Streaks Basketball Alums: Isaiah Peachey 2008

What was your favorite class (classes), favorite teacher (teachers)?

I have 3 classes that stand out in my memory. American Studies where I enjoyed the content and the community that was built in that class. 

I enjoyed the class I took with you, Coach Massey, where I got the opportunity to be a teacher’s assistant with a group of special education students in a PE class. I loved connecting with the students and being a bridge and involving them in all of the activities. 

I’m also going to protect my 2025 Thanksgiving plate and say my dad, Steve Peachey’s Anatomy and Physiology class. It was a fun class full of athletes and/or future medical professionals. A big downside of that class was I was never able to say, “I don’t have any homework.”

Hall of Fame Insight: What Do You Miss?

This was the first of the Hall of Fame Insights- it was posted July 30, 2024

I am hoping to do this segment- "Hall of Fame Insight" on a regular basis. I have put together a crew of retired coaches, who were highly successful in their high school coaching career. My hope is to pose one question to them, every two weeks. 

4th in State: Alyssa Carl Coaching Flag Football at Bradley-Bourbonnais

It appears in Illinois HS's that the hottest sport is girls flag football. The NFL has made a big push nationwide to get girls flag football off the ground. 

There are concerns for administrators about adding the sport. With declining enrollments, there is a struggle to get enough athletes in the sports that are already offered. Adding another sport may mean dropping some existing sports. For administrators it would be a nightmare figuring out which sport or sports to drop.

Some critics say,"If you add another girls sport, you have to add a boys sport because of Title IX." This is absolutely, positively a false statement. Schools do NOT have to offer the same number of girls and boys sports, it is about the total opportunities for males and females.

No matter the potential issues, the interest level and enthusiasm of students, parents, and fans is off the charts.

To find out what is going on, last Fall I reached out to 2015 Galesburg HS grad, Alyssa Carl. Alyssa coaches flag football at Bradley-Bourbonnais HS. She described her first year coaching football with a first year team. It sounds like they had a LOT of fun on their way to finishing 4th in State last Fall.

Simple Things HS Coaches Could Use

Watching the WNBA, it is apparent that the WNBA tends to run quick actions early in the possession and early in the shot clock. If they don’t get a shot, then they are left for isolations or classic dribble drive with kick or dump options. 

As Coach White of the Fever said,”Our point guard recognized Mitchell was hot, and ran the same action three straight trips to create shots for her.”

Many of the WNBA teams always run a quick action after time outs, free throws, and deadballs. The common actions in the WNBA would be easy for any coach to effectively use as part of whatever offense they are using. 

Streaks Basketball Alums- Whitney Snyder Martino 2000

What was your favorite class (classes), favorite teacher (teachers)?

I had such a great experience at Galesburg High School and truly loved my teachers. It’s hard to single out just one class or teacher because each made a lasting impact. I really enjoyed my PE classes—Mrs. Coffman’s class was always so engaging, and I learned how to fish from Mr. Gonzalez. I also loved solving problems in math and gained so much from Mrs. Wolfe’s class. Still, social studies and English were my favorite subjects, and my time in those classes played a big role in shaping my future. Senior year was especially memorable with Film class taught by Mr. Allison and Yearbook with Mrs. Aten, both were absolute highlights of my high school career. I also spent a lot of time with Mrs. Perez in the main office as a student assistant 1st hour, which was such a fun and unique part of my day.

Massey Quiz #8- 15 Galesburg Pictures

 

I have fifteen Galesburg pictures of the past and present. There may be pictures of places, people, monuments, parts of buildings, and even more. The quiz is designed to celebrate how wonderful Galesburg is, and test your knowledge of our community. Enjoy and have fun!!

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. 

Hall of Fame Insights: 5 Tips for Coaches

 

Question of the Week: What are 5 tips you would give to coaches to help them and their teams have a positive experience? 

Gridiron Glory: History of Streaks Football

Galesburg High School started playing football in the early 1900’s. While there may be earlier groups who played football games, the GHS Reflector indicates the first season was in the Fall of 1902. 

I want to look back at some of the great teams, coaches, and players throughout the history of GHS football. 

Streaks Basketball Alums: Jason Wessels 1998

What were your favorite classes and teachers at GHS?

American studies, chemistry, and gym class( I know, typical jock ! Haha!), were probably my favorite classes in high school. I had a lot of favorite teachers, Mr.Dave Peck, Mr.Tim Johnson, Miss Marla Clay, Mr. Gene Fisher, and Mr. Mick Hickey just to name a few! 

