Sebring McKinley’s All-American Cheerleader Johnathon Billingsley Commits to University of Cincinnati
And serves as a role model for future Sebring students to follow their dreams
SEBRING - Sebring Local Schools is proud to recognize Johnathon Billingsley, senior cheerleader at Sebring McKinley High School, who recently committed to University of Cincinnati on a cheerleading scholarship, beginning in the Fall of 2024.
With previous dance experience as a child, Billingsley had some basic fundamentals, but it wasn’t until 2022 when he first began his cheer career by joining the Sebring Trojans squad.
“Johnny had never cheered before the 11th grade, and I approached him and told him he should try it out,” says Cassy Wynn, Sebring McKinley’s Head Cheer Coach. “It was all new to him, and within a year’s time, he has accomplished so much.”
Last summer, Billingsley attended the Ohio State Cheerleading Combine sparking his 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,” says Wynn. “After attending the combine, coaches showed a lot of interest in him and he started to think it might be something worth pursuing.”
Billingsley’s future with collegiate cheerleading sets a positive example for not only the district, but Sebring’s community as well.
“This accomplishment means so much to our cheer program. But more than that, it means a lot for Sebring,” says Wynn. “There has been this stigma surrounding our community. 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,” says Wynn. “And Johnny brings a spirit to the program that I haven’t seen in a long time. It’s refreshing and exciting!”
Billingsley not only paves the way for the continued success of the program, but he also serves as a role model for younger students.
“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 coed and they can do it too!”
Billingsley is also a member of additional cheer squads with CheerTime Athletics, including the Karma Dream Team and the Promise Squad. Within one season he earned the recognition of All-American by CheerTime Athletics.
“Johnny isn’t just a great cheerleader. He’s a great young man,” says Wynn. “If you come to a Friday football game you’ll find groups of kids crowded around, cheering along with him. He carries his title as a role model very seriously and always takes time to speak to each of them and take pictures with them.”
“I’m excited about where he is headed in this journey,” says Wynn. “I can’t wait to watch him cheer at his first college game.”
