Photo courtesy of the Mifflin County Historical Society
Mitchell Field, Seventh Ward School and a portion of the fairgrounds on game day, Nov. 11, 1938.

LEWISTOWN — Oct. 25, 2024 marked the end of an era for Mifflin County as the final varsity football game was played at Mitchell Field. The game, a come-from-behind victory for the Mifflin County High School Huskies, included several opportunities for the community to celebrate the legendary venue and pay tribute to the memories made during its 90-year history.

During halftime, Mifflin County Athletics recognized a number of athletes who made remarkable contributions on the field.

The evening ended with a decades walk where athletes from the early years to the present day who competed at the venue were invited to return to the gridiron one last time.

Alpha Director Mr. Gill played for Lewistown High School on Mitchell Field from 1981-1983 under the coaching of Steve Hayes in 1981 and 1982 and Dick Cummings in 1983.

“I have a lot of great memories playing on Mitchell Field. One that particularly stands out was my senior year during our first home game,” he recalled. “I played all three levels of defense. I played nose guard, outside linebacker, and safety at various moments during the game.”

In Mr. Gill’s eyes, Mitchell Field is a community gem. Many will miss the unique stadium and the excitement of entering it, hearing bands, watching the football players, and sharing joy with the community. Gills hopes that the new stadium can be enjoyed in the same ways with new memories.

Social studies teacher Mr. Hepner also has fond memories at Mitchell Field. He shared, “I would have to say I have five that stand out to me right away. The first and second would be the graduation ceremonies for my two sons. The next one would be ‘The Miracle at Mitchel field’ when a last second Hail Mary pass won the game for Lewistown vs. Bald Eagle Area. Then, the 2012 Mifflin County victory over CD East, and one of my last ones would be being asked to push one of my favorite students who was in a wheelchair for graduation.”

Like Gill, Hepner feels fondly that Mitchell Field holds a special place in the hearts of Mifflin Countians.

“I think what made it memorable was the locals within the community, the houses in the town behind, and the location of the town,” explained Hepner. “I will miss the history, but everyone will remember and the memories will be passed down.”

Social Studies teacher Ms. Bubb spent her Fridays along the sidelines of Mitchell Field as a cheerleader until graduating in 2017. When she returned to her alma mater to teach, she began working as an event staff at the venue.

“I have had many fond memories at Mitchell Field over the years,” Bubb explained. “I remember my senior night. I also remember graduation because it was a big step in life. I knew that I would be going to Penn State in the fall to begin working towards becoming a teacher and with plans of returning to the district to begin my career.”

Having been on the cheerleading squad, she had the opportunity of traveling to many different high school stadiums. She described it as “neat” to see other schools and stadiums, but she always liked Mitchell Field “because it felt like home.”

Mitchell Field has a storied history for the county. Throughout its ninety years, the stadium has been home to eight high school athletics programs: Lewistown-Granville Panthers, Chief Logan Mingoes, Kishacoquillas Indians, Rothrock Eagles, Penn Highlands Cougars, Indian Valley Warriors, Lewistown Panthers, and finally, the Mifflin County Huskies.

“Although I was only in elementary and middle school, I remember going to the Indian Valley vs. Lewistown football games, a game where both teams were playing on their home field,” reflected Bubb. “The fact that Mitchell Field has been home to so many different teams throughout the years is one thing that is most unique.”

She also explained how she will miss the atmosphere of Mitchell Field on Friday nights. Between going to football games as a kid, to cheering there throughout her high school career, and now working there as event staff, she says that the atmosphere there was, and still is, unmatched.

“The music, the fans, the band, cheerleaders and football team. Everyone there comes together to contribute to the amazing atmosphere of Mitchell Field on a Friday Night,” shared Bubb.

The final varsity football game wasn’t Mitchell Field’s official swan song. The field continued to be used for the MCHS Powder Puff game, peewee football, and Central Keystone Football League throughout November. The MCSD Board of Directors will decide the fate of Mitchell Field in the upcoming months.

Athletic Director Ms. Maclay concluded, “Mitchell Field has been such a storied part of our existence for so long and was the home of so many great rivalries throughout the years. People grew up at Mitchell Field and it has been and always will be a special part of our memories.”

The history of Mitchell Field impacts a great deal of community members and the legacy will continue to be remembered by the community as the new stadium is built and becomes home to many future moments and memories.