{gallery}02_12_09/galenmills{/gallery} Galen Mills announced this week that he will continue his academic and football careers at Carroll College in Helena, Mont. Tribune photo by David Dickey Senior signs letter of intent with SaintsGalen Mills, a multi-sport athlete at Powell High School, announced earlier this week that he will continue his academic and football careers at Carroll College in Helena, Mont. Mills, a standout on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball for the Panthers in recent years, has signed a letter of intent with the Saints, a program that boasts five NAIA national titles.

“I'm excited about it,” Mills said Tuesday. “(Carroll) came through with a good offer, and they have an excellent pre-med program. Those were the two main factors in my decision.”

As a bonus, Mills noted his sister, Nikki Mills, also is a pre-med student and basketball player at Carroll College.

“We'll have a year together (at Carroll), and it should be a lot of fun,” Galen said. “She's pre-med, too, so she'll be able to help me when it comes to showing me the way as far as what to expect. Her being there is a big plus.”

Galen, who said he is being groomed for a strong safety or free safety position in the Saints' defensive backfield, said it is likely he'll be redshirted during his freshman season. He added that the coaches will probably make that decision after two-a-day practices conducted prior to the 2009 season. Whether he gets playing time or not during his first year, however, he said he's eager to make the jump from the high school ranks to the collegiate level.

Galen had a number of offers to consider when it came to making a final college choice. Black Hills State University and Chadron State College both put scholarship offers on the table. Colorado State University and the University of Montana also showed interest, but Galen said as decision time loomed, those two Division I programs were wanting him to join their squads as a walk-on.

“I feel good about my choice,” he said. “Carroll has a great coaching staff. I'm looking forward to working with them and seeing how much they can help me improve as a player.”

A straight-A student and a member of the National Honor Society and FFA, Galen has often admitted the recruiting process has been an up-and-down deal. Like his twin brother, Gavin Mills, Galen saw significant playing time on the Panthers' varsity squad during the team's 2006 state championship season. Both made significant contributions during their time on the gridiron for PHS, but their recruiting paths took different turns.

During the summer of 2007, Gavin attended a football camp at the University of Wyoming. The Cowboys' coaching staff, impressed with what they saw, extended Gavin an early scholarship offer.

That same summer, Galen, a member of Glad Tidings Assembly of God in Powell, opted to do mission work in Mozambique, Africa. While there, he did extensive work with children.

“I wouldn't trade that for the world,” Galen said of his mission work that summer. “It was a great experience, and I'm so glad I did that.”

Coincidentally, Gavin was planning to do mission work that summer as well, but in a different location than Mozambique. Because of unrest in the area he was planning to go, his mission trip fell through. That twist of fate ultimately led him to pursue athletic endeavors instead.

Both Gavin and Galen said that summer had an influence on how their recruiting paths played out. For Gavin, his participation in the football camp at UW was a springboard to more interest from other schools. At the same time, the recruiting process moved along at a less torrid pace for Galen. As time passed, however, more schools began showing interest in what he had to offer as a football player, student and person.

The twin brothers took the recruiting process in stride and remained steadfast in their support of each other, according to their parents, Gary and Gail Mills.

Last week, Gavin signed a certificate of intent with the United States Air Force Academy, where he will study pre-med and play for the Falcons football team. Galen was close behind with his decision to attend Carroll College.

“It all worked out for us,” Galen said.

Galen's football career got a boost in 2008 when he made a major move as far as his position on the offensive side of the ball. After a solid season as a running back in 2007, where he led the Panthers in rushing, Galen took over the signal-calling duties in 2008. As the Panthers' quarterback, he helped the team get as far as the semifinal round of the Class 4A playoffs. Galen, who also played in the defensive backfield, earned all-state honors for his efforts. After the season, he was voted the team's offensive MVP by his teammates.

“I owe my success to my family and my coaches,” Galen said. “They've all been so supportive throughout my career.”

Galen also said his faith and the support of God helped lead him to his recent decision to attend Carroll College.

“It's been a lot of fun,” Galen said of his athletic success to this point. “I've learned a lot, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what I can do at the next level.”

As far as life after football, Galen said he's looking to pursue a career as a pediatric oncologist.