McMillen, Crosland Lead Group of Eight Rushing to Chicago
Published on November 15, 2002 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Chicago Rush News Release
November 15, 2002 â The Chicago Rush scored big this week with the signing of eight players to its 2003 training camp roster. Highlighting the group is AFL free agent FB/LB Bob McMillen and OL/DL Ben Crosland. Both signed three-year contracts with the Rush. In addition, kickers Keith Gispert and Geoff Groshelle, and defensive specialist Halakilangi Muagututia signed three-year contracts with the team, while FB/LB Levelle Brown, offensive specialist Robert Kilow and defensive specialist Tony Lukins agreed to two-year deals.
McMillen (6-2, 254, Illinois Benedictine) returns home with two ArenaBowl championship rings. McMillen comes to the Rush from the ArenaBowl XVI champion San Jose SaberCats where, in his two years with the SaberCats, he was part of a team that had an overall record of 27-6. The eight-year veteran spent the first six years (1995-2000) of his AFL career in Arizona, winning a title with the Rattlers in 1997. He was voted to the AFL's first-team all-Arena squad after the 2000 season and voted second-team all-Arena in 1999 when he led the league in rushing. Entering the 2003 season McMillen ranks eighth on the AFL's career rushing list (752 yards) and sixth on the league's career rushing attempts list (240).
Crosland (6-4, 285, Utah State) is a three-year AFL veteran who spent the 2002 season with the Georgia Force after moving with the team from Nashville to Atlanta. During his two seasons with the Nashville Kats, Crosland played alongside Rush lineman James Baron, reaching the ArenaBowl in both 2000 and 2001. His best season came in 2001 when he recorded 12.5 tackles and finished tied for third in the AFL with six sacks, while only playing in nine games.
"McMillen is a proven winner who brings championship experience to our organization," said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. "His work ethic is incredible. Ben has been a steady performer who was at his best when playing next to Baron. We expect when he comes here, and is reunited with James, he will have a year like he did two years ago.
In addition to McMillen and Crosland, the Rush also added six rookies:
Gispert (6-2, 170, Georgia State) spent the last two seasons kicking for the Augusta Stallions of af2. In his two years in Augusta, Gispert converted 176 of 203 PAT attempts and 13 of 66 field goal attempts.
Groshelle (6-0, 195, Montana State) enjoyed a successful 2002 season kicking for the af2's Richmond Speed. In 16 games, Groshelle converted 94 of 110 PAT attempts and 11 of 32 field goal attempts.
Muagututia (5-11, 205, UTEP) is no stranger to Chicago, having played for the Enforcers during the 2001 XFL season. Last year, he played five games with the af2's Mobile Wizards, recording 18 tackles and two interceptions.
Brown (6-0, 235, Northwestern) spent four years playing fullback for Gary Barnett in Evanston (1995-98). During his tenure with the Wildcats, Brown was a part of NU's back-to-back Big Ten championships, playing in the 1996 Rose Bowl and 1997 Citrus Bowl. In his career, Brown played in 33 games, carrying 13 times for 88 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 61 yards.
Kilow (5-11, 180, Arkansas State) joins the Rush after spending the spring in mini-camp with the St. Louis Rams and attending training camp with the Detroit Lions. In college, Kilow was a two-time all-Big West Conference selection at wide receiver and was a member of the South squad at the 2001 Hula Bowl all-star game.
Lukins (5-11, 190, New Mexico State) was a four-year letter winner for the Aggies who was signed by the Chicago Bears earlier this year as an un-drafted free agent. As a senior he recorded 46 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions, returning both interceptions for touchdowns.
AFL teams bring 37 players to training camp in January, with each team required to cut rosters to 24 players by opening day. The Rush kicks off its 2003 AFL season Sunday, February 2, at Allstate Arena against the Orlando Predators. Fans wishing to purchase season tickets, starting at $64, should call the Rush at (877) Rush-Tix (787-4849) or visit the team's Web site at www.chicagorush.com.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from November 15, 2002
- Firebirds Sign Ricky Hall to New Deal - Albany/Indiana Firebirds
- McMillen, Crosland Lead Group of Eight Rushing to Chicago - Chicago Rush
- 28 Former NLers in Winter Ball - Portland Forest Dragons
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
