GALESBURG — On Monday night, Galesburg District 205’s school board members approved having Legat Architects work on architectural drawings for a major construction project that is still in the preliminary stage.
And a property tax increase will not occur if it’s completed, as District 205 will use its revenues and Fund 60 money that is available. A $5 million short-term loan might be taken out, which would be repaid via 1% sales tax revenue funds over the course of up to five years.
According to 205, Fund 60 “is restricted to the use of expenditures for construction, repairs, and maintenance of district facilities. Salaries, benefits, and non-facility maintenance related items cannot be paid from this fund.”
In the plans is a new 25,000 square feet district warehouse on the Galesburg Junior/Senior High School campus, turf at Jim Sundberg Field, the home of the Silver Streaks’ varsity baseball team, the elimination of the freshman/sophomore baseball field, and infield work at Galesburg’s varsity softball field.
Gale and Rose Hoben Welch need a combined $5 million in life safety improvements, and the schools will be demolished if the project eventually gets approval.
Gale’s lot will be left as a green space while the district warehouse would be constructed in Rose Hoben’s footprint.
The warehouse will provide a space for new food coolers, have a permanent dock and be located on property where 50% of the student population resides, District 205 officials have stated.
Diamond improvements
A new drainage system, fencing, and turf would be installed at Sundberg, and “allows for a safe field that is playable in multiple weather conditions and little maintenance required,” District 205 documents state.
A 144 space parking lot would replace the freshman/sophomore baseball field, and “provides much needed parking for the softball, baseball, stadium events, the field house (and) improves traffic safety on the north end of the property,” district documents state.
“It also allows for the current softball/baseball parking lot to be converted to ADA parking.”
The JV softball field will have revisions made to its fence “to allow for use by baseball and softball for practice areas.”
Sundberg Field will be used for games by all of Galesburg’s baseball squads if turf is installed.
Work will also be done on the varsity softball field’s infield, as it is currently clay and doesn’t allow for sufficient water drainage.
An artificial playing surface for Galesburg’s softballers is among future considerations and wasn’t included in the current proposal.
What’s going to happen at Wicall?
The architectural drawing for an addition at Wicall Gym/Mustain Pool, which was presented during Monday’s board meeting, shows a multi-use building connected to the existing structure.
8,600 sq. ft. wrestling practice facilty
7.250 sq. ft. softball/baseball practice facility
3,200 sq. ft. weight room with 16 power racks and an outdoor expansion area
Public bathrooms and concession area for Wicall Gym and Mustain Pool
Ex-Streak Demott takes over girls hoops program
Lexi (Daniels) Demott has been named the next head coach of Galesburg’s varsity girls basketball team.
The 2016 GHS grad replaces Evan Massey, who retired after the 2023-24 season, and she spent four seasons serving as an assistant under him.
A four-year player for Galesburg, Demott appeared in 132 games in her high school career, and she netted 906 points (No. 22 on the all-time scoring list).
Demott averaged 11.3 points per game and went 109-for-249 (43%) from 3-point territory in 2015-16, her senior season, and she made 256 3-pointers in her high school career.
Massey guided the Streaks for 46 seasons, and the hardwood inside John Thiel Gym will now be known as Evan Massey Court – that proposal was approved Monday night along with the hiring of his replacement.
GALESBURG — As he sat at a table draped with a Silver Streaks table cloth, the spotlight shined on Galesburg High School senior Gauge Shipp inside the Hegg Performing Arts Center on Thursday afternoon.
But Shipp is used to being in the limelight.
The 132-pounder has drawn attention throughout his wrestling career, and moving forward the stage will be even bigger.
A lifelong dream has come true for Shipp, who has committed to wear a singlet for Hofstra University, an NCAA Division I school in Hempstead, New York — roughly an hour and 20 minute drive from New York City, also known as “The Big Apple.”
“Hofstra, I fell in love with the program when I took a visit,” Shipp said. “The coaches reached out to me constantly, and they were always asking about me. They care about me as a person and as a wrestler, and that’s what you want.
“With those coaches and the right leadership, I think they’re going to help set up my future,” Shipp added.
Unlike in high school, Shipp will have access to a wrestling room 24/7 as a member of the Pride, and he will take full advantage.
“If I could live in the wrestling room I would,” Shipp said. “Everyone in a Division I room is going to be great, and being in that atmosphere every single day is going to help me get so much better.
“I feel like I haven’t even hit my prime yet.”
Resume speaks for itself
Shipp finished his high career with an overall record of 172-10. He’s a four-time state qualifier. As a junior, Shipp took first at 138 pounds, and he placed third as a freshman, sixth as a sophomore, and ended up with a second place medal this winter.
Shipp aimed for back-to-back state titles in two different weight classes, but a left ankle/foot injury in the Class 2A championship match derailed that goal.
“It’s unfortunate the way I ended my high school career, but when you look at the overall picture I had a great run in high school,” Shipp said. “Hopefully, I set a great example.”
Shipp, who ditched a walking boot last Monday and is fully recovered, did indeed, and the list of his accolades is extensive.
Shipp holds Galesburg school records for most varsity wins, consecutive wins (96), takedowns in a career and season, pins in a career and season, and individual match points in a career and season. He finished atop the Western Big 6 four straight times, and Shipp won four regional titles.
“Gauge has taken the program to heights that I couldn’t imagine,” said Greg Leibach, who has coached the Streaks for eight seasons. “It wasn’t just him, but it was his senior classmates as well.
“Gauge has a personality that other people are drawn to,” Leibach added. “He has fun.”
Five questions, five answers…
1. How do you feel about your Galesburg High School career?
Shipp: “There’s nothing that I would change about my high school career. It was amazing. Coach Leibach, the Galesburg wrestling program, and just the Galesburg community as a whole made it perfect for me. Not only did I make myself better, but I helped create a great team atmosphere. Hopefully, I set a great example for the future Galesburg wrestlers and Galesburg athletes as a whole for what it’s like to be a unified team.”
2.Do you get nervous at all on the mat?
Shipp: “I’m never nervous about losing. I’m nervous about not being perfect. My goal every time I step out there is to be perfect. If it doesn’t happen then it doesn’t happen, but that’s what I’m worried about.”
3. How much do you look forward to the challenge of collegiate wrestling?
Shipp: “I’m going to get beat on a little bit in the practice room, but that’s exactly what I’m ready for. I’m going to make my mark in college.”
4. How special was your signing ceremony?
Shipp: “It was great to see everyone who has supported me right in front of me. It was perfect and a great atmosphere.”
5. How much does it mean to you to teach other wrestlers?
Shipp: “I love it, and they help me out, too, and they don’t even realize it. They make me such a better leader and a better person. I thank them for that. My dad always told me that once you can teach something you get eight times better at it, and I truly believe that. When I teach someone how to shoot a single leg, I get a lot better at shooting a single leg.
“I started through the Knox County Krushers, and that’s how I learned to wrestle. Anyone in this town can take that route, it is a free club that my dad runs.”
Departing thought…
“I’m excited to see how the next chapter of his career plays out,” Leibach said. “I’m hoping to watch him in person as often as possible even though his season is going to overlap with our season.
“I just believe that with consistent quality training partners and the high-level coaching at Hofstra is going to send Gauge onward and upward.”
ROCK ISLAND — Galesburg High School seniors Alexis Edgerson, Kiarra Kilgore, and Jace Keith, as well as Monmouth-Roseville senior Carmyn Huston, hit the hardwood Monday night.
And they did so in the Pepsi Iowa-Illinois Senior All-Star Games, held at Augustana College’s Carver Center in Rock Island.
