HOF Insghts- Watching for Keys in Games

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.  

This is one of the all-time best posts in our HOF Insights. Greg King, Tim Engebretson, Mike Tracey, and Vic Boblett are four legendary football coaches. Their insights are off the charts!

There are things that are important to success in all sports. Too often as coaches, we develop a type of “tunnel vision” by being so zoned into our sport. We fail to see general coaching principles. 

Two of my most valuable coaching experiences were as a young coach having Kelly Kane as my jogging partner. I asked him thousands of questions about coaching. Then throughout my career hours of conversations with my brother, a HOF volleyball coach. 

Football coaches are the best scouts in all sports. In this post Coach King, Coach Tracey, Coach Engebretson, and Coach Boblett talk about what they looked at when watching their team and their opponents, and how they tried to measure their teams’ performance. 

Streaks Alumni Profile- Tom Bennett 1977- Designing Golf Clubs for the Pros

Tom Bennett’s Senior Picture

Today’s “Streaks Alumni Profile” features Tom Bennett from Galesburg HS’s Class of 1977. 

After graduating from Galesburg HS, Tom went to the University of Illinois, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has had a fascinating career in engineering, going from helping produce missiles to artificial knees to golf clubs. 

1981 Illinois Girls Basketball Class A State Tourney

First- Chicago Christian

This Week in Galesburg History- Sept 14, 2026

 

 

“This Week in Galesburg History” 

Proposal to reduce divorce rates

WGIL Radio programming schedule

Local QB Club meeting on Mondays

Rubber Duck Race

New Tennis Courts at GHS

Knox Faculty gets high marks.

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.

27 Tips for Coaches & Players

This is a collection of posts from Twitter and Facebook designed to help coaches and players as they strive to reach their goals.

Streaks Senior Profiles & Sports Schedules- (9-14-26)

  

Galesburg High School’s Fall Sports are off and competing. We can help you fans with:

Fall Sports Schedules

This Week’s Home Events

Senior Profiles

2026 Women’s USA Basketball- My Advice for 2028

Some things are real and some things are just crazy when it comes to the WNBA, and in particular to this past USA and World Cup series. 

1981 Illinois Boys Basketball Class A State Tourney

State Champions- Madison

2nd- Dunlap

3rd- Cairo

4th- Liberty

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Sideline Stories- Gerald Phillips Lucky Green Tie

I coached and taught at Galesburg High School from 1974 thru 2024. I have many memories and have heard many stories. In “Sideline Stories,” I am sharing some of these memories and stories. 

Gerald Phillips was a legendary boys basketball coach for Galesburg HS. Coach Phillips guided the Silver Streaks from 1929 thru 1950. His 21 years as head coach is the longest tenure of any boys basketball coach in Galesburg HS history. 

State Champs- Sean Taylor & Thom Sigel Talk About Their Dream Seasons

(Note- This was originally published in January of 2025)

One of the goals for coaches and players is to win a State Championship. I have asked 8 high schools basketball coaches to reflect upon their championship seasons. Today Sean Taylor (Shelbyville & Moline), and Thom Sigel (Rock Falls & Rock Island) reflect upon their championship seasons. 

Coach Taylor and Coach Sigel have a unique perspective, having won State Championships at two different schools. Sean's wins are more impressive than Thom's. It is obvious that Thom can only win a State Championship at a "Rock" school, so he is a little more limited in his abilities. 

I have a great deal of respect for Coach Taylor and Coach Sigel. They have always treated me as a coaching peer, and not all boys basketball coaches do that with girls coaches. 

HOF Insight: Elevate Your Program- Become a Better Coach

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.  

As someone who coached 45 years, two things became evident to me over the years- 1) Basketball changes, you need to keep up with the changes in the sport. 2) You need to develop a coaching network to succeed. 

As a result, two things that are very important for coaches who are in for the long haul- attending clinics and joining coaching associations. 

Today’s Question- How do coaching clinics and coaches associations contribute to the growth of coaches and the growth of the game of basketball? 

Streaks All-Time Record Holders in All-Sports

This is a complete list of all the record holders in each of the Galesburg High School sports. 

Hats off to GHS AD, Nick Young for compiling this list- a job well-done. 

1980 Illinois Girls Basketball Class AA State Tourney

State Champions- E. St. Louis Lincoln

2nd in State- Chicago Marshall

3rd in State- Joliet East

4th in State- Buffalo Grove

Streaks Alumni Profile- Rita Tiehen Salit 1984

Today’s “Streaks Alumni Profile” features Rita Tiehen Salit from the Galesburg HS Class of 1984.

Rita was one of the famous Tiehen family. If you grew up in the ‘70’s or ‘80’s, you probably knew one other Tiehens.

Rita was involved as a cheerleader, played both volleyball and basketball, and was in the National Honor Society.

Her interest in high school chemistry turned into career in chemistry and now as a teacher on the high school level.

My wife, Amy and I had the opportunity to meet up with Rita, Ann, and Laura Tiehen at the Galesburg vs. Loyola basketball game last winter in Chicago. It was so much fun to have lunch before the game and catch up on their lives and share lots of great memories.

I hope you enjoy this profile as much as I have. It was tough for Rita to find the time to do this between her teaching during the school year and her golfing in the summer- so thanks Rita!!!