Unexpected twist gets Mitchell started on his college career

Florida State University’s top recruit, Maurice Mitchell, went to Tallahassee, Fla., an 18-year-old kid.
“And I came back a man,” said Raytown South High School graduate Mitchell, the fastest prep sprinter in the nation.
“I thought I was just going to Florida State for orientation, but the track coach talked me into staying and taking some classes. I was in Tallahassee for six weeks, and I didn’t have anything but the clothes I was wearing and $30.
“Maybe I should write a book, ‘Living in Florida on $30’ by Maurice Mitchell,” he said, laughing. “Yeah, I’m going to do that.”
A care package from his folks and the friendship of former Blue Springs resident Darin Kerns (who is the Seminoles football team’s equipment manager) helped Mitchell not only survive, but thrive.
“I grew up real fast,” Mitchell said while he was a guest on my weekly radio program, The Sonic Locker Room (5 p.m. Fridays on KCWJ 1030 AM). “Darin really helped. It was just good to talk to someone from back home, who knew what I was talking about. And I talked on the phone with my friends back in Raytown and Kansas City.
“But it was the Lord who really helped me make it through the summer. Whenever I needed something, He provided.”
I’ve known Maurice Mitchell for three years, and most young men who make a comment like that are just seeking attention or going through a phase where a religious belief seems hip or attracts attention.
That is not the case with the young man who has a deep relationship with Christ that comes from his strong family ties and a strict moral upbringing.
Mitchell set the national track and field community on its ear two years ago when he won the 100 meters at the Kansas Relays as a junior.
He followed that shocking victory with a second win as a senior and, soon, his mailbox was overflowing and his cell phone never quit ringing.
“I quit counting at 600 letters from coaches,” said Mitchell, who  stapled the letters to his bedroom wall. “When I finally committed to Florida State, it was like the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders because I didn’t have to tell any more coaches that I wanted to go to Florida State. I hate to tell coaches no, especially the ones who really wanted me.
“But they understood that I was a good fit for FSU and it was the perfect place for me.”
Mitchell, the state record holder in the 100 and 200, is home for a few weeks and spends most of his time with his friends and family.
“I took a bunch of kids to see ‘The Mummy III’ (movie),” he said. “I wanted to see it, and they wanted to see it, so I thought, ‘Why not take them?’ We had a good time. I love those action movies.”
When he returns to Tallahassee in a week, he hopes to have enough cash to buy a $750 automobile.
“The lady said it runs good, and I need it for two reasons,” he said. “FSU is a huge campus, and I need it to get around. And I want to find a church, and there isn’t one within walking distance of where I live. And everyone says to not walk around by yourself late at night, and that’s the only time I have to look for a church.”
Mitchell dreams of competing for the three-time NCAA defending national champion Seminole track team, Olympic gold and a spot on the FSU honor roll.
“I got a 4.0 in my summer classes,” he said with a touch of pride in his voice. “Academics are even more important than athletics.
“The next four years of my life are going to be unbelievable. I can’t wait to see how they turn out.”