West Central High School senior Shelby Bowman was also invited to partake in the event but the Western Illinois University commit had other obligations. She also reps the Heat on softball diamonds.
Edgerson, Kilgore, and Huston were members of a winning team, as Illinois downed Iowa 82-66 in the girls contest. Keith, who appeared in the boys’ affair for six minutes and seven seconds, tallied four points, and Illinois was edged by Iowa 108-100.
Kilgore, who averaged 20.7 points, seven rebounds and three assists for the Silver Streaks this season, saw the most action of all the girls all-stars. She was on the court for 21 minutes and 35 seconds, and Kilgore finished with seven points and eight rebounds.
Edgerson was on the floor for 14 minutes, and she netted two points and had two rebounds. Huston finished with 11 points and a pair of rebounds.
Massey honored earlier this week
Evan Massey, who retired as the Streaks’ girls coach once the 2023-24 season concluded, was honored Monday evening. Galesburg mayor Peter Schwartzman read a proclamation during the City Council meeting, gave Massey a key to the city, and declared the day as “Evan Massey Day.”
Massey served as the mentor of the GHS girls for 46 seasons, and he garnered a career record of 1,018-397, and only two other Illinois girls high school basketball coaches have racked up over 1,000 victories in their careers.
On Saturday, May 18, from 6-11 p.m., a reception will be held for Massey at Cherry Street Brewing Company, and those who wish to attend are asked to donate $20 to help cover the Streaks’ summer expenses.
Three local Chargers nab All-Arrowhead honors
Three Carl Sandburg College sophomore men’s basketball players hailing from area high schools were voted by coaches to this year’s All-Arrowhead Conference men’s basketball team.
Koen Derry was a first-team selection, while Jeremiah Babers and David Hise were second-team picks. Sandburg’s three representatives on the all-conference team tied Illinois Valley for the most of any school.
Derry, a 6-foot-7 forward from Galesburg, shined with the Chargers after transferring from North Iowa Area. In starting all six conference games, Derry led Sandburg with an average of 13.5 points, 1.2 blocks and 1.2 steals per contest. He shot 56 percent from the field and averaged 5.5 rebounds.
Derry scored in double figures in five of six conference games, putting up at least 15 points four times. He had 15 points and 10 rebounds in Sandburg’s Jan. 11 contest at Black Hawk.
Babers, a 6-1 point guard and teammate of Derry’s at GHS, also transferred to Sandburg for his sophomore campaign after playing last season at NIACC. Babers led the Chargers with 7.7 assists per game while starting all six Arrowhead contests. He also tied Derry for the team lead at 1.2 steals per game. Babers averaged 7.3 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 44 percent from the floor.
Babers had five or more assists in five of the Chargers’ conference games, including a season-high 13 assists at Black Hawk. He flirted with a triple-double in Sandburg’s Feb. 6 win at home over the Braves, posting nine points, nine rebounds and 11 assists.
A graduate of Knoxville High School, Hise started all six Arrowhead games and led the Chargers with a 58 percent mark from the field and 37 percent accuracy from 3-point range. Hise also tied for the team lead at 6.3 rebounds per game. He averaged 9.8 points and 2.2 assists against conference opponents.
In Sandburg’s Jan. 18 win over Kishwaukee, Hise led the Chargers with 21 points and nine rebounds while going 9 of 11 from the floor.
Sandburg freshman Brook Pieper was voted by coaches to this year’s All-Region 4 Division II Team. She was named to the second team after helping the Chargers post a 23-10 overall record, including a 6-2 Arrowhead Conference mark that gave Sandburg a share of its first conference title since 2017. The Chargers also finished as runners-up in the Region 4 Division II District A tournament.
Pieper, a 6-1 forward from Abingdon-Avon High School, put up an average of 13.3 points and a team-best 10.3 rebounds per game this season. Also a First Team All-Arrowhead Conference pick, Pieper was one of only eight players in Region 4 to average a double-double.
Pieper finished 10th in the region in rebounding average. She also was fifth in total rebounds (339), fifth in defensive rebounds (228) and eighth in offensive boards (111). Her 53 blocks ranked eighth in Region 4. Pieper connected on 47.8% of her shots from the floor, placing her 15th in the region, and her 177 field goals were good for 18th.
Pieper finished her season with 15 double-doubles in 33 games played. She had two games in which she scored 20-plus points and hauled in 20-plus rebounds. Pieper had season highs of 30 points and 21 boards in a Nov. 18 win at Madison, and she put up 27 points and 20 rebounds in a triple-overtime loss to John Wood on Jan. 7.
GALESBURG — Chad Thompson saw the 2023-24 edition of Galesburg High School’s boys basketball team gathered together one final time Sunday night.
Those who represented the Silver Streaks on the hardwood reflected on their season in the GHS Commons area during the annual end of the season banquet.
Things didn’t end up like Thompson had hoped for his squad, as Galesburg went 11-21 overall and 4-10 in Western Big 6 Conference play. However, the Streaks closed things out by winning six of their last nine games, and they grew along the way.
“Looking back on the season, the greatest accomplishment of our season is playing our best basketball down the stretch,” Thompson said. “We won six or our last nine games including the postseason, and we were really starting to click on the offensive end.
“Throughout the season I also thought that our sophomores progressed really well and played high level basketball all season,” added Thompson, who has accumulated a 44-52 record in three seasons as Galesburg’s coach.
The Streaks dealt with adversity on more than one occasion this winter, and they fought-and-clawed in every single contest.
Nine questions, nine answers…
1. What were the biggest challenges the team faced this season, and how did you address them?
Thompson: “The team this year faced many challenges and did a great job of not making any excuses. We were a young and small team in a conference dominated by height and experience. We used many different defenses and defensive approaches in conference play and found some things that we really like moving into next year. When we lost Ian (Dominique Jr.) during the first game in Taylorville, we lost a huge piece of offense as well as our vocal on court leader. Jackson Crock-Sibbing and Tyree Taylor did a great job of picking up the offensive slack, and I think Tyree also started to show some very strong leadership qualities.
“When we lost Leslie (Kelley) in the early stages of the season, we lost the guy that we believed was going to be a 32-minute player for us as well as our starting point guard. With that being said, we had different guys step up throughout the season as a point guard, and we are looking forward to getting Leslie back as soon as possible.”
2. In what areas do you think the team showed the most improvement throughout the season?
Thompson: “I think the team showed great improvement in their rebounding throughout the year. We did a great job of battling on the glass against some very big and imposing teams. I also thought our team did a great job of moving on and turning the page. This team always came to practice ready to work and did a great job of not dwelling on things that did not go their way. Their ability to turn the page and get to work led them to playing their best basketball of the season at the end of the year and that is always the goal.”
3. Reflecting on the season, are there any changes you would make in your coaching approach or strategies for next season?
Thompson: “There is still a lot of reflecting to be done and internal work to be done before looking to next season.”
4. How do you assess the overall growth and development of individual players throughout the season?
Thompson: “I thought the overall growth of players on our team was very good this year. We ended up having four sophomores consistently providing valuable minutes on the varsity roster, we saw two juniors play themselves into the rotation and really start to play well. And we saw senior Jace Keith play very well on the offensive end all season even though he changed positions and was going up against players anywhere from four to seven inches taller than him.”
5. What role do you think team chemistry played in the team’s performance this season?
Thompson: “I believe that the team chemistry was huge down the stretch. This was a team made up of four seniors, five juniors, and seven sophomores. As they all learned from each other and got closer throughout the season, the level of play continued to increase and that sets us up nicely moving into the summer.”
6. Are there any specific areas of focus or goals you have in mind for offseason training and preparation?
Thompson: “This offseason, our biggest focus is going to be the weight room and getting stronger. We have some decent height coming up in our program with the incoming freshmen, and we also have some height in our current underclassmen. We have to invest in getting bigger and stronger in the weight room to be ready for the conference schedule next season.”
7. Can you share any insights into the team’s strengths and areas for improvement going forward?
Thompson: “Moving forward, some of the strengths that we know we have right away are chemistry, shooting the basketball, and guard rebounding. We will have three returning starters and two excellent leaders in Tyree Taylor and Cody Jones. We are returning our Top 2 3-point shooters in Jackson Crock-Sibbing and Tyree Taylor, and we are also returning one of the best rebounders in the state in Tyree, as well.
“When looking at improvement, we need to get better at handling the ball, and we have to really work towards finding our physical play and defensive identity. We have not had the same physical nature the past two seasons, and we need to work both mentally and physically to get that back.”
8. Looking ahead, what are your expectations for the team next season?
Thompson: “Looking forward I expect this team to continue to work and improve on the past season. When we began the rebuild of the varsity at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, our goal was to improve every year and get younger players some good experience. We have done that in the past two years, and I expect us to take another step forward next season.”
9. Do you feel you were playing your best basketball, as a team, at the end of the season?
Thompson: “We were definitely playing our best basketball at the end. When you are working to rebuild and build up a program, you have to look at the big picture and even through all of the adversity and injuries, our guys never lost sight of that throughout the season.”
Galesburg’s roster
Seniors: Ian Dominique Jr., Jace Keith, Jackson Hillhouse, Gino Williams.
Keith led Galesburg with an average of 12.3 points per game. Williams contributed an average of 10 points and 6.3 rebounds. Dominique Jr. chipped in an average of almost nine points per contest, Crock-Sibbing averaged 8.4 points, and Taylor averaged 8.1 points and almost six rebounds per game.
Streaks’ Award Winners
Newcomer of the Year: Jaxon Wyatt
Most Improved Player: Ethan Oxley
Top Rebounder: Gino Williams
Top 3-point shooter: Jackson Crock-Sibbing
Best Offensive Player: Jace Keith
Warrior Award for Toughness: Ian Dominique Jr.
Silver Streak Award for Leadership, Scholarship, and Citizenship: Jackson Hillhouse
Most Valuable Player: Tyree Taylor
Academic All-Conference: Jace Keith, Ian Dominique Jr., Jackson Hillhouse
GALESBURG — Galesburg High School senior Kiarra “Ki” Kilgore was named to the Class 3A all-state second team by the members of the Illinois media.
The 5-foot-9 guard averaged 20.7 points, seven rebounds and three assists for the Silver Streaks, who finished with a 26-7 overall record.
“I’m incredibly grateful and honored to be chosen for the Illinois media all-state team,” Kilgore said. “It’s a reflection of my hard work and dedication that I’ve put into my basketball journey. I want to thank my amazing teammates, coaches, and of course, my tribe for their constant support. It’s been a privilege to represent Galesburg girls basketball the past four years.”
Kilgore shot 56% from the field in 2023-24 and was selected to the All-Western Big 6 Conference first team for the third straight season. Only six other Streaks – Debbie Roberts, Tiffany Sibley, Ann Henderson, Megan Pacheco, Jessica Howard, and Shayli Florine – secured All-WB6 first team honors back-to-back-to-back.
Kilgore, who will play collegiately for Missouri S&T, an NCAA Division II school in Rolla, Missouri, netted a career-high 37 points on Feb. 12 in regional semifinal action against Peoria Richwoods.
On Feb. 5, Kilgore drained a 3-pointer from the left corner with 1:38 left in the second quarter in a non-conference road tilt at Freeport, and she became Galesburg’s all-time leading scorer. Kilgore ended her career with 1,986 points.
Last winter, Kilgore was selected to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s all-state second team in Class 3A and was named the MVP of the WB6.
Other area all-staters
West Central High School senior Shelby Bowman, a 5-foot-6 guard, earned first team all-state honors in Class 1A. She averaged 31.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, four steals, 3.5 assets and 2.5 deflections for the 20-8 Heat.
Bowman, who finished her career with over 2,500 points, shot 83.7% from the charity stripe, 50.4% from the field and 39.5% from 3-point range in 2023-24. She will continue her basketball career at Western Illinois University.
Abingdon-Avon High School point guard Kennedy Quinn received honorable mention all-state honors in Class 1A.
She averaged 19 points, six rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.3 deflections, and 2.9 steals for the Tornadoes, who concluded their season with a 26-8 overall mark.
Quinn shot 65% from the free throw line and drained 56 3-pointers in 2023-24. She also set A-Town’s freshman single season scoring record with 640 points.
Monmouth-Roseville High School’s Carmyn Huston received an honorable mention nod in Class 2A.
The 5-foot-8 senior forward averaged 16.4 points and seven rebounds for the 21-12 Titans, and the four-year starter surpassed the 1,000 point mark.
All-State Squads
Players received five points for a first-team vote and three points for a second-team vote. A five-player first team and five-player second team was selected in each class based on voting totals. A player had to have been named on two ballots to receive honorable mention.
The Class 1A and 2A all-staters were released Wednesday. The Class 3A and 4A squads were announced Thursday. All players listed include height, year in school, position and points earned.
CLASS 4A
First team
Destiny Jackson, Chicago Whitney Young (5-6, Jr., G) 80 Brooke Carlson, Batavia (5-7, Sr., PG) 79 Lorena Awou, United Township (6-5, Sr., F/C) 77 Amalia Dray, LaGrange Nazareth Academy (5-8, Sr., G) 71 Paige Engels, Wilmette Loyola Academy (5-7, Sr., G) 66
GALESBURG — Jeremy “Pick” Pickrel is entering his seventh season as Galesburg High School’s baseball coach.
And the first two days of practice weren’t typical to what Pick’s Silver Streaks have experienced in the past. Mother Nature normally deals out conditions that forces Galesburg to stay indoors, but that didn’t happen.
“To be out on the field in February and 70 degree weather is pretty crazy,” Pickrel said after Tuesday’s practice. “Being outside helped the energy level and enthusiasm. The opportunity to be out in the sun and on the dirt helped after being cooped up all winter.
“I’m pretty pleased with what we’ve seen so far out of the boys,” Pickrel added. “For the first couple of days being out on the dirt, you’d think that we’ve been at this for quite a while, so that’s a good sign. Hopefully, we can keep stacking days and get better as we approach opening day.”
GHS did practice inside the school’s fieldhouse Wednesday but the Streaks are expected to be back at Jim Sundberg Field to close out the week.
What happened last spring?
Galesburg finished with an overall record of 18-18 in the 2023 season and went 8-6 in Western Big 6 Conference play. The Streaks’ season came to an end on Sat., May 27, 2023 when Galesburg suffered a 7-6 loss to Streator in regional championship action.
How do the Streaks improve from that finish?
“Last year, we had a fairly young team, and we have most of those guys back and that’s a start,” Pickrel said. “There were obviously some growing pains for some guys last year but I think that starting that process earlier for a freshman or a sophomore can only pay off as you go into that second year of varsity baseball – just from the speed of the game and everything. It’s quite a jump that I don’t think people realize.
“We’ve got our entire infield back from last year, and we’ve got some guys back who got experience in the outfield last year coming back,” added the 2001 GHS grad. “We have a pretty good sophomore class that we’re pretty high on, and there will be a lot of them out there this year. We have the makings of a hungry team. They want to prove that they’ve gotten better and that the .500 record was a fluke.”
