Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile is with Brad Gross from the GHS Class of 2004.
Brad had an outstanding career in Track at both GHS and then at Monmouth College.
GHS is fortunate that Brad chose to come back to Galesburg as a teacher and a coach. He has been involved coaching track, both boys and girls basketball, and girls golf.
Brad has also been instrumental in helping develop “better athletes” at GHS with speed training and weight room ideas.
He has been a coach who has been able to connect with athletes and students. Brad has an ability to make them feel special and important.
Athletics and Activities at GHS…
Varsity Soccer, Varsity Track & Field, Spanish Club, National Honor Society.
Favorite Teachers and Classes…
The Allison brothers — Mr. Bill Allison (Individual Literature) and Mr. John Allison (Zoology). Best of both worlds. I was able to read many books, including several recommended by Mr. Allison. Zoology was great as we took a deep dive into different species and were very hands on. Both were excellent educators and remain my all-time favorite teachers at GHS.
Some of Favorite Memories Growing Up in Galesburg…
My best memories of growing up in Galesburg were being part of the many sports teams I played on. I played almost every sport I could and had many great coaches who instilled values I still carry today. When we weren’t playing games, friends and I would ride bikes around town until we had enough people to sneak onto Voyles Field or O. N. Custer for a pickup baseball game. We also played many pickup games on the side of LT Stone.
Education after GHS…
I chose to attend Monmouth College and run track for Roger Haynes. It was a powerhouse program with a lot of success already established. I felt I could receive a strong education while competing and succeeding at the national level.
Career…
I chose to become a teacher and coach. I have been at GHS since 2009, coaching many sports over the years: Junior High Cross Country, Boys Soccer, Girls Golf, Junior High Boys Basketball, Freshman Girls Basketball, and Boys and Girls Track & Field. I cherish the relationships I’ve built in the classroom and on my teams. Watching the student-athletes I once coached grow into successful adults with families of their own has been incredibly rewarding.
What Are You Up To These Days…
These days, when I’m not in an athletic season (which is rare), I love traveling to the Rockies and taking on the most strenuous hikes my best friend and I can find. Our hardest challenge to date was summiting a 14er at sunset. Off-roading and camping at 10,000 feet is a surreal experience, and I try to do it twice each summer. I have three wonderful children — Riley (15), Mason (13), and Lydia (8). They are all very active in their own sports and interests and have already achieved many great accomplishments. When we finally find time to slow down between seasons, we can usually be found at Grandma and Grandpa’s pool during the summer months.
Having Had Coach Albright and Coach Hickey for Track, What Did You Learn from Them…
What I learned from having them as coaches is; any and everyone has potential. It’s about unlocking their confidence and finding what clicks for them. Coach Albright and Coach Hickey are great at building relationships and made all athletes feel important. I’m still very blessed to see them both regularly at games and practices. Coach Albright still comes out and helps us with pole vault when we need it. Great resources for our young athletes still to this day.
Advice to GHS Students and Athletes…
Giving advice to GHS students is a daily, repetitive process for me. I like to share stories from my own athletic career or about former athletes who faced similar situations. My main message to young athletes is to be at practice every day, practice hard every day, and let the rest fall into place. If you handle the little things, we can all celebrate the big things together.
My advice for parents is the same advice I give myself as a sports parent. Since I coach so many other kids, I use my time to simply enjoy being a fan and watching my own children compete doing what they love. I've learned to trust the process of the coaches they have no matter their experience or level. They have been put there for a reason and it's up to them how they drive the team. No complaints from me!
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