Tim Billings gets recognition as top coach

In just three seasons, Tim Billings has made remarkable improvements in the Southeast Missouri State University football program. After a 2000 season record of 3-8 and a 2001 record of 4-7, the head coach of the Indian squad led his team to an 8-4 season this year -- the best in more than 30 years.

Billings' efforts have not gone unnoticed. He was recently named the Ohio Valley Conference's coach of the year. A week later, he received the same honor from the American Football Coaches Association Region 3 for NCAA Division I-AA.

Throughout his coaching career, Billings has always sought to build teams and strengthen their performances. But he is happy to share his coaching honors with those who make it all possible: his players and his assistant coaches.

Billings has been coaching on the collegiate level since 1983 when he was a graduate assistant for two years under Warren Powers. He was an assistant coach for two years at Oklahoma under Barry Switzer. He returned to Mizzou for the two seasons under Woody Widenhoefer. Then he had a 10-year career at Marshall under Jim Donan and Bob Pruett, working with special teams and serving as defensive coordinator.

It's not just players and coaches with whom Billings shares his pride in this year's winning season at Southeast. There are also a growing number of fans who admire Billings both on and off the field.

Congratulations, Coach Tim Billings, for an outstanding year.