Sophomores: Alfred Ayala, Nicolas Ojeda, TJ Heatherly, Hayden Ralston, Ayden Clark, Zander Vest, Caden Riley, Caleb Claeys, Noah Nalley, Alex Ritchie.
Streaks’ schedule
Wed., March 13 vs. Knoxville, 4:30 p.m.
Sat., March 16 vs. Salem @ Belleville West Township High School, 12:15 p.m. (Metro East Kickoff Classic presented by Prep Baseball Report)
Sat., March 16 vs. Rochester @ O’Fallon City Park, 4:45 p.m. (Metro East Kickoff Classic)
Tue., March 19 vs. Macomb, 4:30 p.m.
Wed., March 20 at Metamora, 4:30 p.m.
Fri., March 22 vs. Providence Academy @ Knoxville Catholic (Tennessee), 1:30 p.m.
Fri., March 22 at Knoxville Catholic (Tennessee), 4 p.m.
Sat., March 23 at Webb (Tennessee), 3 p.m.
Sat., March 23 at Hardin Valley Academy (Tennessee), 5:30 p.m.
Tue., March 26 vs. Washington, 4:30 p.m.
Wed., March 27 at East Peoria, 4:30 p.m.
Sat., March 30 vs. Sterling (DH), 11 a.m.
Tue., April 2 vs. Limestone, 4:30 p.m.
Thu., April 4 at Monmouth-Roseville, 4:30 p.m.
Sat., April 6 at Quincy (DH), 11 a.m.
Tue., April 9 vs. United Township, 4:30 p.m.
Wed., April 10 at Rockridge, 4:30 p.m.
Sat., April 13 at Rock Island Alleman (DH), 11 a.m.
Tue., April 16 vs. Morton, 4:30 p.m.
Sat., April 20 vs. Geneseo (DH), 11 a.m.
Tue., April 23 at United Township, 4:30 p.m.
Thu., April 25 vs. Dunlap, 4:30 p.m.
Sat., April 27 at Moline (DH), 11 a.m.
Thu., May 2 vs. United Township, 4:30 p.m.
Sat., May 4 vs. Rock Island (DH), 11 a.m.
Wed., May 8 vs. Orion, 3:30 p.m.
Thu., May 9 at Rock Island, 4:30 p.m.
Wed., May 15 vs. Peoria Richwoods, 4:30 p.m.
Fri., May 17 vs. Bloomington, 4:30 p.m. (Streaks Classic)
Sat., May 18 – Streaks Classic vs. TBD
Departing thought…
“It’s a good mix of guys. I wouldn’t say anyone is necessarily standing out right now,” Pickrel said. “We’re trying to really focus on being a team and trying to push each other to be better.
“We have to stack days where we’re trying to be better today than we were yesterday, and I think if we do that consistently we could have a pretty good season.”
On Monday, you announced your retirement as the Silver Streaks’ coach, and what a run.
Your legacy speaks for itself. The list is extensive of the accomplishments Galesburg High School’s varsity girls basketball team has had under your watch.
To name just a few, the Streaks finished below .500 just seven times (1978-79, 1982-83, 1984-85, 1986-87, 2008-09, 2012-13, and 2017-18) in 46 seasons with you as their coach and won 26 regional titles. Galesburg advanced to eight Elite 8’s, finishing in second place in the state in 1999, third place in 1996, and fourth in 2000 and 2001. The Streaks finished atop the Western Big 6 on 13 different occasions, and no other school in the conference has accomplished that feat. GHS was ranked among the Top 10 in the Associated Press poll 18 different seasons with you calling the plays.
Along the way, you garnered a career record of 1,018-397, and only two other Illinois girls high school basketball coaches have racked up over 1,000 victories in their careers.
You stood at the podium, and you cracked jokes. You spoke about the season your Streaks had.
They ended up with a 26-7 overall record, and 20-win seasons were a regular occurrence for you and your players. Thirty times Galesburg accomplished the 20-win mark when you stood on the sideline.
Before the banquet ended Sunday, you told the student-athletes what it takes for them to be successful on the hardwood individually and as a unit. You certainly know, and your words resonated with those who heard them that night, and what you’ve said has had that affect for years.
I’ve heard you speak plenty of times over the last 13 years or so. I was assigned your team as my beat during the 11 years I wrote full-time for the daily newspaper in Galesburg. The last few years, I’ve covered your program via this blog the best I could.
My youngest nephew plays hoops for Knoxville, and I’ve been enjoying life as a fan in the stands. You’ll be doing the same thing more now wherever your son Allen is coaching, and your wife Amy will be by your side.
You never wanted the limelight. It was always about shining the spotlight on the players. I know they’re appreciative of that. Their families, and the fans of the Streaks are too.
You’re a five time Hall-of-Famer, and you’ve shaped the lives of countless individuals over the years. Both in the classroom and on the basketball court.
You’ve talked to the media no matter what the end result for your team was. You heard some good questions and some bad. I’m sure I threw a few of the latter at you myself.
You built a dynasty, Coach, and you figured out a winning formula.
“You need to play good teams to get better. You’ve got to play good teams. You’ve got to compete against good teams.”
GALESBURG — There was a collective theme that applied to every member of Galesburg High School’s girls basketball program in the 2023-24 season.
In some form or another, it was about growth for all the Silver Streaks.
On Sunday night, they gathered together in the GHS Commons area to bid farewell to each other in Galesburg’s annual end of the season banquet, and they reflected on what they accomplished. Despite falling short of their goals, no tears were shed, as it was a joyous occasion.
“I’ve been looking forward to the banquet because we haven’t been able to be together as a group. It was nice seeing everyone again,” said senior Syriah Boyd, who will compete collegiately in track and field for Tennessee State. “It was great to have the memories and flashbacks from the beginning of the season until now. It’s really bittersweet but honestly I’m happy. Everybody did great this season.”
The Streaks’ varsity squad ended up with a 26-7 overall record. Galesburg’s season ended on Thursday, Feb. 15 after falling to Morton 41-29 in Class 3A regional championship action at John Thiel Gym.
“We had a lot of outcome goals that we didn’t meet but I think we still put in the work and the time that we needed to put in,” said senior Alexis Edgerson. “It just didn’t work out.”
Evan Massey wrapped up his 46th season at the helm of the Streaks, and he’s accumulated a 1,018-397 record in that time span.
Kilgore ‘uplifts other players’
On Feb. 5, senior Kiarra “Ki” Kilgore drained a 3-pointer from the left corner with 1:38 left in the second quarter in a non-conference road tilt at Freeport, and she became Galesburg’s all-time leading scorer. She ended her career with 1,986 points, which happens to match the year her father Curtis Kilgore was born.
Kilgore was selected to the Western Big 6 All-Conference first team for her efforts on the court, and it’s the third season in a row she’s received the honor.
Other Streaks to make the league’s first team three years in a row include Debbie Roberts, Tiffany Sibley, Ann Henderson, Megan Pacheco, Jessica Howard, and Shayli Florine.
Last winter, Kilgore was selected to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s all-state second team in Class 3A and was named the MVP of the WB6.
“Her competitiveness is unmatched,” Edgerson said of her friend and teammate. “If she wants something she’s going to do what she needs to do to get it done.”
Kilgore would trade in the hardware for more team victories, if she could, and Kilgore made those around her better.
“She’s determined, and she uplifts other players,” Boyd said of Kilgore. “If you are ever down, she will pull you back up and make sure you’re doing good. She will give you motivation.”
Sarah Larson sits behind Kilgore for career scoring with 1,906 points. Sibley netted 1,806 points in her career and ranks third.
