1957 Streaks- Elite 8

All these pictures were from Tom Wilson’s scrapbook- the comments are my own. 

As of 1950, only one African-American had played basketball at Galesburg High School. In 1951, Coach Ken Menke changed that. Over his four years coaching at GHS, there were 7 African-Americans on his 4 teams. 

In the 1956-1957 season, 2nd year coach, John Thiel started four African-Americans. He received hate mail for that. The team did not always receive a “warm welcome” when traveling on the road. 

Unranked in the State Polls, the Silver Streaks made it to the Elite 8 where they lost by 2 points to Collinsville in one of the most controversial games in IHSA history. 

Galesburg was charged with 23 fouls to only 7 fouls by the Kahoks. Collinsville attempted 37 free throws while Galesburg got 12 attempts, as a result the Kahoks outscored the Streaks 27-9 from the line. Galesburg lost by 2 points, despite outscoring Collinsville by 16 points from the field.

The frustrations boiled over at the final horn as fans from both squads emptied onto the Huff Gym court in one of the ugliest post games in IHSA history.  

That is a Posey Board!!!!!