Members
Inductee
MITCHEM, RICKIE SPAN

MITCHEM, RICKIE SPAN
Born on January 29, 1956
Inducted On
June 17, 2022
Location Inducted
South Bend, Indiana
Region Number
2
South Bend Adams
Player
South Bend Adams
1974
2-year letterman in Football: All Northern Indiana Conference 1973
(Offense). Sophomore year started all games. Junior year averaged 110 yards per game,
900+yard total. Played both ways, Defensive Back and Running Back. Football Captain.
Along with James Phillips, was considered amongst the premier running back duos in the
Midwest.
Injured senior year, did not play.
Despite injury recruited by Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Illinois, Purdue, Ball State, Indiana and
Western Michigan. Junior Class President 1973.
Played varsity three years varsity baseball and wrestling. Captain of Wrestling Team 1973 &
1974. 185 lb. State Champion in 1973, 3rd in 1974.
Illinois
Accounting
1979
Nicknamed "The Juice", He followed fellow John Adams Hall of Famers James "Chubby" Phillips and Michael McCray to the University of Illinois. Three-year starter on defense for the Illini, he was third in tackles on the team in 1977. He played on all special teams, rover back and outside linebacker. Team Captain in 1977. Was the Dike Eddleman Award winner.
Married to his wife, Kathleen. Rickie has 3 children, daughters Linnea and Hannah and son Denzel.