David Mishel (1972) - Hall of Fame - Brown University Athletics

David Mishel

Induction:
1972
Class:
1927

David Mishel '27
Hometown: Casco, ME
Sport: Football
Year Inducted: 1972

David Mishel '27 was considered the driving force behind the success of the undefeated Brown Iron Men of 1926, one of the most famous teams in the history of American college football. The graduate of Lynn Classical was a superb player in every department of the game. He ranked with Benny Friedman of Michigan as one of the nation's finest passers in the Roaring 20's, throwing the pumpkin-shaped ball with amazing accuracy from any point on the field, including his own goal line. He was a dependable drop-kicker, excellent runner (he had 132 yards rushing in the first half against New Hampshire in 1926), and an aggressive defensive man and blocker. He led the Iron Men in scoring with 51 points on four touchdowns, 18 conversions, and three field goals. Mishel dominated the offense in the three big victories that year. He completed 5 of 9 passes for 76 yards in the 7-0 upset of Yale; threw a touchdown pass to Red Randall, kicked the extra point, and added a field goal as the Bears defeated Dartmouth, 10-0; and had two more touchdown passes as Brown whipped Harvard, 21-0. As a passer, the 5-10, 165-pounder set two Brown records - the longest touchdown pass (66 yards to Capt. Jim Stifler vs Bates in 1925) and the most passes thrown in one game (22 with 11 completions vs Dartmouth in 1925). But, Mishel's contributions to Brown football went beyond statistics. He was a smart, cocky, inspirational-type player, the kind that comes along too seldom. Mishel was an assistant coach at Brown and Boston University, where he earned his master's in education. For 42 years he was director of Camp Brunonia in Casco, ME. A witty after-dinner speaker, Mishel has been a popular figure on the banquet circuit for 40 years.