Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile is Jerome Townsell from the GHS class of 1993. He was part of an exciting time for Silver Streaks basketball. After going away to school, he came back to Galesburg to live. He is the proud father of Streaks girls basketball players- Kaylah and Kylee Townsell.
Massey- What were some of your favorites classes and teachers at Galesburg High School?
Jerome- Ms. Devina, Accounting; Mr. Peachey, Biology; Ms. Dokolasa, Art.
Massey- What are some of your favorite memories of your years at GHS?
Jerome- I really enjoyed the sporting events, being either a participant or a fan. We had great athletes and a great band.
One thing that I remember regarding my high school experience is how physical our conference games were. Some were so bad that players from both teams would talk about fighting after the game, if not worse.
Massey- You had the opportunity to watch your daughters play sports at GHS? Was it more nerve racking watching your daughters than playing yourself? What are some of your favorite memories of those years?
Jerome- It was tougher on me to watch the twins play. Watching Kylee guard girls in the post that had so much of a height and/or weight advantage over her was tough.
Knowing that Kaylah was so aggressive on defense would get me anxious because there were times that it drove her into foul trouble.
My best memories are of them talking about their assignment challenges during the week. It would consist of who they would have to guard, the defenses they would have to go against, even where they might get beat when running the press. I think this is why they played so well with each other.
Massey- What did you do after graduating from GHS?
Jerome- Went straight to college, graduating from the same college as my father and my two older brothers.
I did two years at Carl Sandburg College, then transferred to St Ambrose University graduating with a BS in accounting.
Massey- What have you done with for a career?
Jerome- I've handled finance and facility projects within the Health Department for the last 27 years.
Massey- What are you upto these days?
Jerome- I'm still close with my core high school friends, although life doesn't allow us to catch up as much as we'd like to.
My twins now have their own careers, and one has blessed me with two grandchildren. I'm really enjoying that part of my life.
I have one niece that will be playing basketball at GHS this year and the plan is to follow her as much as possible. My parents are her biggest fans so I may have a ride to the away games!
Massey- What advice would you have for today’s Streaks athletes?
Jerome- My advice to today's athletes would be to put in the work during and outside of team practice. The results will be surprising.
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