A Local Legacy Expands
Four Billings natives have climbed into the elite ranks of the Big Sky Conference, bringing the city’s total of conference officials to four. Veteran Gregg Wilson, now in his 24th season, continues a career that began decades ago, while Will Robbins adds a 14th year of service. Their recent promotion sees newcomers Garrett Prokop and Eric Carlson join the roster, expanding the local presence in the league.
Prokop and Carlson have been assigned swing official duties, a role that requires them to cover Frontier Conference matchups while remaining on standby for Big Sky contests. This dual responsibility underscores the conference’s confidence in the Billings quartet.
Swing Officials on the Front Lines
The swing designation is more than a title; it is a test of adaptability. As the officials rotate between conferences, they must master varying rule interpretations and game tempos, a challenge that both excites and daunts the newcomers.
Wilson admits that rehearsing calls in front of peers can be more nerve‑wracking than doing so before a live audience. The internal scrutiny, he says, forces a deeper level of self‑assessment that ultimately sharpens performance on game day.
Looking Ahead
Both Prokop and Carlson acknowledge that the step up to the Big Sky will test them in new ways, from higher‑stakes decisions to faster‑paced play. Their anticipation is tempered by a willingness to learn, and Robbins welcomes the fresh talent, especially given the hometown connection that binds the group.
Robbins, who relishes his position as an umpire in the offensive backfield — a niche role unique to the Big Sky — appreciates the variety the assignment brings. The perspective allows him to focus on the quarterback’s movements, adding a layer of strategic insight rarely available to other officials.
For Wilson, the prospect of retirement remains uncertain, a fact even his wife cannot predict. His continued involvement suggests that the Billings legacy will endure well beyond any single season.