It is exciting that the District #205 School Board voted on Monday night to name the GHS Fieldhouse- The Albert and Elbert Kimbrough Fieldhouse. It will honor the 1957 GHS grads. The following is the letter that was sent to the School Board:
When District #205 chooses to name a building or area of the schools after individuals, it is a way for the school district to recognize and honor the achievements of individuals. The naming is also an opportunity for District #205 to educate our students and our community about individuals who have made historic contributions. The naming can also become a source of inspiration to Galesburg students to look at what is possible and to set their own dreams.
Our committee would like to recommend that District #205 name the GHS Field House in honor of Albert and Elbert Kimbrough. Albert and Elbert were 1957 graduates of GHS, and are considered by many to have been the greatest athletes in Silver Streaks history.
The Kimbroughs were the stars of the 1956 football team that went undefeated and is considered the best team in GHS history. Albert set the school record of 295 points scored in a season, 45 career touchdowns, and averaging 9.0 yards per carry during his career. While Albert got the glory carrying the ball, Elbert was his blocking fullback. Both were the stars of the defense.
In basketball, Albert and Elbert at 5’11” started on the 1957 team that made it to the Elite 8. On their run to State, they had the famous 23-21 win over Rock Island and Don Nelson in the Sectional Championhip. They eventually lost to undefeated and #1 ranked Collinsville in a controversial 61-59 loss in which Galesburg’s team with four African-American starters was whistled for 23 fouls while Collinsivlle was called for only 7 fouls. This 1957 team was later labeled by Coach John Thiel as the “most enjoyable team” that he ever coached because of how they competed and represented Galesburg.
Both Albert and Elbert went on to play football at Nortwestern University under the legendary Ara Parseghian. They were star defensive backs for the Wildcats. Elbert was twice selected All-Big Ten, and his senior year earned All-American honors. Elbert then became the only GHS grad to ever play in the NFL. Elbert was drafted and played one year with the Los Angeles Rams. He was traded to the San Francisco 49er’s where he started every game at safety for six season, collecting 9 interceptions and 7 fumble recoveries. He finished his career with the New Orleans Saints.
After graduation, Albert went into public education. He started out teaching and coaching at Evanston High School. He eventually get an Ed. Specialist degree from the University of Illinois, and became an administrator at Evanston High School for over twenty years.
While Albert and Elbert’s athletic careers and professional careers are inspirational and worthy of recognition, The positive role they had inspiring District #205 and the Galesburg community on the journey for racial equality is most significant. Their story and role in Galesburg’s history cries out to be honored and become a source of education t
Their 1957 basketball team had four African-Americans in the starting lineup. Before 1950, it is believed there were only two African-Americans ever allowed to play basketball at Galesburg High School. When Coach John Thiel started four African-Americans on the 1957 team. Up until 1950 it is likely none of these players would have been permitted to play basketball for GHS. Without realizing it, these African-American teenagers changed the perceptions of many people in our community. At the start of the season, the coach received hate mail, but because of how well these young men played basketball and how well they represented our community, by the end of the season they had become the heroes of our community. It might be said that Albert and Elbert along with their teammates changed Galesburg forever.
Our committee feels that Albert and Elbert should be honored by naming the GHS Field House in their honor as “The Albert & Elbert Kimbrough Field House.” By doing this, we feel we can honor their achievements, educate our community about their lives, and use it to inspire students in Galesburg to dream and achieve in their own lives.
Stories About The Kimbroughs-
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