Billingsley Takes Oak Park Job

Dick Billingsley, a former assistant coach and standout football player at Cal State Northridge, has accepted the head football coaching position at Oak Park High, Athletic Director Fred Yamano said Tuesday. He replaces Ron Veres, who resigned before the start of last season.

“I think it’s a great opportunity because I live in the community,” said Billingsley, who lives in Agoura Hills. “They’re looking for a coach to give their program direction and I think I’ll fill that need. It doesn’t make a difference that I’m moving to a smaller school in a lower division. Working with the kids is the primary thing.”

Billingsley, 45, began his head coaching career at Culver City High in 1974. He guided the Centaurs to a Northwestern Conference title in 1978.

After spending two seasons as a CSUN assistant, Billingsley accepted a position as co-coach at Beverly Hills High in 1981. He helped the Normans to Division II playoff appearances in six of the past nine years.

At CSUN, Billingsley played for Coach Sam Winningham in 1966 and 1967 and set school records for most receptions and most touchdown receptions.

“In my opinion, he was the most outstanding candidate among the many that applied,” Yamano said. “I’ve been involved in football for nearly 20 years. . . . He’s the best of the best and we’re real lucky to have him.”