1950 Boys Basketball- Sweet 16

WNBA- Headed Down the Stretch

WNBA Standings

1- Min- 30-7– —

2- Atl-  24-13— 6.0

3- LV-  24-14— 6.5

4- Phx- 22-14— 7.5

5- NY—-22-15— 8.0

6- Sea- 20-18— 10.5

7- GS—19-18— 11.0

8- Ind—19-18– 11.0

9- LA—-17-18– 12.0

Katie Ledecky: Not About Winning THE Race, About Winning YOUR Race

Olympic great, Katie Ledecky shares what drives her, what goals are important to her, and how she buries herself in the process. While she is talking about swimming, her thought process applies to all athletes. 

5 Things I Picked Up at Practice Last Week

I had the opportunity to watch a couple college practices at the end of August. It is amazing when you go to a college practice how much you can learn. I go away each time thinking, “I have so much to learn.” 

Massey Quiz #9: Big 10 & WB6 Football Coaches

With football seasons ready to kick off, can you identify football coaches in the Big Ten and in the Western Big Six? I have 20 coaches for you to match their name and school with their picture. 

Good luck and see if you are ready for football season!!!

10 Tips for Athletes: Using Sports to Grow Life Skills

Participation in high school sports can be a valuable experience. Studies point out the value of participation in athletics. Many successful people point back to their athletic experience as being important to their success later in life. 

Athletics can be used to build self-confidence, the ability to handle adversity, teach value of teamwork, foster leadership skills, and build pride. 

Streaks Basketball Alums: Vicki Fields Stewart 1989

What are some of your favorite memories from your GHS years?

 My top memories include the team winning our first regional title in 1988, which was the start of many more incredible wins for the years to follow as the program just continued to grow and develop as the players committed to excellence.  

I remember our trip to the Doug Bruno camp, which was full of hard work, but we walked away with tremendous memories together as a team.  It was amazing to attend a Chicago Bulls basketball game to see Michael Jordan play, along with many other fantastic players.  It truly was remarkable to have the opportunity to attend a game together as a team.  Great Memories!  

Honestly, the off season training times were so memorable for me, as we made the commitment together as a team to do whatever it took to get better.  

Lastly, a final top memory for me was when we hosted the Sectional game against Moline.  The gym was packed and it was an intense game, as usual when we played Moline.  It was a tough loss, but a memory that will stay with me.

Massey Quiz #7: 1960’s/1970’s Galesburg HS Coaches- Identify 20

 I have twenty Galesburg pictures of the past. These are some of the Galesburg HS coaches from the 1960’s and 1970’s. The quiz is designed to celebrate Galesburg and test your knowledge of our community. Enjoy and have fun!!

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. 

Hall of Fame Insights: 5 Tips for Parents

 

Question of the Week: What are five tips for parents to help their son/daughter have a positive athletic experience? 

33rd and Final Season: Ray VanHootegem a Silver Streak Legend

Ray VanHootegem started coaching girls swimming at GHS in the Fall of 1993. This Fall will be his 33rd and last year coaching Silver Streaks swimming. 

Ray has also coached the Streaks boys swimming coach for the last 14 seasons. He has been a varsity swimming coach for 47 seasons. And by the time you add in his years coaching the Knox County YMCA swimming team, Ray has probably coached over 80 seasons of swimming in Galesburg. 

Coach VanHootegem’s dedication to swimming in Galesburg is incredible. Ray is a Silver Streak legend.

I have asked some of his swimmers to share their memories of swimming for Ray, their perspective on why he has been so successful, and what his impact has been on them. 

A Collection of 8 Illinois State Basketball Champions from 1908 thru 1946

Local historian, Tom Wilson had a scrapbook with pictures of some of the early Illinois State Basketball Champions. He had 8 pictures of teams from the era of 1908 thru 1946. This is not intended to be all inclusive. 

I have added some scores, all-tourney teams, and box scores for some of these tourneys. Enjoy!!

Photo Essay: Celebrating Women’s Basketball Boom

Women’s basketball is in a very good place. There has been a real boom in interest in women’s basketball in the last few years. 

The Seattle Storm just honored the role that Sue Bird played in this growth of popularity in women’s basketball. The Storm dedicated a statue to honor Sue Bird.

Streaks Basketball Alums: Mark Junk 1987

Favorite Class? Favorite Teacher?

Outdoor Living with Coach Bruington 

Some of favorite memories from GHS?

