When I retired from coaching in 2024, I had no plan to make blogging a “full-time” retirement gig. I started blogging on a very casual level back in 2010. I wanted to sell the “System” to parents and Galesburg fans. Over the next dozen years, I blogged off and on but more off.
By the time I retired in 2024, I had almost forgotten that I had a blog. I wanted some way to express my thanks to parents, players, and fans for their support thru the years, so I wrote a “thank you” on the blog. Then I wrote another post, and another, and just kept going.
The following is the “Thank you” written in 2014.
Many of the topics are things that I have stumbled onto. I had a 1929 ticket stub from my mother, that turned into exploring hundreds of old newspaper articles at the wonderful Galesburg Public Library. I did one “Massey Quiz,” it had surprising interest, and it has turned into a weekly quiz.
Massey Basketball Blog has given me the chance to explore my own personal interests like basketball history. “Streaks Alumni Profile” has given me an excuse to reach out to former students/athletes. I have loved reading about their memories and stories. “HOF Insights” has allowed me to pick the brains of some legendary coaches.
Blogging has given me the chance to reach out to some interesting people in the sports world like Toby Vallas in Farmington, Jason Shay at Wake Forest, David Aresenault Jr of Grinnell, Jodie Prina and Molly Smith from the Streaks first girls team, and many more. And also have non-sports conversations with interesting people like Owen Muelder, John Simkins, BJ Dieterich, and others.
I enjoy writing and as you can probably tell, I hate proofreading. Massey Basketball Blog has let me continue to do some X/O’s, share experiences like going to a Fever game, and reminiscing about growing up in Savanna.
Article sharing Woody and my trip to Fever game:
In 2024 when I started blogging regularly, my posts were getting about 5,000 looks each month. That was fine, I was doing something I enjoyed. I read an article on blogs that said getting 10,000 looks each month was good for a blog. Being competitive, my goal was to get to 10,000 looks. Now less than two years later, Massey Basketball Blog is getting over 40,000 looks each month. And this week, the total has just gone over ONE MILLION!!!
Thanks to all the people who have taken the time to share and help me build posts over the last two years.
A special thanks to Jay Redfern who has patiently listened to my questions about topics, writing, and creating viewer interest. And I appreciate that Jay and WGIL reached out and asked to start posting some of my “articles” on the WGIL website. The work that Jay has done with WGIL is fantastic, so to have some of my work included on WGIL is an honor.
For all of you have read my posts- thanks! For all of you who have suggested topics- thanks!
THANKS A MILLION FOR YOUR INTEREST AND SUPPORT!!!
If you are not familiar with Massey Basketball Blog, here are some of the general topic areas:
