Good Sports: Bullard High School rugby player Mika Kruse

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- When Fresno's Mika Kruse shows up to a local rugby field, opponents and fans alike take notice.

The 16-year-old superstar is a man of few words, humble about his skills despite his impressive talent, instead preferring to just "show up and play."

"Last year I started getting calls from like these all-star teams, and that's when I thought I might actually be pretty good," said Kruse.

A high school all-American fly-half for the Bullard Rugby Club, national scouts noticed Kruse's recent transformation into one of the best rugby players in the country and invited him to play for the USA under 17 rugby national team for an exhibition series in Europe next month.

"I think I'll be nervous, but then after I really get into it, it'll be just like any other game," said Kruse.

"Because he loves the game so much, he has basically amassed really a good level of skill. And now he's growing, he's becoming very athletic, so the combination has turned him into a really great rugby player," said Bullard rugby head coach Patrick Quan.

The oldest of four boys, Kruse sets the bar high with his actions on and off the field. He takes pride in representing the rugby community that has supported him unconditionally since he started playing just four years ago.

"Speechless, you know? I don't have any words to explain it. I'm happy for him. I'm happy for the Bullard Rugby Club. Just happy," said Cedric Kruse, Mika Kruse's father.

And after finishing his high school career next year, Kruse already has his sights set on the next level, academically and athletically in college.

"Try and get a scholarship so I can get my education and try to play for the USA National Team," said Kruse.

"The path that he's on right now is the path to represent your country. Rugby is in the 2016 Olympics. And Mika, if he keeps working hard, hopefully maybe could one day be in that group of athletes," said Quan.