Richard McGuinness
Founder / Chairman
A pioneer in the football event space, Rich created the U.S. Army Bowl in 2001. The U.S. Army Bowl became the most celebrated national high school all-star game in the world. Rich created multiple showcase football events for outstanding high school and middle school players to train with NFL Coaches during Bowl Week. McGuinness is a world-class visionary with a big heart for families. Rich takes his role as an ambassador for American football very seriously and continues to innovate, inspire, and take the game to players all over the world.
A former college football wide receiver with a passion for athletic development and showcasing the next generation of playmakers, McGuinness has provided a path for thousands of student-athletes to reach their dreams of playing college football. During Rich's career he also launched The Ladies Ball Global Championships in partnership with the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. He led the Pro Football Hall of Fame Academy as Global Football Director, where he produced elite events around the world. Rich started a 250 team 7v7 National Championship and the largest Youth Tackle Football Championship with over 300 teams in Canton, Ohio. Rich McGuinness is now the chief architect of "America’s Biggest Life-Changing Week in Football" in Frisco, TX at the "STAR" Ford Center Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.
Bowl Advisory Team
Lt Gen (Ret) Robert “Van” Van Antwerp, Co-Chairman
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 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.
C. David Baker, Co-Chairman
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, David played power forward at UC Irvine and in Europe. David Baker 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.
PREMIER SPONSORS
