Streaks Alumni Profile- Rev. Tyson Parks III- 1993

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Rev. Tyson Parks III from Galesburg HS’s Class of 1993. 

Tyson was one of the all-time greatest wrestlers in Streaks history. He qualified for State- three times, won the WB6- 3 times, and was Sectional champ- 2 times. He later won the CCIW crown while wrestling for Augustana.

Rev Parks is widely respected in Galesburg for his energy and commitment as a pastor. In the last few years, he has moved to Peoria where he is continuing his minister in so many different ways. He has impacted and continues to impact so many people. 

I appreciate Rev Parks for taking the time from his busy, busy life to share some of his memories. 

Favorite Teachers/Classes at GHS

I loved my English class with Mr. Thom Siegal I got an "A" in his class. Mr. Fisher, Mr. Bruington and Mr. Greenfield were always fun to have as instructors.

Sports/Activities at GHS

Wrestling was a major part of my experience at GHS- 3x State Qualifier, 3x Regional Champion, 3x Western Big 6 Champion, 2x Sectional Champion.

I placed sixth at 145lbs with a 39-3 record at the IHSA State Tournament in 1992.

I wrestled at 135, 145 and 152 pounds my senior year and finished my high-school career with a 103–13 record.

I only wrestled at Galesburg High School for 3 years and I transfered from Jacksonville, Illinois because my father was a pastor and was appointed to Allen Chapel AME in Galesburg.

Wrestled at Lincoln College before transferring to Augustana College, where I was 1996 CCIW Conference Champion at 158lbs, and in 1996 NCAA Midwest Regional Finalist and Runner Up. I was a 1996 NCAA DIII National Tournament Qualifier at 158lbs for Augustana College 

2012 Inducted into the GHS Athletic Hall of Fame

Wrestling taught me discipline, perseverance, accountability, and how to compete even when things were difficult. I have been all over the nation wrestling from California to New York. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life.

Best Memories Growing Up in Galesburg / GHS

Some of my best memories were from competing being around friends and competing with my teammates. Being part of a community where people knew one another was nice back then.

My junior year the art class made me a good luck banner before I went to state I was 36-1 and a Sectional Champion after the East Moline Sectional Tournament.

My first round match at the 1992 State Tournament was against Mark Ward from Marion, Illinois and he placed 3rd the previous year. I beat him 9-7 but I had him down 8-2 early and started to coast.

My years at GHS were especially meaningful because of the relationships I developed with teammates, coaches, teachers, and classmates. Looking back, I realize that many of those experiences helped establish the foundation for who I would become.

Education after GHS

After GHS, I attended Lincoln College and Augustana College, where I continued wrestling. I later pursued theological education, earning BA from Illinois Baptist College and M.A. in Applied Theology from Aidan University, completing graduate studies at Payne Theological Seminary, and I am currently a certified chaplain with the American Chaplains Association pursuing my M.Div. at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.

Career

My career has taken several different paths that have ultimately come together around service, ministry, and community engagement. I have worked in the criminal justice field, including with the Knox County State’s Attorney’s Office aa the Compliance Officer . I have also served in chaplaincy and former pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church ministry.

Today

Today, I serve as a pastor of Bethel United Methodist Church and Forrest Hill United Methodist Church in Peoria, Illinois. I also serve as a chaplain with the Peoria Police and Fire Departments and continue to work in community and public-service chaplaincy.

I am also involved in wrestling as an assistant coach at Eureka College. In addition to my ministry and coaching responsibilities.

When I look at all of these different areas ministry, chaplaincy, education, coaching, and public service—I can see how many of the life lessons I learned growing up in Galesburg and competing at GHS and beyond continue to influence what I do today. I think outside of the box and have a very practical approach to ministry.

Advice to Today’s Students/Athletes

My advice would be to take advantage of every opportunity you have while you are in high school. Don't underestimate the value of relationships keep everything I do Christ-centered, exercising discipline, and the lessons you learn through athletics as well as life.

Learn how to work and apply yourself when nobody is watching. Learn how to handle adversity without allowing mistakes and missteps to define you. Win with humility, lose with grace, and always be willing to adapt, learn and overcome obstacles in your career and in life.

Most importantly, don't allow your present circumstances to determine what you believe your future can be. Your high-school experience is an important chapter of your story, but it is not the whole story. Continue to grow, continue to learn, serve others, and pursue your God-given purpose.

Down through the years I have done funerals and weddings for teammates and families I've grown close to over the years. The community of Galesburg  still look at me as their pastor and chaplain and for that I am grateful.