1976- Galesburg Basketball, Cheer, & Band All Go to State

This week the Galesburg HS class of 1976 is celebrating their 50th Reunion. 

In looking back at ‘76, one of the highlights was the basketball team’s trip to Champaign. The Streaks made it to the Elite 8. This was Galesburg’s 24th State Appearance which was an IHSA record at the time. 

It was not just the basketball team going to Champaign. Galesburg’s outstanding cheerleaders helped to fire up the crowd. As with Galesburg’s previous trips to State, the GHS cheerleaders wowed all the fans. 

The fabulous Streaks Band under the direction of Sally Rynott was selected to play at State. Under Rynott, the Streaks band was considered the best in Illinois. The Streaks Band played the Friday night session, which just happened to be when the basketball team was playing. The Wilhelm Tell Overture ran thru the Assembly Hall. 

Here is information from the IHSA files and tourney program. 

1973 Illinois Boys Basketball Class A State Tourney

State Champions- Ridgway

2nd in State- Kaneland

3rd in State- Venice

4th in State- St. Anne

Streaks Alumni Profile- Shawn Hickey & Melissa (Bell) Hickey 1996

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Shawn Hickey and Melissa (Bell) Hickey. Both are from the GHS class of 1996. 

Shawn and Melissa have come back to Galesburg and have had such a positive impact on not only our schools but on our community. Both of them have been teachers and coaches, investing in the youth of Galesburg. 

I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did!!

This Week in Galesburg History (June 8, 2026)

“This Week in Galesburg History,” there were some different Major League Baseball teams, the Ford Pinto was selling cheap, and Zach Ricketts on the diamond.  

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 every Mondays on the WGIL website and Massey Basketball Blog. 

GHS Alums- Statham & Mason Guide Morton Girls Soccer to 2nd in State

Mark Mason and Zach Statham

Two Galesburg High School grads have had a very exciting time this Spring. Zach Statham (Head Coach) and Mark Mason (Ass’t Coach) took their Morton Potter girls soccer team to a 2nd place finish in the IHSA 2A State Tourney. 

1976 Peoria Superscectional- Galesburg vs Moline

I found the 1976 Peoria Supersectional Program in the IHSA files. The game was played at Roberstson Fieldhouse. 

On their way to an undefeated, WB6 championship, the Silver Streaks had beaten Moline twice during the regular season. Both games were nail biters. 

Galesburg won the first meeting 73-72, and the second meeting 69-66. 

My Scout Report- Knicks, Shine Fading Fast, Fouls

These are some thoughts after another week of basketball and another week of retirement. 

Coaches’ Corner- Reverse into Backdoor

Coaches’ Corner- We want our players to be able to react to defensive overplays and go backdoor. But sometimes as coaches, we want to set up a backdoor action. This is a simple backdoor action.

1976 Galesburg HS Reflector- 50 Years Ago

This summer the GHS class of 1976 will be celebrating their 50th anniversary of graduating from GHS. 

Here is a collection of parts of the 1976 GHS Reflectors.

GHS Announces 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame

Galesburg High School’s Athletic Director, Nick Young announced the Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026. The Class of 2026 will be presented at an induction ceremony on Saturday, November 28 at the Hegg Performing Arts Center at GHS. The induction ceremony will take place at 5:00pm. 

1890-1950- Minor League Baseball in Galesburg

Grover Cleveland Alexander

For the first half of the 20th century, minor league baseball was not what we think of as minor league baseball. 

In the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, many communities formed teams that played in leagues with area communities. Galesburg was one of those communities to have teams. 

Streaks Alumni Profile- Mike Haptonstahl 1975

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Mike Haptonstahl from the GHS class of 1975.

Mike was a runner and a leader on the first team that I coached at GHS- the cross country team in the Fall of 1974. I will always be appreciate of that teams approach to running, and their approach to a young, inexperienced coach who made his share of mistakes. 

Mike remained in Galesburg so it has been enjoyable to remain in contact with him thru the years. 

Massey Quiz #48- Even More Doors of Galesburg

 

    

 I have fifteen pictures of Galesburg DOORS. The quiz is designed to celebrate how wonderful Galesburg is, and test your knowledge of our community. Enjoy and have fun!!

1947 Illinois Boys Basketball State Tourney

State Champions- Paris

2nd in State- Champaign

3rd in State- Pinckneyville

4th in State- Pekin

Streaks Alumni Profile Vicki (Wardell) Legge 1990

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Vicki (Wardell) Legge from the GHS class of 1990.

Vicki was active as an athlete at Lombard and at GHS. She has always had an enthusiasm for the Silver Streaks- first as a student and now as an adult. 

For me it was special having coached Vicki in girls basketball, and then being able to coach her daughter, Kelsi. After playing, Kelsi became an assistant in Streaks basketball so Vicki has been an enthusiastic supporter of Streaks basketball for decades. 

Vicki played an important role in getting Lombard’s Gym named in honor of Phil Erickson. Her leadership was very impressive!!