Streaks Basketball Alums- Mark Makeever 1980

What were some of your favorite classes/teachers?

I liked most of my classes and teachers. Some teachers that stood out were Mr. Hood, Coach Massey, Coach Johns, and Miss McKenzie 

What are some of your favorite memories from GHS?

Definitely basketball season brings back great memories. To me just being a Silver Streak was amazing! Then starting my senior year on a good team was a dream come true. Playing in front of huge crowds at home and on the road in Western Big 6. Doesn’t get much better. Beating Quincy and breaking their long conference win streak at home is one of my favorite playing career memories ever. Winning Illinois state classic was great also. Going to football games was also fun. Also open campus lunch and going to mall to eat.

What did you do right after high school?

After High school I went and played at Parkland JC. Broke into starting lineup on a 23-7 team my freshman year. Sophomore on a 15-15 team I received team MVP and First team Illinois JC All-State. Also played in Illinois JC All-Star game. From there I went to Panhandle State University. Junior year I was 6th man on a 35-5 NAIA National tournament team. Senior year on a 18-16 team I was team MVP, All-District 9 and played in Oklahoma colleges seniors all-star game.

What did you do for your career?

After contemplating playing overseas I decided starting a longer career and family were my priorities. So coaching was definitely something I wanted to pursue. Helped coach at Panhandle State University for two years as assistant and JV coach as I finish school and teaching block. First HS job was at a little school Allison,Tx. I was the only coach and coached boys and girls JH and HS for two years. Perfect for a young coach, 8 seasons of game experience in two years. I was a head coach at HS level for 23 years. 19 in Texas and 4 in Oklahoma. Coach many great kids along with my son Corey and twin daughters Mandy and Amber. When the twins graduated I decided to be able to watch them play in college I just taught at the JH for 10 more years and not coach. Drove a route bus, and officiated for 5 years also. Ended up teaching 6 classes of Teen Leadership to 7th graders my last 8 years which were some of the most rewarding and satisfying years of my career. Total of 34 years in education.

What are you up to these days?

Married 41 years to my wife Kim. Who was a Kindergarten teacher for 29 years. We have 3 kids, Corey, Mandy and Amber. We are both retired and live in Edmond,Ok. I work part time at Solid Rock Basketball as instructor at camps and skill sessions. I also do individual basketball lessons. Moved here in 2021 to be near Corey and Brooke and their 4 girls and Mandy and Barrett and their daughter. Corey lives in Edmond and is the director of STUMO(student ministries) on the campus of UCO. Mandy lives in Yukon,Ok and has gone back this year to teaching math at Piedmont JH. This is her 7th year of teaching/coaching overall. Amber and her husband Alex live in Athens,Ga. Amber is an administrative assistant for Down Line Ministries.

What advice would you have for today’s Streaks?

Live in the precious present! Playing in front of your friends, family, community is the best. Secondly, how you spend your time, how you spend your money, and how you treat people shows what you truly value. Thirdly, put your faith in the Lord. Lastly, a quote from the legend John Wooden: “Talent is God-given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.”

Streaks Basketball Alums….help me out….

If you earned a varsity letter in girls or boys basketball at GHS- I would really like to include you in “Streaks Basketball Alumni Spotlight.”  If you want to be included in the “Streaks Basketball Alumni Spotlight,” simply answer the questions below. (Note- if you are a female who played varsity basketball in the 1970’s before GHS gave females varsity letters- please jump in!!) Either text or email your responses and pictures to addresses below. 

1- What year did you graduate?

2- What was your favorite class (classes), favorite teacher (teachers)?

3- What are a few of your favorite memories from GHS?

4- What did you do right after high school?

5- Where and what did you do for a career?

6- Share as much as you want of what you are doing now- still working, where are you, family, etc. 

7- What advice would you have for today’s Silver Streak athletes?

If you have pictures from high school, send them OR I will get some pictures from yearbooks from when you were in school. Could you send me a picture of yourself or your family now? 

Simple either text me at 309-368-0008, or email me at emass70@yahoo.com