“I had so much fun these last four years, and I learned so many things for life and my future,” said Edgerson, who was an honorable mention selection to the All-WB6 team. “I learned how to be a leader, responsibility, coachability.
“I’m going to be coached the rest of my life whether I’m on a team or not.”
GALESBURG — Galesburg High School’s boys swimming and diving team has claimed back-to-back Western Big 6 Conference and sectional championships.
And eight will represent the Silver Streaks in the IHSA state meet, which takes place this weekend at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont.
The long standing tradition of earning a state bid goes back quite a ways. John Willy was Galesburg’s first coach, and under his watch countless student-athletes were able to accomplish the feat.
Amanda White guided the Streaks for a pair of seasons after Willy retired, and VanHootegem has been pulling double duty serving as Galesburg’s boys and girls coach for the last 13 seasons. He’s been in charge of the Streaks’ girls since the 1993-94 academic year.
What’s been the key to success for Galesburg’s boys this winter?
“We knew we were going to have maybe an easier time to win the sectional this year than we did last year, because we kept a higher quality of team than everyone else did,” VanHootegem said. “We had a lot returning from the previous year.
“I said from the beginning that we just had to focus all this year on the little things such as sharp returns, never backing off,” he added. “It takes depth and commitment to win back-to-back sectional and conference titles. You can’t just win races. Everybody has to score, and that’s what they all did (this past Saturday). The Top 6 got medals and every single swimmer got a medal, which was huge.”
Who is headed to state?
Senior Andrew Peterson will rep Galesburg on the diving board during the state meet.
“I’ve had consistency. It’s getting to practice and going to work every single day,” Peterson said of his individual success. “Diving is very much a mental sport so I just have to mentally prepare myself for each and every dive that I do.
“Normally, I’m the person that is kicking off the meet so I’m telling myself that I need to set the team off on a good note today. Some people that wouldn’t motivate them but I like putting that pressure on myself,” added Peterson, whose best dive is the inward double. He scores around 60 points consistently when leaping off boards for it.
Junior Carson Olson, seniors Riley Stevenson and Luke Thomas will compete in four different events during the state meet. Individually, Olson will take part in the 100 fly and 200 individual medley. He’s also on the Streaks’ 200 medley relay and 200 free relay squads.
Stevenson is on the 200 medley relay and the 200 free relay team. He will also compete in the 50 free and 100 free as a solo act.
Thomas will take part in the 100 breaststroke at state. He also will be on the 200 medley relay, 200 free relay and 400 free relay squad. Junior Travis Henry is the fourth swimmer on the 200 medley relay team.
Junior Ryan Tapper is also on the 400 free relay team. Junior Nathan Nelson will rep Galesburg on the 200 free relay and 400 free relay teams. Sophomore Jackson Warren is slated to swim for the Streaks’ 400 free relay team.
Olson, Stevenson, and Thomas earned trips to state in the 2022-23 season.
“Our goal is to have someone in the finals this year at state, so we’ll see,” VanHootegem said. “They all just need to stay focused and keep getting better.”
Who will participate on the collegiate level?
Peterson will head to Bryant University, an NCAA Division I school in Smithfield, Rhode Island, later this year to dive for the Bulldogs. What’s he need to improve before that time arrives?
“I just need to work on my flexibility and my toe point,” Peterson said. “Those are probably my biggest weak spots as a diver. I’m not very flexible, and I don’t have the prettiest toe point.”
Stevenson and Thomas are going the NAIA route, and they’ll be closer to home, as they’ve both committed to compete for St. Ambrose University, located in Davenport, Iowa.
Departing thoughts…
“We set big goals for ourselves, and we keep those in mind every single day we get in the pool,” Thomas said. “That helps us get after it, and when we set goals we get those goals.”
“We’ve been really fast all season,” Stevenson said. “We’ve put in a lot of hard work. Usually, we kind of die off in the middle of the season but we’ve just been hammering it every single meet. We’ve been swimming great all year.”
GALESBURG — The No. 7 ranked in Class 3A Galesburg High School girls basketball team battled the No. 2 ranked Morton Potters on Thursday night inside John Thiel Gymnasium with a regional title on the line.
And when the final buzzer sounded, the Silver Streaks found themselves on the losing end.
The affair was tied up at 8-all after a quarter of play, and the Potters held a 15-11 advantage at the half.
But Morton pulled away in the final 16 minutes en route to a 41-29 victory over Galesburg (26-7).
“We got ourselves in a hole, and we never really got things going offensively well enough to get the job done,” said Streaks coach Evan Massey.
Galesburg senior Kiarra “Ki” Kilgore knows why the Potters (25-5) are hard to beat.
“They get up and deny the passing lanes. They pressure us hard,” Kilgore said. “In the post, they were double teaming me, and we couldn’t get the ball inside. We weren’t hitting shots tonight.
“Compared to the last time we played them, we did well,” added Kilgore, who led the Streaks with 10 points.
Kilgore finishes career as all-time leading scorer
Last winter, Kilgore was selected to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s all-state second team in Class 3A and was named the MVP of the Western Big 6 Conference.
More accolades will come for her soon.
And Kilgore achieved a feat she didn’t set out to do when her high school career began.
On Feb. 5, Kilgore drained a 3-pointer from the left corner with 1:38 left in the second quarter in a non-conference road tilt at Freeport, and she became Galesburg’s all-time leading scorer. Kilgore ended her career with 1,986 points.
“It’s a great accomplishment but to me it doesn’t really feel any different,” Kilgore said. “I just wanted to play basketball. I didn’t think becoming the leading scorer was going to happen. It wasn’t an idea or a goal of mine my freshman year. It wasn’t until this year that I knew I could actually accomplish it.”
Sarah Larson sits behind Kilgore with 1,906 points. Tiffany Sibley scored 1,806 points in her career and ranks third.
Farewell to the Seniors
Along with Kilgore, Syriah Boyd, Alexis Edgerson, Antonia Kisler, Addison Peck, and Julia Robinson made up the Streaks’ senior class.
“I’ll miss them but with them it’s going to be great to see all the exciting things they achieve going forward,” Massey said of his seniors. “They have been very special to me.”
Life will be different soon enough for the six but they’ll stay connected for years to come.
“They’re my best friends. I hang out with them outside of school, too,” Kilgore said of her senior teammates. “We’re all going to go our separate ways and go to different colleges so it’s not going to be the same.
“I’ve been playing with this group of girls since third grade, so it’s definitely going to be different not playing with all of them,” Kilgore added. “It’s been a great four years here. I’ll definitely miss good old Coach Massey, and I wish them luck in the next coming years. I’ll be back to watch my sister (freshman Jozalyn ‘Joz’ Kilgore) play.”
What happened in 2022-23?
Last winter, Galesburg went 26-8 overall, finished in second place in the WB6 with a 9-6 record and grabbed its second straight regional crown — 26th overall. The 2022-23 season ended with a 63-34 loss to Peoria Central in Class 3A sectional semifinal action.
“I think the key to our success this season was we have a core group of kids who invested a lot of time on basketball,” Massey said. “They were committed to each other, and they were coachable. It made it an absolute great year.”
Seniors Rocky Almendarez (120 pounds) and Gauge Shipp (132 pounds) will do so at the State Farm Center, located on the University of Illinois campus, in Champaign. State action there runs Thursday through Saturday.
Next weekend, junior Annalisa Gibbons (140 pounds) and senior Hannah Almendarez (100 pounds), Rocky’s sister, will wrestle inside the Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.
The Top 6 finishers in each weight class will earn a state medal. This marks the fourth straight season Almendarez and Shipp will wear singlets in the state meet.
