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

HOF Insights- Getting Your Team Ready for the First Game

 

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.  

Today the coaches were asked to describe their plan for approaching practices before their first games. Usually teams have about two weeks to practice and then play a game. How did these great coaches approach practice in preparation for the first game?

Streaks History in the IHSA Football Playoffs

It has been an exciting football season for the Streaks. Galesburg has been explosive offensively and has earned a IHSA Playoff spot. This will be the Streaks 10th trip to the IHSA Playoffs. 

Some Illinois sports have had a State Series for over 100 years. The first IHSA football series was in 1974. Initially there were just 5 classes of 16 teams. This year there will be 8 classes of 48 teams each. Here is how the playoffs have changed over the years. 

1974- 5 Classes- 16 Teams Per Class- 80 Total Teams

1980- 6 Classes- 16 Teams Per Class- 96 Total Teams

1985- 6 Classes- 32 Teams Per Class- 192 Total Teams

2000- 8 Classes- 32 Teams Per Class- 256 Total Teams

2026- 8 Classes- 48 Teams Per Class- 384 Total Teams

This year, the top 16 teams in each class will receive a bye, and the other 32 teams will play. The winners will advance to what the IHSA is calling the “First Round.” 

Here is a look back at Galesburg’s previous State Appearances…

Proactive vs Reactive Problem Solving in Coaching

(This was first published in November of 2025)

Sometimes in coaching it seems like there are a million things to do at the beginning of each season- assign uniforms and numbers, get opponents schedules, set up scouting schedule, arrange picture day, get senior banners, set up scorebooks, organize fundraiser, order shooting shirts. It goes on and on. All of this is on top of actually running practices and dealing with day to day issues. 

As coaches, just when we feel that we have everything covered, something unexpected comes up. This can especially be true with our players and their buying into our team culture. There is nothing worse in coaching than feeling you have gotten blind sided by a player problem. 

1986 Illinois Boys Basketball Class A State Tourney

State Champions- Teutopolis

2nd- Ohio

3rd- Hoopeston- East Lynn

4th- West Frankfort

Streaks Alumni Profile- Bill Swanson 1970

 

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Bill Swanson from the Galesburg HS’s Class of 1970. 

I actually knew Bill during childhood, although I did not grow up in Galesburg. My grandparents attended the same church as Bill’s family at East Main Congregational Church. 

In the past year, I have had communication with Bill and his American Legion State Championship team. As I communicated with Bill’s teammates, it became obvious how much his teammates respected Bill as a baseball player, a leader, and as a teammates. 

While Bill had a great career as a student and as an athlete at GHS, his career as an adult has been very impressive and very inspiring. He has continued his interest in baseball and has been a leader in education as a teacher. He shares great memories and a wonderful story. 

This Week in Galesburg History- Oct 19, 2026

 

 

“This Week in Galesburg History” 

A chance to see Red Grange at the Orpheum. 

A nice option at Sears with new TV’s.

Streaks clinch conference title.

St. Louis great in final appearance.

Volleyball has last home match of a great year.

A rebuilt Thiel Gym. 

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.

1986 Illinois Boys Basketball Class AA State Tourney

State Champions- Chicago King

2nd- Rich Central

3rd- Peoria Manual

4th- Romeoville

31 Tips for Players & Coaches

Here is a collection of thoughts from social media that are great for both players and coaches.