Playing basketball with my brother John on varsity, my sophomore year

Pekin Christmas Basketball Tournament game against Rich East

Regional Championship game, where we beat Coach Peck’s brother 

Caitlin Clark: Whether Back or Not, It’s Going to Be Tough

Everything was great until it wasn’t

With 10 games to go for the Indiana Fever, there is a sense of desperation for fans. Without Caitlin Clark, they started their west coast road trip on a bright note. Then they got dumped by the LA Sparks and just hammered by Phoenix. The last two losses could be dismissed as- underhanded vs strong teams at the end of a long road trip. 

1971 Pekin Christmas Tourney- Competing Coaches

 

Streaks Scrapbook- 1935 Ponies & JH City Championship

Clear back in 1935, Galesburg basketball understood the importance of preparing younger players for varsity basketball. 

The “lightweight” or sophomore team was called the “Ponies.” In 1935 the Galesburg Ponies were coached by Charles Bednar. Coach Bednar had been a star basketball player at Knox College and later he would become famous as the GHS baseball coach and Athletic Director.

Streaks Volleyball: Ready to Serve on August 25

Coach Nicole Kisler will be starting her second season as the Streaks volleyball varsity head coach. They have had an exciting summer with a strong group of returning players. 

The Streaks will open on the road at Burlington on Monday, August 25 before returning to Thiel Gym for their home opener on Wednesday, August 27 vs. West Central. 

Coach Kisler shared their summer progress and the excitement about the upcoming season. 

Streaks Basketball Alums: Scott Shaver 1979

Scott Shaver (GHS Class of 1979)

What are some of your favorite memories?

Playing in front of a huge crowd, the Western Big 6 was great competition, Quincy was rated #1 in the state,  East Moline was rated #2, (we beat East Moline pretty soundly), we almost beat Quincy at Quincy!  Also memorable was coming out of the locker room and hearing the band play, the crowd, and you felt like you could jump out of the gym. Also breaking the backboard at GHS, dunking!  (I still have some of the glass!) I made lifelong friends from GHS. A special memory for me was when I was inducted into the GHS Athletic HOF. 

Massey Quiz #5: 15 Galesburg Photos

 

I have fifteen Galesburg pictures of the past and present. There may be pictures of places, people, monuments, parts of buildings, and even more. The quiz is designed to celebrate how wonderful Galesburg is, and test your knowledge of our community. Enjoy and have fun!!

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. 

1973 Illinois Coaches All-State Board- Filled with Legends

 

Massey Quiz #6: 15 WNBA Players

How many of these basketball pictures can you recognize? These are 15 players from the WNBA. Enjoy and have fun!!

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. 

Old School Coaches: 5 Tips for Players to Make Your Season Successful

 

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?

Streaks Football: Set to Kick Off August 29

Shawn Hickey is starting his second season as the Silver Streak varsity head coach. It is actually the first season where he has been able to run an entire off-season program in preparation for the 2025 season. 

I honestly could not tell you what the Streaks will be doing in terms of X/O’s- what their offense or what their defense will be this coming season. I still get over to GHS often enough to see from a distance what is going on in the athletic program. My quick takes on what Coach Hickey has brought to GHS football:

Old School Coaches: Back for Year #2

“Old School Coaches” is back for another year. Our format has changed just a little bit this year. Some of our coaches like Coach Bennett were getting worn out writing every other week. When he found he was not getting graduate credit for this, he rebelled. 

This year will have four of our coaches addressing a topic each week, but we will take one week off. On the off-week, I will be posting one of last year’s blogs again. 

I really appreciate these coaches taking the time to share their thoughts. I know I have learned a lot reading their posts over the last year, and I certainly hope that maybe some “new school coaches” will also find it valuable. 

This year our “recruiting coordinator”, Mark Massey really came thru for us. We have added two legendary coaches from the State of Iowa. Kathy Bresnahan (Iowa City West) and Diane Lichtenberg (Bettendorf) were HOF coaches and State Champions in volleyball. 

1960’s Illinois HS Coaching Legends- 20 Photo Quiz

Tom Wilson, a Galesburg sports historian kept scrapbooks that included clippings from the ‘50’s, ‘60’s, and ‘70’s. Here are twenty pictures of famous Illinois boys basketball coaches from this era. 

How many of the twenty can you identify?

Streaks Basketball Alums: Ted Trueblood 1994

Ted Trueblood- GHS Class of 1994

What are some of your favorite memories from GHS?

Playing for the Silver Streaks was something that has become more special with age.  Playing in front of several thousand fans on Friday night against some of the powerhouse programs in the state at the time was an incredible experience, and it is something that I think about often when I watch my girls still playing basketball in the Western Big 6, especially when they’ve played at Galesburg.