“I’m really excited, and I’m taking it all in because this is my last time to do this,” Shipp said of the state meet.
Rocky Almendarez has never won a state crown, and he’s hungry to do so.
“I want to go out there and just dominate everybody that steps across the mat from me,” said Rocky, who along with Shipp finished the regular season with a Western Big 6 Conference title, a regional and a sectional title. “Just qualifying for state last year didn’t satisfy me. Bringing home a state title would be something special.”
All season long, foes have been gunning for Shipp, as they know to be the best you have to beat the best.
And no one has been able to take Shipp down. This winter, he’s racked up 41 victories with zero defeats.
“State comes with a slightly different mood or angle for Gauge,” said Greg Leibach, the Streaks’ coach. “Last year, he was chasing down a goal of winning state. This year, he’s already achieved it but there’s a lot of hungry wrestlers who have been coming after him.
“He’s had to work to stay sharp so that hopefully he can repeat and get another long time goal.”
‘This is my most natural weight’
Back on Feb. 4, 2023, when Shipp – then a junior – stood on the scale before taking the mat in regional action at Sterling High School, it read he was 1.6 ounces heavier than he actually was. In fact, the scale did on three different occasions, which is why Shipp, who holds the GHS school record for career wins, competed at the weight he did at state last winter.
“This is the weight I compete at and am used to wrestling at,” Shipp said of the 132 pound weight class. “This is my most natural weight.
“I just wrestle at where I feel the most confident and most comfortable with myself and let it work itself out.”
Almendarez, Shipp are compadres
Rocky Almendarez (39-1) and Shipp have been good friends since the sixth grade, and they’re both elated they are headed to state together one last time.
“He definitely deserves it,” Gauge said of Rocky. “I 100% see him coming out of his bracket. I don’t see him just showing up. He’s been putting in the work with me. I see it every day. I have confidence in him.”
Almendarez echoes his compadre.
“It’s really special we’re both going to state again this year,” Rocky said. “He’s going for his second state title and that’s pretty big. I’m pretty excited for him and ready for him to put on a show.”
‘Doubles the excitement’
In 2023, Gibbons was the first Galesburg girls wrestler to earn a state bid. This is only the third season the IHSA has backed a state series for girls, and Leibach looks forward to watching Gibbons and Hannah Almendarez rep his Streaks late next week.
“Having them both go to state just doubles the excitement at the end of the year,” Leibach said. “The boys and girls shared the sectional round on the same weekend, and I’m really thankful the two state tournaments are separate.
“We get the opportunity to focus on the boys qualifiers this weekend, and then we get the opportunity to focus wholeheartedly on the girls qualifiers next weekend,” he added. ”State tournament atmospheres are so fun to compete at, and we get to double down on that.”
Almendarez, Gibbons quiet but deadly
Corner Hannah Almendarez (19-3) and Gibbons (19-4), and the pair probably won’t say much. They like to let their wrestling skills speak for them.
Like their male counterparts, they have put in a lot of hard work in the offseason to get to the point they’re at.
“They have a good work ethic,” Leibach said. “Annalisa got a taste of of the state tournament last year and even won a match down there. She just used that momentum to dive into a whole offseason of training with a girls club out of Canton. I could tell when I first saw her on the mat this season that she was at a whole other level. She was able to prove that.
“Hannah wrestled a majority of our matches at the varsity level at 106 pounds and only a couple of times it was girl versus girl. For her, it didn’t matter,” Leibach added. “She knew she was a strong option for us at 106. It didn’t matter if it was a boy on the other side. She went out and competed with intensity and put some points on the board for her team. I just love the way that she took ownership of that role.”
‘A really rare feat’
There’s not many brother and sister combos who can say they are both state qualifiers. That’s not the case for Hannah and Rocky Almendarez.
“I am curious to know how many other brother-sister combos are out there who are both going to the state tournament,” Leibach said. “I’m aware of one but it’s got to be a really rare feat especially with them both being in their senior year.”
“It makes me really proud that she’s going to state,” Rocky said of Hannah. “I know she has it in her. She has that drive and what it takes to go to the next level. I always wanted to see her do it, and now she took it all the way.”
“He pushed me to be this good,” Hannah said of Rocky. “He’s been giving me advice, and he just tells me to ‘wrestle hard,’ basically.”
What’s the key at state?
Leibach, who is in his eighth season as Galesburg’s wrestling coach, knows what it takes to be successful at the state level. His grapplers do as well.
And it sounds pretty simple but sometimes that’s not the case.
“The overall key is to take it one match at a time,” Leibach said. “You really just have to focus on the first opponent that is out in front of you and winning the wrestling position that you are in at that moment.”
“You just have to take one match at a time,” Shipp said. “You have to win all positions. I want to really dominate kids and show that I’m better in all positions. That’s my plan and what I work on every day in practice.”
“Keep going and be consistent,” Rocky Almendarez said. “You shoot, I score. You shoot, I still score. You have to have that mentality.”
“You just have to have confidence in your preparation,” Gibbons said. “What you put in is what you get out.”
Departing thought…
“I always say this isn’t a three month sport,” Shipp said. “You don’t progress just doing it in the winter. Wrestling is my life. I don’t do much else.”
GALESBURG — Galesburg High School’s girls basketball team is in a position it hasn’t been the entire 2023-24 season.
The No. 6 ranked in Class 3A Silver Streaks have suffered three straight defeats.
Galesburg (20-5 overall, 8-3 in the Western Big 6) was upended by United Township 55-42 Saturday afternoon in a WB6 affair at John Thiel Gymnasium. The Streaks fell on the road to the Blue Devils of Quincy 62-43 on Thursday evening in league play, and Galesburg was downed by Morton 46-33 last Saturday on the road in non-conference action.
“You just have to keep going,” Streaks coach Evan Massey said after Galesburg’s loss to the Panthers of UT. “When you lose games, nobody else is going to feel sorry for you. We have to stay focused on what we do and understand that we’re playing good teams.”
Neck-and-neck in first half
The Streaks faced a 12-7 deficit versus the Panthers (20-5, 10-1) when the first quarter was over. United Township senior Lorena Awou, a 6-foot-5 post, scored for her squad to open the second period. Galesburg senior Kiarra Kilgore responded with a bucket in the paint with 7:17 left in the quarter. Senior Kaylie Pena drained a 3-pointer with 7:04 remaining in the second to give the Panthers a 17-9 advantage over the Streaks.
Galesburg freshman Ella Herchenroder drained a shot beyond the perimeter with 6:45 on the clock, and the Streaks trailed 17-12. Kilgore made back-to-back baskets after that to make it 17-16 with UT still on top.
And when the buzzer sounded at the half, the Panthers were ahead 26-20.
UT runs away in second half
UT made buckets in the third while Galesburg couldn’t buy one. When the quarter was over, the Panthers were ahead 40-26 after outscoring the Streaks 14-6 with all of Galesburg’s points coming from Kilgore. The Streaks outscored the Panthers 16-15 in the final eight minutes but it wasn’t enough.
“The first four minutes of the second half I thought we were flat,” Massey said. “We were not locked in as far as what we needed to do. When we started pressing, our defensive intensity level got up, and I thought the rest of the game defensively we did a good job.
“Our offense failed us. The second half, we came out and it was close. The first three possessions we ran good stuff and got good shots but couldn’t make them,” Massey added. “Sadly after that, we started panicking offensively, so that became a problem, and we didn’t make good choices with the ball.”
By the numbers
Kilgore, who last winter was selected to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s all-state second team in Class 3A and was named the MVP of the WB6, led GHS with a game-high 25 points against UT and was the only Streak who finished with double digits. Kilgore has netted 1,792 points in her career and sits in the third spot on Galesburg’s all-time scoring list.
