Boys 1956- Sweet 16 26-3 (State Rank #3)
Galesburg was coming off an Elite 8 appearance in 1955. The Streaks had lost to Elgin in the Elite 8 game in OT 66-60. Obviously coming this close had to fuel the 1956 team, plus they returned arguably the top three from the 1955 team. Guards Mike Owens and Russ Lind along with post player Bill Graning returned for their senior year. Years later, Owens commented on the '56 season, "We thought we were going to be pretty good, but we were much better than I thought we were going to be."
While the '56 Streaks returned three of their best players, they lost their coach. Coach Frank Adams moved practically across the street from the old GHS to coach at Knox College. The transition was easier than you might predict because assistant Coach John Thiel took over. As assistant coach, the players were very familiar with Thiel.
