A pioneer in the football event space, Rich created the U.S. Army Bowl in 2001, along with the Bowl’s showcase events, such as the U.S. Army National Combine and U.S. Army All-American Band. A former college wide receiver with a passion for athletic development and showcasing the next generation of playmakers, Rich sold his interest in the Bowl and All American Games in 2016 and has held no interest or involvement with any national high school all-star game before launching this event in 2022.
Rich led the Pro Football Hall of Fame Academy as Global Football Director, where he produced top events around the world, including a 7v7 National Championship, the nation’s biggest flag football event with over 250 teams, and the largest tackle championship with over 300 teams in Canton, Ohio. After COVID, Rich’s dream was to rebuild football by architecting America’s Biggest Life-Changing Week in Football as the new destination for top athletes, top teams, and recruiting scouts.
Rich is also an architect of The Ladies Ball Global Championship in partnership with the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.
One of America’s legendary football coaches, Coach Mazzone has coached for 35 years at the college and NFL levels, including UCLA, Texas A&M, Ole Miss and the New York Jets. A former college quarterback, Mazzone has coached and scouted over 500 Division 1 prospects and 300 NFL Alumni. Coach Mazzone has a well-respected eye for talent.
Coach Mazzone will oversee the Bowl Game Player Selection process and lead over 50 former NFL and College Coaches to provide on-field coaching and evaluation during U.S. Army Bowl Combines, Academy, Showcase Events, and the Bowl. Coach Mazzone also serves as a television commentator for the Bally Sports National Signing Day Show.
A life-changing leader on and off the field, Coach Mike "Strick" Stricker has been impacting student-athletes for over 25 years as a Pro Coach and Leadership Director for DYNAMIC Performance Sports & Scholarship Fund. Coach Strick comes to the U.S. Army Bowl to direct our Leadership Teams and develop the Bowl into "America's Biggest Life-Changing Week in Football." On the field, Stricker was a Kicker in multiple NFL Training Camps, graduated with Honors from The Ohio State University, and has won State Championships as a NC High School Football Coach. Stricker coached Special Teams in the U.S. Army Bowl for many of the early years in San Antonio, TX, and he is excited to be part of the dynamic team building the U.S. Army Bowl in Dallas, TX.
A former college football player and long-time high school coach in Southern California, Coach Miller works with the Bowl to evaluate national prospect and assist with the U.S. Army Bowl Player Selection Process. Coach Miller is one of the nation’s premier scouts. He scouted for XOS Digital and National Preps. Coach Miller has selected athletes for the U.S. Army Bowl, the World Bowl, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Academy, and the NFL Academy. He now owns and operates a premier national scouting platform called Showcase Football.
David is the former President and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and former Commissioner of the Arena Football League. He is an attorney who once served as the Mayor and City Council member of Irvine, CA. A former collegiate athlete who played power forward at UC Irvine and in Europe. David has spent a lifetime developing young athletes in their ability and character. A father of two athletes, David’s son Sam played in the U.S. Army Bowl (2003) before enjoying a distinguished career at USC and with the Atlanta Falcons. While in Canton for almost eight years, David and his team grew the Pro Football Hall Fame brand, vision, and influence all over the world through events, programs, and media. David was also known by the public through his door “knocks” informing NFL legends of their acceptance to Canton. In 2018 he was presented the prestigious National Sports Leader of the Year Award by the March of Dimes.
A former football player and graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, General Van Antwerp has held leadership positions throughout his distinguished 39-year military career, including Commanding General U.S. Army Accessions Command at Fort Monroe, where he oversaw the recruitment and development of Army soldiers. Under General Van Antwerp’s leadership and guidance, the U.S. Army Bowl doubled in size and grew in influence through media and national outreach. He also served as Chief and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. “General Van” has spent a lifetime leading people and helping young Americans develop leadership and character.
One of the core front office members of the great Dallas Cowboys teams throughout the 90’s, Steve served as the Director of Player Development for the Cowboys from 1990-2007. Serving the Cowboys with scouting, football development and football operations, Steve’s football knowledge, passion, and guidance help create great Super Bowl teams and hall of fame players unrivaled by any other NFL team.