Sarah Larson is the Streaks’ all-time leading scorer with 1,906 points. Tiffany Sibley scored 1,806 points in her career and ranks second.
Awou led the Panthers with 21 points. Senior Ciara Hull chipped in 13 points, and senior Shawntia Lewis added 12 points for UT.
What happened in 2022-23?
Last winter, Galesburg went 26-8 overall, finished in second place in the WB6 with a 9-6 record and grabbed its second straight regional crown — 26th overall. The 2022-23 season ended with a 63-34 loss to Peoria Central in Class 3A sectional semifinal action.
On Wednesday night, the Illinois High School Association ‘s Board of Directors approved the hiring of Chris Schwarz as the IHSA’s next Assistant Executive Director.
The current principal at United High School in Monmouth, Schwarz will fill the void created by the forthcoming retirement of IHSA Associate Executive Director Kurt Gibson on July 1.
“Chris Schwarz exudes leadership and service in every aspect of his life, and we are excited to be able to welcome him to the IHSA staff,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “His background as a high school student-athlete, teacher, coach, and administrator in Illinois made him an ideal candidate, and we look forward to working with him to see how his talents and passion can best serve the IHSA membership.”
Schwarz’s exact responsibilities will be determined closer to his start date at the IHSA, which is slated for early July. He will become the 37th individual in the IHSA’s history to hold the title of Assistant Executive Director on the Association’s administrative staff.
“I have always firmly believed that students’ lives are enriched through extracurricular activities, so it’s difficult to put into words what it means to me to join the IHSA administrative team,” Schwarz said. “Throughout my career I have strived to serve others and be a positive light in peoples’ lives. This opportunity with the IHSA will allow me to positively affect the lives of so many individuals throughout the state and help them create lifelong memories.”
Schwarz joined United School District #304 as the principal of United Junior High in 2017 and then ascended to his current position as high school principal in 2020. He was appointed to serve as the Superintendent of District #304 beginning with the 2024-25 school year.
“I’m leaving an incredible group of people at the United School District,” Schwarz said. “The Monmouth area has been our home since my wife and I met at Monmouth College. The numerous personal and professional friendships we have developed have deeply enriched our lives, so Monmouth will always hold a special place in our hearts. This opportunity with the IHSA was never part of my professional or personal plan, but my family is excited to start a new chapter in our lives.”
Schwarz’s tenure in United School District #304 coincided with the development of several new programs and initiatives that positively impacted students and teachers. That included the implementation of a high school advisory period that reduced semester failures by nearly 50 percent and a Kindness Club that created volunteer opportunities in the community. He also oversaw renovations of the junior high media center and weight room, while implementing a sports broadcasting program there. Schwarz served as the high school baseball coach at Monmouth-Roseville from 2011-2014 and went on to create and coach bass fishing programs at United’s junior high and high school levels. He was named the IPA Middle School Principal of the Year for the Western Region 2020-2021.
“Chris embodies the IHSA mission,” Anderson said. “The impact that his own high school experience had in shaping the person he is today is abundantly clear. The formation of the bass fishing program at United High School is just one example of how he continues to pay that forward.”
Schwarz is a 2005 graduate of Moline High School, where he participated in football and baseball. An all-conference pitcher, he helped the Maroons to an IHSA Super-Sectional appearance as a senior in 2005.
“My high school experiences really laid the foundation for my career and current passions,” Schwarz said. “The baseball and football programs at Moline High School fostered my love for fitness, competition, leadership, and coaching. I was extremely fortunate to be surrounded by great coaches and positive influences that invested their time and energy into my development as a student-athlete.”
After high school, he continued his baseball career at Monmouth College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 2009. He completed his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at Western Illinois University (WIU) in 2014, and then returned to WIU to obtain his Superintendent Licensure in 2021. Schwarz is currently in the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at WIU.
“I believe that relationships are paramount to the success of any organization,” Schwarz said. “As an Assistant Executive Director, I’m looking forward to developing relationships with our member schools and upholding the strong tradition of service that the IHSA is known for. The opportunity to work within an administrative team is also something I’m really excited about. Throughout the interview process, I have been extremely impressed by the intentionality and passion of the IHSA staff.”
Schwarz began his career in education as a science teacher at La Harpe Junior High School in 2011, before accepting the Assistant Principal position at Notre Dame in Burlington, Iowa, a position he held until joining United in 2017. Schwarz has been active at his collegiate alma mater and in the local community, in addition to being a frequent speaker and presenter at various educational events. He returned to the Monmouth College baseball program as its pitching coach in 2016 and 2017 and currently sits on the College’s Alumni Board. He also serves on the board of the Warren County YMCA and previously held a seat on the Monmouth Citizens Advisory Committee.
“I feel like I’ll be able to go there and make a difference,” Boyd said after last Tuesday night’s girls basketball game between Galesburg and Washington.
Boyd had a handful of scholarship offers to put on track spikes at the next level but TSU felt like the right fit for her.
“It was between Ball State, Northern Illinois University and TSU because they all offered a full ride,” Boyd said. “At the end of the day, I wanted to go out of state and Nashville, Tennessee, sounds like a good place to be. Also, when I went on my visit and met with the coach (Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice) and my teammates there was just an automatic bond, which is what makes the sport fun.
“The coach has two Olympic gold medals and one silver in the events that I run in,” added Boyd, who will major in nursing at TSU. “She’s going to be somebody that can probably help me a lot.”
Sights set on trio of GHS school records
Boyd, who was named the MVP of the Western Big 6 last spring, competes in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dash, and she has some goals she wants to accomplish before her high school career concludes.
“My goals are to beat my 200 record and get the 100 record and the 400 record,” Boyd said. “To get those, I just have to grind on the track and push myself.”
The Galesburg school record in the 200 is 24.81 seconds. The 400 school record mark is 56.6, and Boyd’s personal best in the event is 56.8. The time to break in the 100 is 12.1, and Boyd’s PR is 12.3.
“I should get there and break them,” said Boyd, who — including middle school — has competed at state for eight straight seasons.
Departing thought…
“Track is definitely a mental sport so when it comes time to having big meets having a lot of experience helps mentally so you won’t psych yourself out,” Boyd said.
GALESBURG — It was a back-and-forth battle for about three and a half quarters for Galesburg High School’s girls basketball team Tuesday night at John Thiel Gymnasium.
But the Silver Streaks pulled away and handed the Panthers of Washington a 43-33 defeat in non-conference action.
“I’m very happy with the way we played,” Galesburg coach Evan Massey said. “I thought we were solid defensively, and Ki (Kilgore) did what Ki does in the first half. I thought Alexis (Edgerson) and Antonia (Kisler) stepped up and scored points. A key for us was our three post players – Joz Kilgore, Syriah Boyd and Antonia – were all able to defend inside and outside, and they were able to rebound.”
The Streaks moved to 6-0 overall with the victory, and Massey, who is in his 46th season, is two wins away from 1,000 in his career.
The three time Hall of Famer says that achievement isn’t in the back of his mind. Like always, Massey is more concerned about what his squad accomplishes.
And Galesburg has been able to overcome adversity in the early part of the 2023-24 season, according to Kilgore, who last winter was selected to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s all-state second team in Class 3A. Kilgore averaged 22.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.9 steals per game in 2022-23, and she also was named the MVP of the Western Big 6.
Kilgore led GHS with a game-high 22 points against Washington. Edgerson chipped in 11 points, and Kisler added nine points for the Streaks, who held a 20-18 edge against the Panthers (4-1) at the half. Heading into the fourth quarter, Galesburg was up 32-29. The Streaks outscored the Panthers 11-4 in the final eight minutes.
