Today’s “Streaks Alumni Profile” is Steve Davis of the GHS Class of 1981.
Steve has made a career as a photographer in the Galesburg area. There are countless athletes and countless coaches who appreciate his professionalism and his warmth thru the years.
I thought who better to give an intro to Steve’s profile than his friend from GHS, Jay Redfern. So here is what Jay has to say about Steve Davis…
Steve Davis is a rare breed: not only one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, but also one of the most talented and respected photojournalists around.
He always likes to point out that I was one of the first people he met when he moved to Galesburg, and I consider that a true honor.
While I knew right away that Steve was one of the nicest guys ever, I had no idea how talented a photographer he would become.
Galesburg has been blessed with some absolutely amazing photographers over the years, and I’ve been lucky to work with several of the best in photojournalism. In my opinion, Steve belongs on the Mount Rushmore of Galesburg photojournalists.
Steve would probably tell you that sports are his favorite thing to shoot, but from many years of working alongside him at The Register-Mail, I can tell you he can shoot absolutely anything — and deliver every time. He has a natural photographer’s eye, but what takes him to the next level is his personality, which instantly puts subjects at ease. People don’t just like Steve — they trust him.
Steve has left an indelible mark on Galesburg through his kindness and his amazing talents, both behind the camera lens and the microphone.
What were some of your favorite classes/teachers?
I loved Health Occupations with Judy Owens. Coach Swanson had a tremendous impact on me, as well.
What are some of you favorite memories of your GHS years and your experience as a manager for the basketball team?
I moved to Galesburg from Maquon in the middle of my junior year. I was on the team at Spoon River Valley, but I was the last guy off the bench. When I found out I was moving, my coach there, Rick Phillips, contacted Barry Swanson, who made me a manager when it was clear I had no business playing here, LOL. So, I was manager on the ‘79/‘80 team, which was really, REALLY good! I LOVED high school basketball, and to be involved with a program like Galesburg’s was a dream come true! And, I got to work with the first friend I ever made in Galesburg, Jay Redfern!
What did you do after hs graduation, did you continue your education?
I went to Sandburg briefly, but decided that maybe I could be a rock star instead. Boy, was that a mistake, LOL.
As sports photographer, what have been some of your favorite memories?
I’ve been so fortunate to cover some GREAT local athletes, who are now adults. There are sooooo many, and they’ve all been wonderful to me, but my favorite was Josh Eiker and his record-setting state track appearances. A terrific athlete and a better man!
I’ve also had the privilege to photograph the John Deere Classic five times, as well as area professional minor league teams. I’ve shot in the United Center, the State Farm Center and Busch Stadium.
My favorite thing to photograph is people, and I love showing the behind the scenes and emotion “away from the ball”, including spectators, pep bands and cheerleaders, just as much as action.
I’d also like to mention the friendships I developed with great sportswriters like Mike Trueblood, Matt Wheaton and Jackson White, and the coaches and officials I worked with while at The Register-Mail.
Share as much as you want of what you/your family are up to today?
I work in the Communications department at Knox College as the school photographer. I also take photos for City of Galesburg website, some other freelance work, AND I play in two bands…I’m a busy guy!
I’ve been married for 38 years to my fellow GHS ‘81 classmate Julie (Swanson), am the proud father of three Streaks’ alums…my oldest Ricky is the father of our only grandchild, Thea. He, as well as our daughter Madison (Hoffman) and her husband Matt live in Madison, Wisconsin. Our youngest, Abbey and her boyfriend, Kian Kilpatrick, live in Cleveland. We’re empty nesters, but we get together as often as possible. Julie and I serve at the pleasure of our dog, Maybelline, and cat, Whitty.
Advice for GHS students?
I wouldn’t trade my years at GHS for anything! I grew exponentially as a person during my time there! My advice would be to find something you love (you have lots of time!), gain as much knowledge as you can, apply yourself and be true to yourself!
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