Checklist: Late Game Situations

Like all coaches, I wanted to cover every possible late game situation with my players because I knew if we had covered it in practice that we were more likely to be successful in the game situation. My problems were:

Streaks Alumni Profile- Tom Swegle 1965

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Tom Swegle from Galesburg HS’s Class of 1965. 

Tom had a very impressive career as a teacher. He is certainly the “jack of all trades.” During his career he taught the following- American History, World History, and French. He supported the students in activities from yearbook to cheerleading to drama to class sponsor. 

Mr. Swegle was recognized for his excellence and for his service when Sherrard HS named their auditorium in his honor. 

Rick Welty encouraged me to reach out to Tom, his brother-in-law. It was certainly a good recommendation. 

I really enjoy doing the Streaks Alumni Profiles. It is amazing how many GHS grads have gone onto do incredible things and to serve others. Tom Swegle is certainly one of GHS’s incredible stories, and an inspiring story!

1987 Illinois Class A Girls State Tourney

State Champs- Seneca

This Week in Galesburg History- Oct 26, 2026

 

 

“This Week in Galesburg History” 

Five day or six day work week is the question.

GHS’s Girls Service League has inductions.

Streaks girls golf takes third in State- AGAIN!

Girls tennis players headed to State.

Amtrak’s Carl Sandburg is up and running.

Noah Benbow going to State. 

This is a look back at the history of Galesburg (and the world). What was going on 100 years ago, 75 years ago, 50 years ago, 30 years ago, 20 years ago, and 10 years ago this week? 

“This Week in Galesburg History” appears on Mondays on the WGIL website and the Massey Basketball Blog.

HOF Insights- 5 Tips for Players to Make Your Season Successful

(Originally published in August of 2025)
 

This Week’s Question: As athletes head into their sports seasons, what are 5 tips you would give to athletes to help them make their season successful and their experience a positive one?

1987 Illinois Boys Basketball Class A State Tourney

State Champions- Venice

2nd- Okawville

3rd- Chrisman

4th- Beardstown

Coaches’ Corner- Getting Ready For First Game

I was very fortunate to start out teaching in a very good and very organized Social Studies Dept at Galesburg HS in the 1970’s. One of the main subjects I was teaching was U.S. History. We had 7 teachers teaching U.S. History. Every unit, we would combine all the classes for presentations with readings, lectures, and presentations. As a result, we were all expected to test the same day, then move onto the next unit. The test date was set, so you had to organize your individual class to get your lessons in before that date. You had to be organized because the test date was not going to be moved. 

Basketball is the same way. Each coach is assigned the first test date- your first game. It cannot be moved because you are not ready. You have to be organized to figure out what you must get in. You cannot complain that i don’t have time- you have to figure out. And you don’t want two days before the first game or the night before the first game realize that you have not gotten 3-4 things in that you should have gotten in. 

Streaks Culture- Five Pillars of Culture

We believe these five characteristics must be the heart of our team culture. The five characteristics allow us to be stronger together as a team, and produce a family atmosphere.

#1- Humility

Humility allows us to understand we have room to grow and improve in our lives.

Humility allows us to understand we can’t do it alone, we need other people.

#2- Passion

We can impact other people not just by what we do, but how we do it. We can be an energy giver with our love, our energy, and our work ethic. Nothing great can be achieved without enthusiasm.

#3- Unity

Basketball and life are team sports, together we always achieve more. We are tougher together.

#4- Servanthood

The best teams in life, help each teammate become better versions of themselves. Servanthood is our ability and willingness to help our teammates.

#5 Thankfulness

Gratitude must be a constant drumbeat. Don’t forget to express your appreciation. And, appreciate and learn from each circumstance, both success and failure.

These five pillars of culture were taken from Dick Bennett, successful high school and college coach.

1965 Galesburg HS Reflector

 

Here is link to other GHS Reflectors & Galesburg History…

Galesburg Past & Present

Here is the rest of the ‘65 Reflector….

HOF Insights: Focusing on Culture at Beginning of Season

(Originally published in October of 2025)

This Week’s Question- For decades, we may not have used the word culture but we had in mind how our teams would look, how they would practice, and how they would play. When you met with your teams either when you started practice or before you started practice- were there any specific things you made clear about your expectations? I believe the first week of practice is so important for setting the tone. To an outsider, were there some little things or big things that you did in practice that were designed to help establish your culture. 

History of WB6 Schools in the IHSA Football Playoffs

 

History of IHSA Football Playoffs

1974- 5 Classes of 16 Teams- 80 Total Teams

1980- 6 Classes of 16 Teams- 96 Total Teams

1985- 6 Classes of 32 Teams- 192 Total Teams

2000- 8 Classes of 32 Teams- 256 Total Teams

2026- 8 Classes of 48 Teams- 384 Total Teams **

** In each class 16 teams receive a Bye and 32 teams play in what is called the “Opening Round.” Teams who win in the “Opening Round” advance to play the Bye teams in the “First Round.”

Bob Reade

2026 Seeds and Records

Receive Bye- Start in First Round

4A- #4- Sterling (7-2)

Start in Opening Round- Win Advances to First Round

4A- #9- Geneseo (6-3)

5A- #18- Galesburg (4-5)

6A- #9- Quincy (6-3)

6A- #16- UTHS (5-4)

7A- #18- Moline (6-3)

1986 Illinois Girls Basketball Class AA State Tourney

 State Champions- Peoria Manual

Streaks Alumni Profile- Drake Sykes 2013 (plus Sonny GHS 2045)

 

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Drake Sykes from the Galesburg HS’s Class of 2013.

Drake was active as a student and athlete at Galesburg HS. He had an absolutely awesome career at Knox College as a student and as an athlete. He was selected to the Knox College Athletic HOF for his achievements. 

He is now the Knox College baseball coach. It will be exciting to see where he takes the Prairie Fire. 

Massey Quiz #68- Athletes in Politics and Government

  

 

 

I have fifteen pictures of athletes who went into politics and government positions. Identify who these people are. 

The answers are at the end of the quiz. Keep track of your score and read exactly what your score indicates. If you would like- share your score on the Facebook or Massey Blog under the comments. 

1986 Illinois Girls Basketball Class A State Tourney

 

State Champs- Teutopolis