A person who is at the head of or in authority over others; chief; leader. That’s how Webster Dictionary defines captain. It’s a bit of an ambiguous definition. Indeed, it’s very general so that it can be applied to the many spectrums of life. It also leaves out qualities I think are crucial to being a captain.

So here’s my definition: a person who understands the role but does not boast about it, teaches others so that he may learn, fights for his team harder than he fights for himself and has an inner passion that shines brighter than outward talent.

When I wrote that definition, I had someone in mind: Billiken Kwamain Mitchell.

There is no doubt in my mind why Rick Majerus asked Mitchell to come to Saint Louis University, and why he has bestowed upon Mitchell the great honor of captain. Both on and off the court, Mitchell embodies everything a captain should be, and it’s been an evolution born out in front of Billiken fans over the last two years.

When Mitchell arrived for duty, his responsibilities were limited. Senior Kevin Lisch would get the most minutes, would command the squad on the court, and be everything that Majerus asked him to be. Mitchell’s job was to learn how to mimic that; his turn was coming sooner than either he or Majerus would have liked.

That’s not to say that Mitchell’s impact wasn’t immediate. Let’s not forget that he started 31 games, averaged over 32 minutes a game, 11 points a game and had 113 assists. For his contributions, he was named Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week three times. But, because of the lack of upperclassmen, Mitchell and his fellow freshmen were going to become the big boys on campus.

I have to think that transitioning from a green freshman to the leader of a team is a daunting task. Add into the equation that Mitchell must run both the offense and the defense; for those who enjoy football, he is the quarterback and the middle linebacker. But the transition has been seamless. Mitchell hasn’t just embraced the job of captain, but has blossomed under his new role.

I always enjoy watching Mitchell conduct business on the court. Part of what I dislike about Webster’s definition of captain is its insertion of authority over others. While it is true that Mitchell has authority over his teammates, you’d be hard pressed to find it. The Milwaukee native is benevolent and encouraging, instead of brash and demoralizing. That’s exactly what this young team needs.

Often, Mitchell has called conference with his players – while I’ve only heard pieces of what is said, I do know this: Mitchell gets Rick Majerus. That’s impressive. And he is effective in explaining to his fellow Billikens how to rightly, and wrongly, run the Majerus basketball scheme.

And perhaps that’s his most effective role. Cool and calm, but fiery when expected, Mitchell has steered this team into its best conference play in a decade. There’s much to appreciate from what Mitchell is doing for this team; but he’ll never admit that he’s carrying the weight on his shoulders. In fact, I’m convinced, at times, he’s not aware that he is.

But it’s obvious how much the Billikens need him. Mitchell didn’t play in SLU’s sole loss at home; he was key to the OT win against Duquense, and on Feb. 9, he saved a victory for SLU against St. Joe’s. He’s currently leading the team with 15.9 points per game, 36 steals, 692 minutes played, and is second only to Kyle Cassity in assists.

Mitchell has shown SLU fans that he can conduct Division-1 basketball. Like his predecessor Lisch, he has shown incredible drive, tutelage and stability. I’m confident that with Majerus writing the script and Mitchell directing the show, the Billikens have a bright future ahead.