This Week in Galesburg History (May 18, 2026)

 

“This Week in Galesburg History” 

There were a couple Don Morris Award Winners, employment was going up, and Babe Ruth had some advice. 

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, 25 years ago, and 10 years ago this week? 

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

Coaches’ Corner- Screen the Screener with Counter

Coaches’ Corner- This is one of the best screener the screener actions. If the ball is reversed quickly and the cut is hard and the screener good- it is a great way to get a ball into the post. 

1944 Taylor Tornadoes with Dolph Stanley- 45-0

1944 Taylorville HS had the distinction of being an undefeated State Champ, going an incredible 45-0. 

In 1978, for the IHSA State Program, Gary Childs put together a great story on the ‘44 Tornadoes. He reached out to interview some of the players. 

Massey Sports Quiz #10- Ulitimate Illinois HS Basketball Quiz

Massey Sports Quiz #10 was taken out of the 1978 IHSA State Girls Basketball Program. Good luck with this, it is a tough test of your knowledge of Illinois HS basketball history. As you take it, realize that the quiz was made in 1978 so any records asked about would be thru 1978. 

Players Playbook-Focus for Summer

This was a handout that I gave to players before the start of the summer workouts. 

On the high school level, summer basketball is an exciting time. It is a time in which individuals and the team begin to develop their identity. So much can be achieved individually and collectively in the summer.

My Scout Report- Way Too Early Caitlin Clark Take (May 16, 2026)

These are my observations after another week of basketball and another week of retirement.

Thoughts of College Coach About The Club/AAU Experience

Terry Pettit was a legendary college volleyball coach at the University of Nebraska. He is the coach that made Nebraska THE volleyball program in America. This past week he posted some his thoughts on club volleyball. His thoughts about club volleyball apply to the AAU basketball experience too. 

Coaches’ Corner- Backdoor Series with Options

Coaches’ Corner- This is a very good backdoor series with multiple options. 

Streaks Alumni Profile- Mandy Rinker 1995

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Mandy Rinker from the GHS class of 1995.

Massey Quiz #45- Some Galesburg Legends

This quiz looks at some of Galesburg’s legends. The quiz is designed to celebrate how wonderful Galesburg is, and test your knowledge of our community. Enjoy and have fun!!

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. 

1971 Illinois Boys Basketball State Tourney

 

Coaches’ Corner- Best Play That I Stole

Coaches’ Corner- All of us “steal” or “share” plays with each other. This is a play that Ottawa and Coach Mike Cooper ran against us one summer. They scored 3-4 layups and hit 2-3 threes off this play. We put it, and it became our best play for several years. 

1989 Streaks Baseball- State 3-Peat & 3rd Place Finish

The 1989 Silver Streaks made Galesburg baseball’s third straight trip to State. Only three other teams in IHSA history ever made three trips in a row to State- Limestone, Belleville East, and Springfield Griffin. 

After winning the State Championship in 1988, the ‘89 team’s goal was not to just make it to State. Only one other team had won back to back State Championships in IHSA history, Maine West in 1957-8. 

Streaks Alumni Profile- Lorenzo Pugh 1999 & Erin Pugh 2000

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Lorenzo Pugh (GHS 1999) and Erin Wilson Pugh (GHS 2000). 

It is always great when GHS grads choose live in Galesburg after graduation. Anyone who goes to Silver Streaks basketball games has seen Lorenzo, Erin, and their 3 boys at games. Erin is GHS cheerleading coach.

 

Lorenzo and Erin certainly have a positive impact on our school and our community!

This Week in Galesburg History (May 11, 2026)

 

Four Streaks legends- Chuck Bednar, Roland Hegg, Mike Campbell, and Josh Eiker were all in the news during this week. 

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, 25 years ago, and 10 years ago this week?