COLUMBUS, Ohio – Capital University Athletics is saddened to learn of the loss of Hall of Fame basketball player Joe Mikal "Mike" Outcalt who passed away on June 24th, 2025 in the comfort of his loving family. Outcalt played for Capital from 1956 to 1959 and was a star on the court for CU, setting many records that are still in place today and ultimately earning a spot in the Capital University Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the induction class of 1981.

Born on September 3rd, 1935 in Pleasantville, Ohio, Outcalt was a naturally gifted athlete. In 1956, he made his way to Columbus to join the Capital men's basketball team. Standing at 6'5", Outcalt became a star on the court for CU playing under coach Harold "Whitey" Regan. He helped Cap to a 43-18 record during his career including an Ohio Athletic Conference title in 1956-57 as well as the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance. Most notably, Outcalt set multiple program records that are still standing today, currently holding the records for single-game points (49), single-game rebounds (35), single-game field goals (17), single-game field goal attempts (33), and career scoring average (19.8).

It was also at Capital that Outcalt met the love of his life Rae Ellen Dauber, whom he married on July 18th, 1958. He would go on to a career in labor relations, holding positions at Western Electric, Rockwell Standard, and Kaiser Aluminum before turning to a life of ministry. After earning his Master of Divinity from the Methodist Theological School in Delaware, Ohio, Outcalt served several United Methodist congregations throughout Northwest and Central Ohio. Once he retired from ministry, he and Rae would go on to manage a Farm Bureau region as well as a Nationwide Insurance agency in Bellevue before ultimately retiring to Loudon, Tennessee.

The thoughts and prayers of the Capital University community are with the Outcalt family during this difficult time.