Former Tyrone football standout and TAHS class of 2021 graduate Tommy Hicks had a successful freshman season of college football this fall at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, New York.

Hicks was a starter at outside linebacker for the Vikings and finished second on the team with 55 total tackles and was tied for the team lead in interceptions with two.

In eight games, Hicks made 32 solo tackles, 23 assists, forced three fumbles, had one fumble recovery, and seven tackles for a loss.

One of the highlights of Hicks’ season was a key fumble recovery against East Coast Prep to secure a 40-35 win on November 7.

The Hudson Valley Vikings play in Region III of the National Junior College Athletic Association. The Vikings finished the season with a 4-4 record and won its 10^th NJCAA Region 3 Championship after defeating rival Erie Community College 21-12 on October 23.

¨We had trouble scoring points early in the season, but towards the end we got the job done,” said Hicks.

Hudson Valley’s program specializes in helping student-athletes improve athletically and academically with the goal of securing a scholarship at a four-year institution.

While at Tyrone Area High School, Hicks was a four-year starter on both sides of the ball and finished his senior year as a first-team Mountain League All-Star. As a senior he ran for 499 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, 62.4 yards a game, and had 7 touchdowns.

Hicks is not yet sure if he will transfer this off-season or return to Hudson Valley for a second season, but either way, he plans to be on the football field at a collegiate level next year.

¨It’s a lot different from high school. It’s a lot more technical,” said Hicks, who is majoring in physical education.

After his football career is over, Hicks hopes to one day give back to the community as both a teacher and a coach.