NATIONAL CROQUET MUSEUM

Johnny Mitchell was born in 1951, and was raised in Houston, Texas. After high school, he attended the University of Texas where he majored in Architecture. In 1975 he formed a construction company with a close friend, and built homes in the Houston area. He later left the construction business, and joined the family oil business where he managed operations for leases in the Houston area. In 1986 he became vice-president of Westworld Resources, a family owned business that dealt in oil and mining resources. He is currently married to Jane Everman Mitchell who he met while she worked for the USCA. He has a son and granddaughter in Houston and two stepdaughters and two step-granddaughters in West Palm. He maintains his residency in Houston, but also owns a home in West Palm Beach where he spends a good portion of the year.

Johnny got the croquet bug in 1976 when a group of friends began a yearly 9-wicket tournament. Around 1988, they learned about 6-wicket croquet and he soon joined the USCA. For several years he played locally, eventually venturing out to tournaments in Austin and Dallas. He came to Florida to attend a USCA croquet school in 1992, and played in his first Regional in 1993.

Since then, Johnny has been a very active tournament player, participating in most every major event in the US on a yearly basis, either winning or placing in many, and has played in every National Championship since 1994. Although he has not won a national title, he has finished as runner-up in the USCA Nationals in Doubles as well as the Association Rules Doubles, and has finished in the top five in Singles on several occasions, as well as winning National Club Teams. He was most honored when he was selected to represent the USCA in the 2006 Carter Challenge against Ireland.

During his twelve year term as President of the Houston Club, he and fellow member, Lee Hamel, were responsible for having two full size public lawns built in 1996 by the City of Houston in Memorial Park. Wanting to get more involved in the sport on the national level, Johnny became the Southwest Regional VP in 1997. He held that position for two years, during which time he played a major part in realigning several regions, moving Texas to the Midwest, combining the Southwest and Northwest to the West, and creating the Florida Region. He then became Midwest VP, where he served for an additional eight years.

In addition to his Regional Vice President duties, Johnny has acted as tournament director for numerous regional and local events. He chaired the USCA International Committee for two years and headed the USCA Selection Committee for five years. In 2009 he chaired the committee for the prestigious WCF World Championships, which were held at the National Croquet Center, and managed the event. He was editor of the Croquet News from 2007-2011, and served as the USCA’s 1st VP in 2011. Over the years he has made numerous contributions to the USCA, as well as being one of the original donors to the National Croquet Center. He continues to support and contribute to the sport, and became the USCA President in March 2012.

The CFA is pleased to welcome Johnny Mitchell, an accomplished player and outstanding ambassador of croquet, into its croquet Hall of Fame in 2012.