Maurice Mitchell just might be the finest sprinter in the history of the state.

The Raytown South High School graduate won the 100, 200 and 400 meter sprints his junior and senior years and anchored the winning 400-relay team last year to help the Cardinals claim their first-ever boys state championship.

He was recruited by every Division I university in the country and finally settled on NCAA defending champion Florida State University.

“When I chose Florida State, I felt like the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders,” Mitchell said in a recent phone interview from Tallahassee, while he was on his way to take his final micro economics exam of the summer.

“Then, I got down here and realized the pressure was just beginning. Man, there are some talented runners at Florida State and we ran against some great teams. I knew they were good – but I never knew they were that good. Every practice, every minute – everything – was a challenge.”