Rich McMillen

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Rich McMillen (#25) attended Beaver Falls High School where he began his football career playing fullback and teaming with teammate Joe Walton (#30) on the Fighting Tigers Team. After graduation in 1952 he attended Penn state University where he played guard for legendary coach Rip Engle while teammate Joe Walton went to the University of Pittsburgh. Rich and Joe Walton met at least 3 more times as rivals on the football field. After graduation from Penn State, Rich attended the School of Physical Therapy. In the late 1960’s he began training and Sports medicine for the Northwestern High School that later merged with the Blackhawk School District where Rich continued attending to Blackhawk players while on the sidelines with Football Coach Joe Hamilton for many years. Rich launched McMillen Physical Therapy in 1977 and worked hand to hand with Dr. John Lehman sharing their knowledge through holding Sports Medicine seminars for coaches in the area. In 1985 McMillen Therapy became Trident Physical Therapy which offered a new sports medicine program in local high schools, placing certified trainers in the schools.

Rich’s community service and leadership included being a director on the Blackhawk Board of Education for 18 years, where he served in the role of President for several years. Rich was a leader on the Athletic Committee where he helped to retain John Miller and Joe Hamilton through their illustrious careers at Blackhawk. He also served as a Trustee for the Community College of Beaver County.

Rich passed away in 2015 leaving a legacy of comprehensive Sports Medicine. He carved a new path into what is now quality athletic training for young local athletes. On September 19th, 2021, at the Willows Event Center in Midland, Rich will be inducted Posthumously into the Larry Bruno Foundation’s Circle of Achievement where he will join multiple other friends and inductees, as well as his fellow teammate and 2013 Circle of Achievement inductee, Joe Walton.

Rich’s wife, Mary Kay, currently resides in Beaver Falls, PA, as does Rich’s son Mark, and his wife, Korin, and their children, Jackson, and Ava. Rich’s son, Kevin, resides in Pittsburgh, PA, and his daughter, Vicki, resides in New Brighton, PA. The McMillen family is very proud of all of Rich’s accomplishments, but most fondly remember his warm smile, sense of humor, love of life, and devotion to his family.