Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile catches up with Zach Shay from the class of 1994. Zach had a great athletic career at GHS. He was able as a sophomore to play both varsity football and basketball.
Zach was tough, competitive, and a strong leader. He never backed down from a challenge as an athlete, and was unafraid of work. All of his teams benefitted greatly from his leadership.
Zach came from one of the all-time best sports family in Galesburg history- the Shays. All three Shay boys competed at D1 level- Zach and Jason at Iowa, and Beau at Clemson.
His father, John was a great athlete at GHS, and brothers, Jason and Beau excelled athletically at GHS. The men of the family would be the first to admit that the family toughness and competitiveness comes from their mother, Lori!
Massey- What was your favorite class (classes), favorite teacher (teachers)?
Zach- Favorite teachers: Ms. Black (Mrs. Aten) and Mr. Hawes - American Studies, Mr. Peachy - Biology, Mr. Massey – Psychology. John and Bill Allison and Mr. Willy.
Massey- What are some of your favorite memories as a GHS Silver Streak?
Zach- The people of Galesburg are its greatest resource, and Galesburg was full of great ones when my brothers and I were growing up. From my family to the coaches, mentors, teachers, friends, and teammates — Galesburg afforded me the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
I have so many great memories, starting back at Churchill, where I was fortunate to play for Bob and Bill Morgan. I willnever forget taking second place at the IESA State Basketball Championship under Coach Steve Cheeseman.
My four years at GHS were full of growth — both through successes and lessons learned from disappointment. I was proud to be part of both the varsity football and basketball teams as a sophomore, and to grow into a starter by my junior and senior seasons.
A couple of games over my football career still stand out. The first was my first varsity start against a highly ranked Sterling team. On the final play of regulation, we tied the game on a Hail Mary pass from me to Aaron Dominique — one of those moments where time seemed to slow down, and even years later, I can still hear the roar of the crowd. Then came the night against a top-ranked Moline team. Everything just clicked. I had a hand in all four touchdowns in that game as we rolled to a 28–0 victory. The Moline Dispatch dubbed Browning Field “Shay Stadium” after that performance — something I still smile about to this day.
That season was special for so many reasons. During my junior and senior years, I started at both quarterback and middle linebacker — not something many players have done — and I set the school record with seven interceptions. But beyond the stats and headlines, what I remember most are the people. I was fortunate to be coached and mentored by incredible men — Coach Stiles, Coach Bill and John Allison, Coach Willy, and Coach Reed — each of whom taught me lessons that went far beyond football.
My four years at GHS were full of growth — both through successes and lessons learned from disappointment. I was proud to be part of both the varsity football and basketball teams as a sophomore, and to grow into a starter by my junior and senior seasons.
One of my first great memories as an athlete was being part of the 1991 Western Big Six Conference Championship football team. That season was unforgettable be able to play powerhouse Joliet Catholic and future NFL great Mike Alstott.
A couple of games over my football career still stand out. The first was my first varsity start against a highly ranked Sterling team. On the final play of regulation, we tied the game on a Hail Mary pass from me to Aaron Dominique — one of those moments where time seemed to slow down.
The second would be the night against a top-ranked Molineteam. Everything just clicked. I had a hand in all four touchdowns in that game as we rolled to a 28–0 victory. The Moline Dispatch dubbed Browning Field “Shay Stadium” after that performance — something I still smile about to this day.
That season was special for so many reasons. During my junior and senior years, I started at both quarterback and middle linebacker — not something many players have done — and I set the school record with seven interceptions. But beyond the stats and headlines, what I remember most are the people. I was fortunate to be coached and mentored by incredible men — Coach Stiles, Coach Bill and John Allison, Coach Willy, and Coach Reed — each of whom taught me lessons that went far beyond football
Those Friday nights under the lights, the camaraderie in the locker room, and the pride in wearing that jersey shaped who I am today. It was not just about winning games; it was about growing up, competing, and learning what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself.
Playing basketball for coaches like Coach Jaskoski, Coach Sigel, and Coach Swanson in the always-tough Western Big Six Conference also pushed me to grow as an athlete. We faced some powerhouse programs and great players — including Peoria Manual during their historic four-peat run. Competing at that level, night after night, taught me discipline, toughness, and how to rise to any challenge.
Those experiences — the teammates, the coaches, the competition, and the community — built the foundation for everything that came after. Looking back, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the chance to represent my school, my teammates, and my hometown.
Massey- What are some of your favorite memories of watching your brothers compete?
Zach-Our family has been blessed with great teammates and coaches along the way. Sports have always been a part of who we are. My dad was an assistant coach on Galesburg’s 1988 State Championship baseball team, and Jason followed that up by being part of the 1989 squad that finished third.
