During last Friday’s boys basketball game, Bobby McMillen watched from the bleachers as Naperville Central recognized its latest Hall of Fame inductees.
One day, he’ll likely be a part of a similar class. For now, he’s getting ready to represent the nation in the International Bowl.
As one of the top high school seniors, McMillen was selected to compete for the U.S. under-19 national team, which will play Canada on Saturday at the University of Texas at Arlington’s Maverick Stadium.
“Everybody in the entire world wants to come to the U.S. to live in the greatest country,” McMillen said. “To play the sport I love, the greatest sport, in the greatest country is such a great honor, especially being selected from a big group of people.”
McMillen helped the Redhawks win the Class 8A state title in 2013. He finished his senior season with a 146 tackles for a team that advanced to the quarterfinals. He’ll play at Iowa State this fall.
“I got an email one day that was an invite to the game,” he said. “I got asked a bunch of questions in the summer about the opportunity to represent the U.S., so I sent my answers and they sent me an itinerary.”
While the U.S. coaching staff liked his answers, they were equally — if not more — impressed with his game film.
“If you’re one of the ones that makes it through the selection process it’s not for any other reason than you’re good enough to play for the [USA],” defensive coordinator Danny Cowgill said. “Obviously we do our due diligence to make sure we’re not getting any clowns out there, and looking at the film, his play speaks for itself. He’s a downhill kid who likes getting his nose in there.”
The International Bowl differs from the various other high school all-star games, where kids primarily showcase their talent.
“Those are all great honors to be picked, but this is an international competition and the bullets are going to be flying,” Cowgill said. “We’re the [USA] and there’s a lot of pride involved. We want to dominate our game and we stress that to the kids. We’re coming in there as the real deal and we look to flex our muscles.”
Representing the country means even more to McMillen since he has a grandfather and two uncles who served in the military.
“They fought for everything we have,” he said. “Being able to represent the U.S. is something they’re very proud of me for doing.”
McMillen headed to Texas on Monday, where he met Cowgill and the rest of the coaching staff as well as his teammates and began preparing for the game. It will be televised on ESPN3 at 1 p.m.
On Wednesday, the die-hard Bears fan visisted AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, for USA Football’s annual national signing day breakfast. He and other players on the U-19 team will sign letters of intent for college.
Several family members, friends, and his girlfriend will all get to enjoy the Texas weather and watch McMillen play. Naperville Central coach Mike Stine acknowledged he will be watching on TV.
“It’s a great honor for him for all the hard work he’s put in, and for our school because I don’t think we’ve ever had someone play in a game like this,” Stine said. “He’s been on big stages like this before and I wouldn’t be shocked if he made some big plays like he did for us the past three years.”