HOF Insights- Getting Your Team Ready for the First Game

 

In the “HOF Insights”, I ask a group of successful, veteran coaches to share their thoughts on a variety of topics. Each week, I ask a different question. The questions can be focused on helping coaches, parents or athletes to have a more successful athletic experience.  

Today the coaches were asked to describe their plan for approaching practices before their first games. Usually teams have about two weeks to practice and then play a game. How did these great coaches approach practice in preparation for the first game?

Streaks History in the IHSA Football Playoffs

It has been an exciting football season for the Streaks. Galesburg has been explosive offensively and has earned a IHSA Playoff spot. This will be the Streaks 10th trip to the IHSA Playoffs. 

Some Illinois sports have had a State Series for over 100 years. The first IHSA football series was in 1974. Initially there were just 5 classes of 16 teams. This year there will be 8 classes of 48 teams each. Here is how the playoffs have changed over the years. 

1974- 5 Classes- 16 Teams Per Class- 80 Total Teams

1980- 6 Classes- 16 Teams Per Class- 96 Total Teams

1985- 6 Classes- 32 Teams Per Class- 192 Total Teams

2000- 8 Classes- 32 Teams Per Class- 256 Total Teams

2026- 8 Classes- 48 Teams Per Class- 384 Total Teams

This year, the top 16 teams in each class will receive a bye, and the other 32 teams will play. The winners will advance to what the IHSA is calling the “First Round.” 

Here is a look back at Galesburg’s previous State Appearances…

Proactive vs Reactive Problem Solving in Coaching

(This was first published in November of 2025)

Sometimes in coaching it seems like there are a million things to do at the beginning of each season- assign uniforms and numbers, get opponents schedules, set up scouting schedule, arrange picture day, get senior banners, set up scorebooks, organize fundraiser, order shooting shirts. It goes on and on. All of this is on top of actually running practices and dealing with day to day issues. 

As coaches, just when we feel that we have everything covered, something unexpected comes up. This can especially be true with our players and their buying into our team culture. There is nothing worse in coaching than feeling you have gotten blind sided by a player problem. 

1986 Illinois Boys Basketball Class A State Tourney

State Champions- Teutopolis

2nd- Ohio

3rd- Hoopeston- East Lynn

4th- West Frankfort

Streaks Alumni Profile- Bill Swanson 1970

 

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Bill Swanson from the Galesburg HS’s Class of 1970. 

I actually knew Bill during childhood, although I did not grow up in Galesburg. My grandparents attended the same church as Bill’s family at East Main Congregational Church. 

In the past year, I have had communication with Bill and his American Legion State Championship team. As I communicated with Bill’s teammates, it became obvious how much his teammates respected Bill as a baseball player, a leader, and as a teammates. 

While Bill had a great career as a student and as an athlete at GHS, his career as an adult has been very impressive and very inspiring. He has continued his interest in baseball and has been a leader in education as a teacher. He shares great memories and a wonderful story. 

This Week in Galesburg History- Oct 19, 2026

 

 

“This Week in Galesburg History” 

A chance to see Red Grange at the Orpheum. 

A nice option at Sears with new TV’s.

Streaks clinch conference title.

St. Louis great in final appearance.

Volleyball has last home match of a great year.

A rebuilt Thiel Gym. 

This is a look back at the history of Galesburg (and the world). What was going on 100 years ago, 75 years ago, 50 years ago, 30 years ago, 20 years ago, and 10 years ago this week? 

“This Week in Galesburg History” appears on Mondays on the WGIL website and the Massey Basketball Blog.

1986 Illinois Boys Basketball Class AA State Tourney

State Champions- Chicago King

2nd- Rich Central

3rd- Peoria Manual

4th- Romeoville

31 Tips for Players & Coaches

Here is a collection of thoughts from social media that are great for both players and coaches. 

Ted Lasso- He Can Coach- Part II

Ted Lasso show is very funny and very entertaining, but the guy knows coaching. Lots of great players and coaches agree with him. 

1964 Galesburg vs Cobden- Media Guide & Play by Play Breakdown

 

Massey Basketball Quiz #6- Legendary Illinois College Coaches

   

 

Here are 21 legendary Illinois college coaches- men’s and women’s, four year and junior college. 

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. 

1986 Galesburg HS Reflector

 

1960 Illinois Boys Basketball State Tourney- Official Program

State Champions- Chicago Marshall

2nd- Bridgeport

3rd- West Frankfort

4th- Stephen Decatur

HOF Insights- What Made A Difference In Your Program

(This was first published in January of 2025)

This Week’s Question

There are many things involved in creating a successful sports program. As you look back, what a couple of the things that made your program successful?

Streaks Alumni Profile- Libby Allison Derry 1998

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Libby (Allison) Derry of the Galesburg HS’s Class of 1998. 

Libby was active in sports and activities at GHS. She describes American Studies as being her favorite class with its media presentations. There would seem to be a connection between her love of American Studies and the direction that her career has taken. Libby has had a great career, first as a TV broadcaster and now in public relations work. Maybe the active role that American Studies provided provided a good foundation.

Libby’s career successes are an inspiring story. This is definitely an alumni profile that I hope present day GHS students would read! Maybe someone at GHS could make it required reading for an American Studies class!

I really appreciate Libby for taking the time out of her busy life to share her memories and life story. I won’t even mark her grade down for being a little late turning in the assignment.