What were some of your favorite classes/teachers at GHS?
I took a Political Science class with Mr. Busse my freshman year. There was a Presidential Election that year making the class very interesting. I was very interested in politics as my dad was an elected official as the Knox County Coroner. I did not like math, but Mrs. Wolfe changed that. Mrs. Aten taught a real fun class…Coach Peachey made science fun ………It’s hard to pinpoint a favorite teacher because I had so many good ones, including you, Coach Massey.
What are some of your favorite memories from GHS?
Have many many great memories from GHS. Beating Rock Island in the Regionals at home which turned out to be Ducan Reid’s final game…and he missed the bus back to Rock Island:)…Beating Manual on their home floor coached by legendary Wayne McClean. If I remember right, it was their first loss at home for years as you may remember the great run they had, joining my brother John and sister Molly in the basketball record book…practicing against Joey Range my freshman yr, was in complete awe of him.
Being recruited by Coach Albright and Coach Hickey to run track during drivers Ed (another class I loved) and ending up getting a medal at the state track meet with Doug, Punch, and Squeak…
Hitting a home run my senior year for the baseball team, Arny Gonolez saw something in me I don’t think I even did…traveling around watching Andy Wagner run through opposing defenses as half back for the football team our senior year…
One funny one, before I was in HS I would spend the summers at your summer league with Molly and would love being able to play and then get Dairy Queen with her and her friends.
What did you do after graduating from GHS?
Accepted a scholarship to play basketball at the University of Evansville for Jim Crews, someone I still keep in touch with today. We were the last college basketball team to wear sleeves, yes I still have the jersey (hidden from my wife)
What have you done as a career?
I coached basketball for 14 years. Grad Assistant University of Illinois State…Operations Assistant Memphis Grizzlies… Assistant Coach Barton County Community College…Operations Director and then Assistant Coach Dartmouth College…Assistant Coach Siena College.
Was a big thrill coaching against teams like Kansas, Duke, University of Illinois, Louisville and others. I also had the great opportunity to take a couple teams I put together of College Players from different programs to compete overseas.
What are you up to these days?
I live in Latham New York, ironically right near Siena College. I met my wife Alexandra, while coaching there. We have three beautiful girls, Madeleine (5) Juliet (2) Jenna (2)…I work in Real Estate and Development now. I am also on the board of a start-up called, Scout, which aims to educate college athletes on financial literacy amidst this wild new landscape regarding NIL money and Cost of Attendance.
Advice to Streaks athletes today?
Get off your phone…Getting away with something against the rules is not an accomplishment…Be realistic about your goals and go get them, and while doing so don’t be afraid of using resources that can help you get there. You are in a great school and athletic department at GHS, take advantage of it… Don’t be afraid of hard work, and maybe even a little pain, this usually leads to the best successes and most fun.
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
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