CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Clarksville High School held a signing ceremony for six student athletes who signed their letter on intent to play their sport at the next level.

The Clarksville High football team had five signees, highlighted by tackle William Zilenski, who signed to the United States Air Force Academy to play football. Zielinski is the fifth offensive lineman from Clarksville High in the last 10 years to sign at the Division-I level.

Six Clarksville High Athletes Signed to the College level on Feb. 7 (Knox Rives)
Six Clarksville High Athletes Signed to the College level on Feb. 7 (Knox Rives)
Six Clarksville High Athletes Signed to the College level on Feb. 7 (Knox Rives)
Six Clarksville High Athletes Signed to the College level on Feb. 7 (Knox Rives)
Six Clarksville High Athletes Signed to the College level on Feb. 7 (Knox Rives)
Six Clarksville High Athletes Signed to the College level on Feb. 7 (Knox Rives)
Six Clarksville High Athletes Signed to the College level on Feb. 7 (Knox Rives)
Six Clarksville High Athletes Signed to the College level on Feb. 7 (Knox Rives)
Six Clarksville High Athletes Signed to the College level on Feb. 7 (Knox Rives)
Six Clarksville High Athletes Signed to the College level on Feb. 7 (Knox Rives)
Six Clarksville High Athletes Signed to the College level on Feb. 7 (Knox Rives)
Six Clarksville High Athletes Signed to the College level on Feb. 7 (Knox Rives)
Six Clarksville High Athletes Signed to the College level on Feb. 7 (Knox Rives)
Six Clarksville High Athletes Signed to the College level on Feb. 7 (Knox Rives)
Six Clarksville High Athletes Signed to the College level on Feb. 7 (Knox Rives)

“It means a lot to be able to play college football,” said Zielinski. “Air Force is going to give me a great education and provide a lot of benefits after I graduate.”

CHS head football coach Isaac Shelby adds to his long list of college signees and was extremely proud of this senior group during their time at Clarksville High.

“I think it’s really amazing to see them sign, and it’s good for the school,” Shelby said. “It means we’re not only producing quality football players but quality people. We just want to find the right fit for each kid, and I think all of them found great homes where they can earn a degree.”

From Clarksville High to Maryville College

In addition to the five football signees, Clarksville High’s very own Megan Shinn signed to Maryville College to run cross country.

Shinn told Clarksville Now that it’s meaningful to get to this point, because all of the hours she’s put in to get to this point in her athletic career.

Cross country coach Robin Crouch has known Shinn since she was in elementary school and was extremely excited to see her sign to college.

“I’m proud of her.” Crouch said. “She was great here, and she’s going to be an important part of the team at Maryville. She’s got great grades, great work ethic and most importantly she’s coachable.”

Here is the full list of signees from the event held at Clarksville High School:

  • Laney Best – Offensive Line – Carson-Newman.
  • Charlie Balthrop – Kicker – Austin Peay.
  • Zyrion Elliot – Offensive Line – Beloit College.
  • Donovan Bowles – Defensive Line – Kentucky Wesleyan.
  • William Zilenski – Offensive Line – Air Force.
  • Meagan Shinn – Cross Country – Maryville.