Clayton News Daily

By Anthony Rhoads

Mt. Zion lineman Tyrone Billingsley is getting the opportunity to go to the next level after signing a scholarship to Holy Cross.

Billingsley plans on majoring in mathematics and minoring in business. After college he wants to pursue a career as an actuary - an expert in statistics who calculates insurance rates and premiums.

"I feel like it's going to be a great experience and create great opportunities after college," Billingsley said.

Billingsley, at 6-foot-4 and 265 pounds, was standout on both the offensive and defensive lines at Mt. Zion. Billingsley has been recruited by Holy Cross as an offensive lineman.

Billingsley helped lead Mt. Zion to two straight state playoff appearances in his junior and senior seasons.

"I feel like it was a blessing to play in the state playoffs two years in a row," Billingsley said. "It's any senior's dream. I was delighted to do that."

Billingsley added that was a privilege to have played for head coach Jackie Green, who retired at the end of the season with 100 overall victories at Mt. Zion.

"Coach Green was a great coach," Billingsley said. "He encouraged me to only strengthen my offensive skill but my defensive skills as well. He was a great coach and had a great career."

He also said he was glad to have been on the field when Green achieved his 100th victory in 2004.

"It was an honor knowing I was a part of it," he said. "It was a great feeling."

Holy Cross, an NCAA Division I-AA program, is in the Patriot League, which is known for a strong academically-oriented conference.

In 2004, Holy Cross went 3-8 overall and 1-5 in Patriot League play.