One of my favorite memories is of Beau, who as a sophomore played on the 1998 IHSA State Runner-Up basketball team. That run came right before my senior year at Iowa. I still remember being down in South Padre Island, Texas, on spring break with a bunch of my Iowa teammates. When Galesburg made it to state, we piled into the car and drove nearly 24 hours straight just so I could make it back in time to watch the semifinal and championship games. What a team that was — led by the best basketball player ever to wear a Galesburg uniform, Joey Range.
Jay has had countless big moments over his career. The one that stands out most to me was when his team had Ohio State down by nearly 20 points at halftime in the Sweet Sixteen. It looked like they were about to pull off something special, but Ohio State, the No. 1 seed, stormed back. The game came down to the final seconds — a last-second block by Greg Oden sealed it, 85–84.
Massey- What did you do after graduating from GHS?
Zach-After high school, my football journey took me to the University of Iowa, where I was blessed to spend five seasons playing for the legendary Hall of Fame Coach Hayden Fry. It was an honor to stand on that field wearing the black and gold.
Coach Fry taught us not just how to play the game, but how to carry ourselves with pride, toughness, and integrity. I was proud to earn my football letter as a Hawkeye, and even prouder to be part of a program built on tradition, discipline, and doing things the right way
During my time at Iowa, I was fortunate to play in three bowl games — the 1995 Sun Bowl (Champions), the 1996 Alamo Bowl (Champions), and the 1997 Sun Bowl. I started for two seasons on special teams and served as a key backup on defense.
Looking back, those years in Iowa City were about more than football. They were about brotherhood, competition, and carrying forward a tradition that meant something to everyone who ever wore that Hawkeye helmet. It was an honor to be part of it — to represent my family, my hometown, and every coach who helped me get there.
Massey- Where and what did you do for a career?
Zach- After my playing days ended at Iowa I began a 26-year career in coaching and athletic leadership, including 15 years at the collegiate level.
One of my early career highlights came in 2002 at Galesburg High School, where we led the program to its first playoff appearance in 11 years — only the fourth in school history at the time. Watching those kids experience that kind of success for the first time was something I will never forget.
My college coaching journey took me across the country and gave me the chance to be part of some truly special teams. At Western Illinois University, I was part of the 2000 Gateway Conference Championship squad that made a deep run into the FCS Playoffs. A few years later, I joined the University of Georgia, where we captured the 2003 Southeastern Conference East Division title and won the 2004 Capital One Bowl. From there, I went on to Central Michigan University, where we earned the 2006 Mid-American Conference Championship and capped the season with a victory in the Motor City Bowl.
All told, I have been fortunate to coach in three FBS bowl championships — the Capital One, Outback, and Motor City Bowls — and to work with 14 players who went on to hear their names called in the NFL Draft.
Today, I serve as the Activities Director at Bettendorf High School, where I get to support coaches, student-athletes, and programs that continue the same values I’ve carried with me since my first days on the field — hard work, discipline, and the power of team.
Massey- What are you and your family up to today?
Zach- My family and I live in the Quad Cities. I am blessed to share this journey with my wife, Kayla, who is originally from Rapid City, South Dakota. We met while I was coaching at the University of Northern Colorado, where she earned her degree. Together, we have three incredible daughters — Elle, Teagan, and Soran Wynn — who keep us busy every single day. Whether it is volleyball, softball, cheerleading, or tumbling, they havealready found their own passions and drive.
Family has always been at the heart of everything I do. My parents recently moved from Galesburg to the Quad Cities to be closer to their grandkids, and my youngest brother, Beau, lives here as well, serving the community as a surgeon for MercyOneGenesis. Having everyone close by is something I am grateful for. My older brother, Jason, coaches’ basketball at Wake Forest University. We love going to North Carolina to watch his teams compete.
As an Iowa Football alum, I still love making the trip to Kinnick Stadium with family and friends to cheer on the Hawks.
Football has always been more than a game to me. It has been a family, a purpose, and a lifelong lesson in what it means to give your best for something bigger than yourself.
Massey- What advice would you have for today’s Silver Streak athletes?
Zach- It is not about what you’re capable of doing — it’s about what you’re willing to do. Success doesn’t come from talent alone; it’s built on effort, grit, and the willingness to do hard things.
When you walk into a room, don’t just react to the environment — set the tone. Be a thermostat, not a thermometer.
Remind yourself every day: I can. I will. I must. Winning doesn’t happen all at once; it’s earned inch by inch, through discipline, persistence, and an unrelenting drive to get better.
In life, you’re going to experience one of two kinds of pain — the pain of discipline or the pain of disappointment. The choice is yours.
No comments:
Post a Comment