlete competes in volleyball and cross country during the fall, turns to basketball and ends with track.
Mission accomplished.
Mitchell hatched her plan to run cross country while also playing volleyball before she started her freshman year.
“No one at Otis-Bison had done it,” she said. “When people heard about it, they thought I was crazy. It’s definitely tiring. It wears me down from time-to-time. I can start my day at 5:30 in the morning and shut down at 10:30 at night.”
Mitchell has the discipline to prepare herself mentally and physically while making sure she gets enough rest.
“It’s a challenge and you’ve got to be dedicated,” she said. “It’s manageable. For sure, I’ve earned respect.”
Mitchell is a 3-time state qualifier who has placed ninth, 38th and 39th at the 1A state cross country meet. Mitchell has placed sixth, eighth and 13th at regionals and first and runner-up twice at the Central Prairie League meet.
“I find running very relaxing, a free time for me,” she said. “I love challenging myself to run better each time out.”
Mitchell ran her career best 21:25 while placing ninth at state as a sophomore.
“My highlight is my PR, but my goal is to beat my PR,” she said.
Mitchell helps guide two junior high runners.
“It’s been fun being a leader because the two young runners look up to me,” she said.
She appreciates the guidance from Otis-Bison cross country coach Stan Ewy.
“He’s a super coach who always has my practice workout ready to go,” she said. “He totally works around my schedule.”
The 5-foot-4 Mitchell is a standout volleyball player for the Cougars.
“The team aspect is a fun part of volleyball,” she said. “We always have fun during the season.”
Mitchell plays as an outside hitter.
“I high jump during track, so I’m used to being at the net,” she said. “Our team attended some volleyball camps to help us with our skills. We’ll see how our season goes.”
During the off-season, Mitchell ran about 15 miles week and attended summertime team volleyball training and camps.
Mitchell’s evening isn’t always done after volleyball because she’s an Otis-Bison cheerleader.
“My older sisters did cheerleading,” she said. “That’s a family tradition.”
Mitchell said she’s consider running in college, or perhaps pursue cheerleading.
The honor-roll student plans to pursue a degree in the medical field.
COUGAR SCHEDULE
9-7—at Hays
9-14—at Pratt
9-19—at Stafford CC
9-26—at Larned
10-3—at Ness City
10-10—at Sterling
10-17—Central Prairie at Ness City
10-26—at 1A regional
11-2—1A state, Wamego
