Anyone who knows Gene, knows he is intense. He has been successful in his career because of his drive, commitment, and competitiveness. People who know him as an adult would not be surprised that he won the 1964 State Wrestling Championship at 154 pounds.
I did a post this spring looking at Galesburg boys basketball coaching history. This past week, a local newspaper posted a list of the “5 Top Streaks Coaches in Wins.” The newspaper’s list was NOT accurate, so I decided to repost the correct list of GHS coaches with most wins, and also add the top WB6 coaches in terms of wins.
** A player initially could not run with the ball. This was interpreted that they could only pivot. It evolved that a player could in effect move with the ball if they dribbled the ball. They were running but did not have the ball when dribbling.
** Originally play stopped after each made basket and they jumped center again. The game evolved where the defense simply took the ball out of bounds after made baskets.
** Originally when a player committed a foul, they had to leave the game until the other team scored two baskets. Eventually the game evolved to have players stay in the game after a foul until they committed their fifth foul.
Up until 1941, private schools were not allowed to participate in the IHSA State Series. So Corpus Christi and Galesburg High School had a limited history on the basketball court.
No matter the sport, his teams always reflected his personality- they were unrelenting competitors.
I have asked some former players and coaches to share their experiences with Coach Bennett.
Over the past fifty years, if you went to any basketball clinic in the Midwest, you would find Bob Anderson sitting in the front row, arriving early and leaving late.
My last year coaching, I asked Bob if he would watch some films of my team and of our opponents. He volunteered hours watching and analyzing for me. He was honest when he analyzed my team. He was detailed when he analyzed future opponents. He would either send me handwritten analysis, or call. Our phone conversations usually ran 30-60 minutes.
SHOOTERS SHOOT- The entire point of this particular blog is to explain why shooting on the Gun can turn an average shooter into a good shooter, and turn a good shooter into a great shooter. There have been some shooters who have been called "natural shooters." The reality is that there is no such thing as a "natural shooter." Coaches and players who believe in the concept of "natural shooters," usually are coaches and players who tend to lose. Over the last 100 years of basketball, successful coaches and successful players has recognized that the best way to become a great shooter is to..... SHOOT. Shoot a lot of shots.
The 2024-5 Silver Streaks under Coach Demott had a great season. Galesburg finished second in the WB6, and second in Cole County Christmas Tourney.
Headed into the 1964 season, Coach Thiel could rely on 7 returnees from the ‘63 tourney team. At this time only 10 players could dress for the State series, so to have 7 of the 10 back, it was a big deal.
** Going to the Public Library and pouring thru newspaper stories over the last 75 years.
** Having an excuse to email or text outstanding coaches and outstanding player to pick their brain about their approach to their crafts.
** Calling people like Jimmie Carr and Jay Redfern to talk to them about Streaks girls and boys basketball from years and years ago.
** Having coaches email, text, or call to ask if I would do a post on a particular subject.
