1955 Galesburg HS Reflector

1955 GHS Reflector

1987 Illinois Class AA Girls State Tourney

State Champions- Immaculate Heart of Mary

HOF Insights- Identifying and Building Team Leaders

In the “HOF Insights”, I ask a group of successful, veteran coaches to share their thoughts on a variety of topics. Each week, I ask a different question. The questions can be focused on helping coaches, parents or athletes to have a more successful athletic experience.  

A crucial component of a successful team’s culture and of their execution on the court is the effectiveness of the team’s leaders. This week I asked the coaches how they identified leaders and how they helped develop leaders. 

Coaches’ Corner- 10 Questions About the Shot Clock Coaches Must Answer

In Illinois, high school basketball will be adding the shot clock next season. Every coach has watched colleges and the pros play with the shot clock so I am sure most coaches have a few strategies in mind as they prepare for the season. Here are 8 questions that each coach must answer in regards to the shot clock…

Streaks Alumni Profile- Sara Saey Escudero 2016

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Sara Saey Escudero from Galesburg HS’s Class of 2016.

Sara was a great student at GHS, and was totally invested in activities at the same time. She played tennis, and ran cross country and track. By my count, Sara was an officer in at least 6 different clubs and organizations at GHS. 

Her drive and commitment continued into her impressive success as an under grad and then in dental school. Today she is already carving out an impressive career in dentistry, and in serving others. It is exciting to imagine what the future holds for Sara. 

Personally, I am hoping she is an Iowa grad who will become a Badger fan, living in Madison!!

Massey Quiz #69- Elections & Politics- Part 2

    

 

 

Today’s questions are looking at elections, government, and politics. 

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. 

1987 Illinois Boys Basketball Class AA State Tourney

State Champions- East St. Louis Lincoln

2nd- Chicago King

3rd- Westchester St. Joseph

4th- Quincy

Owen Muelder (GHS 1959)- Talking About Galesburg, GHS, & Knox in 1950’s

Owen Muelder is an historian, he is the director of the Underground Railroad Center at Knox College. He is considered one of the top resources in America on the Underground Railroad. 

On a beautiful Fall afternoon, I had a chance to sit with Owen Muelder on his porch, and have a nice chat. The plan was to talk a half-hour about his days at GHS, he is a 1959 GHS grad. 

It turned out that our “half-hour chat” turned into more like a two hour conversation. We talked about Galesburg, Galesburg HS, and Knox College in the 1950’s. His memories of this era were fascinating to hear. As an historian, his historical perspective of the era was educational. 

I hope you enjoy his insights as much as I did. Here is our conversation…

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.