Sebring senior Johnathon Billingsley signs commitment letter to cheer at Cincinnati

Special to The Alliance Review
·2 min read
Sebring McKinley Senior Johnathon Billingsley, center, signs his commitment to attend the University of Cincinnati on a cheerleading scholarship. Billingsley is flanked by his father, Kyle, left, and mother Becky.
Sebring McKinley Senior Johnathon Billingsley, center, signs his commitment to attend the University of Cincinnati on a cheerleading scholarship. Billingsley is flanked by his father, Kyle, left, and mother Becky.

SEBRING – A senior at Sebring McKinley High School has received a scholarship for cheerleading.

Johnathon Billingsley recently signed a letter of commitment to attend University of Cincinnati beginning in Fall 2024.

With previous dance experience as a child, Billingsley joined the Sebring Trojans cheer squad in 2022.

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“Johnny had never cheered before the 11th grade, and I approached him and told him he should try it out,” said Cassy Wynn, Sebring McKinley’s head cheerleading coach. “It was all new to him, and within a year’s time, he has accomplished so much.”

Sebring senior cheerleader Johnathon Billingsley, center, who began his cheerleading career as a junior, plans to continue his career starting in Fall 2024 at University of Cincinnati. Sebring's team is coached by Cassy Wynn, right.
Sebring senior cheerleader Johnathon Billingsley, center, who began his cheerleading career as a junior, plans to continue his career starting in Fall 2024 at University of Cincinnati. Sebring's team is coached by Cassy Wynn, right.

Last summer, Billingsley attended the Ohio State Cheerleading Combine, which sparked an interest in collegiate cheer.

“Johnny loved cheer and was very good at it, but he wasn’t sure if he’d continue after high school,” Wynn said. “After attending the combine, coaches showed a lot of interest in him and he started to think it might be something worth pursuing.”

Wynn said Billingsley’s pursuit of cheering in college helps eliminate a stigma against the small Sebring Local School District.

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“This accomplishment means so much to our cheer program. But more than that, it means a lot for Sebring,” Wynn said. “People outside of our district imply that if you come from this school district, you aren’t good enough or are somehow less than someone coming out of a larger district. This simply is not true! As a Sebring alumna, I am proud to be coaching this program and am proud to be part of this community.”

Wynn has been head coach since 2020.

“The truth is, the Sebring cheer program has had a legacy of success with multiple state titles under former Coach Nichole Mathias. We’re just getting back to our roots,” Wynn said. “And Johnny brings a spirit to the program that I haven’t seen in a long time. It’s refreshing and exciting!”

Sebring senior cheerleader Johnathon Billingsley, left, stands during a recent football game with fourth grader Zolan Sayre, who took part in a recent Sebring cheer clinic.
Sebring senior cheerleader Johnathon Billingsley, left, stands during a recent football game with fourth grader Zolan Sayre, who took part in a recent Sebring cheer clinic.

The district also sees Billingsley’s achievement as a plus for the future.

“Johnny’s being recruited by UC is an example to our younger students that they can accomplish their dreams and do great things,” says Wynn. “He also serves as a representation for young boys, by showing them that cheer is co-ed and they can do it too!”

Billingsley also cheers with CheerTime Athletics, and is on the Karma Dream Team and the Promise Squad. He received recognition of All-American from CheerTime Athletics.

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Sebring senior Johnathon Billingsley to cheer for Cincinnati Bearcats