Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile is with Eric Johnson, Galesburg HS Class of 1983. Eric is one of the all-time greats to play basketball at GHS.
Eric’s senior year, he was the MVP of the Illinois State Classic which the team won. He was selected All-State, and also All-Western Big Six.
The Streaks during his senior year stumbled out of the gate, losing 3 of their first 4 games. They went onto win the WB6 and after those first games, they went 20-1 during the regular season.
In one of the greatest games in Thiel Gym history, Galesburg lost to Richwoods 67-66 in overtime. Eric sent the game into overtime with an heroic effort and last second shot.
Eric Johnson completed his GHS career as the all-time leading scorer in school history with 1,232 points. To become the all-time leading scorer, Eric passed the legendary Dale Kelly, who had 1,194. The list today looks like this:
1- Joey Range (1998) 2,390
2- Grant Gibson (2015) 1,817
3- Ethan Meeker (2016) 1,768
4- Byron Thierry (1984) 1,369
5- Jaylin McCants (2020) 1,338
6- Elmer Dickerson (1991) 1,313
7- Eric Johnson (1983) 1,232
8- Dale Kelley (1966) 1,194
9- James Reinebach (1969) 1,164
10- Jason Shay (1991) 1,042
All of these players had fantastic careers as Silver Streaks, and fans enjoy all the memories they and their teams created. It should be noted that Johnson, Kelley, and Reinebach attended GHS in an era when it was only a three year high school. And both Johnson and Kelley were extraordinary long range shooters in an era when there was no three point shot.
What were some of your favorite teachers/classes at GHS?
Law and Justice, John Glasnovich
Individual Reading with Shiela Roehlk
World History Mr Purcell
What are some of your favorite memories from GHS?
Favorite memories being named First team All State in 83 , Our teams down at ISU Christmas Tournament and Personal achievements. Our high rankings throughout my Junior and Senior years.... Also, being voted King my senior year at the Sweetheart Swirl haha...
You had a fantastic career at GHS. As you look back, what are things that you are proud of?
Being the career scoring leader and field goal leader, Making First Team All State, All Western Big Six two out of my three years, and being one of the top scorers in the Big six my senior year. I was always proud and thankful to wear that Silver Streak uniform with so much tradition and pride. Being inducted to the GHS all of fame with Joey Range, Coach Bill Morgan, Coach Jerry Albright in 2003.
What did you do after high school?
Started out at Bradley University but ended up leaving and going to NAIA school in Oklahoma that played some of the best competition in the country...
What have you done for your career?
I came back to work at Galesburg Electric in 1987 and eventually started an internet business from the ground up TANFORLESS.COM in 98 and is still continuing to be very successful.
What are you upto these days?
Continue to work in my internet business and happily married for 12 years and i have a son, Kendall, daughter, Audrey, and a step daughter, Kenzi. I also have a grandson and we are very involved in his life.
What advice would you have for today’s Silver Streaks?
I would say that players are made in the offseason.Teams are made during the season.
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