“I feel like we handled their pressure really well,” Kilgore said. “We stayed composed. We didn’t let them speed us up, and we worked really well together as a team.”
What happened in 2022-23?
Last winter, Galesburg went 26-8 overall, finished in second place in the WB6 with a 9-6 record and grabbed its second straight regional crown — 26th overall. The 2022-23 season ended with a 63-34 loss to Peoria Central in Class 3A sectional semifinal action.
ONEIDA — The Cougars of ROWVA/Williamsfield know what’s at stake, but they’re still relaxed.
Grant Gullstrand’s bunch is set to face Chicago Hope Academy in the Class 1A quarterfinals 1 p.m. Saturday at Bill Adams Field.
A victory for the Cougars (9-2) puts them in the semifinals, and a defeat will end their season. The latter is not on the minds of Gullstrand’s guys.
Once the pigskin is booted to open the contest, it’s just another battle. That’s what Gullstrand preached after Thursday night’s practice, and he’ll have R/W ready to go.
“The kids are focused. They’re loose,” Gullstrand said. “They’re excited to be here and for the opportunity on Saturday.”
The 10-1 Eagles won’t just throw in the white towel. Hope will provide a challenge, but Gullstrand isn’t battling any nerves, and neither are his student-athletes.
“We’ve played two really good football programs in Sterling Newman and Stark County to get here, and now we’re playing a team that is really talented,” Gullstrand said. “They have some good size and some good speed, but at the end of the day it’s just another football game, so that’s how we have to treat it.
“They’re really really big on the offensive line. They’ve got some fast skill players on offense. They like to throw the ball deep. Obviously, that stresses anybody when the ball is deep. I think they have one receiver that is going to go to NIU. Their quarterback is a scrambler. They’re dynamic and explosive on offense,” Gullstrand added. “We just have to do what we’ve been doing lately. When the ball is in the air, we have the opportunity to go get it. We’ve forced quite a few turnovers in the playoffs.”
R/W tied a Class 1A playoff record with five interceptions in last week’s 36-8 second round win over Stark County.
While the Eagles are lively, so are the Cougars. R/W will look to gallop against Hope.
“I think we’re going to be able to rely on our run game. We’ve got some big guys up front. We’ve got two really good running backs (Bryan Bertlshofer and Spencer Brown), and we’ve got some guys who are starting to spell them in Preston Schroeder and Jack Cordle. Our offensive line is doing a good job. Our tight ends are good blockers,” Gullstrand said. “I think we’re going to be able to run it, and we’ll still be able to throw it. We want to come out and establish a good run game on Saturday.”
Cougars’ 2023 schedule
Regular season
Week 1: R/W 29, Havana 20
Week 2: R/W 47, LVC (Lewistown, Valley, Cuba) 8
Week 3: R/W 38, United 18
Week 4: R/W 55, Princeville 40
Week 5: R/W 35, South Fulton 18
Week 6: Stark County 24, R/W 14
Week 7: R/W 45, Rushville-Industry 16
Week 8: Annawan/Wethersfield 28, R/W 6
Week 9: R/W 43, Abingdon-Avon 23
Postseason
Week 10 (first round): R/W 28, Newman Central Catholic 14
Week 11 (second round): R/W 36, Stark County 8
Week 12 (quarterfinals): Chicago Hope Academy 1 p.m. Saturday at R/W at Bill Adams Field in Oneida
R/W’s roster
#2 Dawson Traphagan RB/LB
#3 Dalton Hertz RB/DB
#4 Nathan Courtright WR/DB
#6 Keegan Gerlach WR/DB
#7 Daniel Skala TE/LB
#8 Brock Davis TE/LB
#9 Preston Schroeder QB/DB
#10 Drake DeJaynes QB/DB
#11 Lewis Sams RB/DB
#12 Riley Danner QB/DB
#14 Jack Godsil WR/LB
#20 Spencer Brown RB/LB
#22 Devonte Noel WR/DB
#23 Edwin Foster TE/LB
#24 Bryan Bertlshofer RB/LB
#30 Brady Rickey RB/LB
#32 Jack Cordle RB/DB
#34 Kole Miller RB/LB
#40 Connor Wilson TE/LB
#45 Drake Powell TE/LB
#50 Carter Smith OL/LB
#52 Noah Soper OL/LB
#53 Max Main OL/DL
#54 Taylor Foster OL/DL
#56 Gage Aldred OL/LB
#58 Christian Doubet OL/DL
#61 Jacob Wheeler OL/DL
#62 Mathew Dennison OL/DL
#64 Cayden Sanders OL/DL
#66 Henry Powers OL/DL
#67 Tristan Loomis OL/DL
#68 Chad Rickey OL/LB
#69 Luke Nelson OL/DL
#70 Ayden Sanders OL/DL
#72 Matt Little OL/DL
#73 Jaxson Strom OL/DL
#76 Harlan Mitchell OL/DL
#80 Talan Hull TE/LB
Head coach: Grant Gullstrand
Assistant coaches: Jason Lydic, James Sams, Jordan Danner, Kaevahn Pendleton, Tucker Sams
Departing thought…
“I like our shot. I like how physical we are. I like how loose our kids are,” Gullstrand said. “They’re excited to be playing still. It’s not a drag to come out here to practice. They’re enjoying it. I think they’re locked in and ready to go.”
GALESBURG — The prospective members of Galesburg High School’s boys basketball team rolled out of their beds bright and early Monday to attend their first practice in the 2023-24 season.
It’s a long standing tradition for the Silver Streaks.
A key word Galesburg coach Chad Thompson, who is entering his third season, preached to the Streaks inside their locker room after Monday night’s practice, their second of the day, was accountability.
And Thompson, overall, liked what he saw on Day 1, but there’s plenty of room to grow.
“I feel very encouraged after our first day,” Thompson said. “We really liked this group coming into the summer. We like the culture that they’ve built together as friends, as guys that push each other. It’s going to be a group that’s very diverse in terms of age. We have a lot of youth, but there’s also names that people have heard forever like Ian Dominique Jr, Gino (Williams), and even Jackson (Crock-Sibbing), and Leslie (Kelley) coming back as sophomores. There’s a lot of new guys, too.
“Over the summer, they really bonded together to make a good nucleus for our program, as we rebuild what we want Galesburg Basketball to be,” Thompson added. “It was a very exciting first day.”
The Streaks went 4-10 in Western Big 6 Conference play and 10-23 overall last winter, and Thompson wasn’t satisfied with the win-loss total. He is focusing on a few areas to improve upon last season’s performance.
“Two things. Individually, we had guys who had to get better, and as a team, we had to reflect back on what did we not do well, which by our record shows we did quite a few things not great,” Thompson said. “I think we have the guys that we need right now to continue to rebuild what we need to. We need to have way better guard play this year. We need to lower the turnover margin, and I think with more ball-friendly guards this year we will.
“We’re really looking to take care of the ball better this year,” Thompson added. “At the same time, we have a team that is full of shooters. We’re going to be able to shoot the ball in some way one through five. Almost every single night that we’re on the court, we have a shooter at every position. We’re really going to look to spread the floor, and drive the ball hard.”
In other words, Galesburg will play a different style on offense, and the Streaks will on defense, too. Personnel is the leading factor in the switches.
“We’ve got to improve defensively, and the defensive philosophy is different this year,” Thompson said. “We don’t have that big huge guy in the middle like we’ve had the last two years. We have to get a little scrappier with our defense this year.
“We have to take advantage of what we have, which is speed and quickness. We have to use it.”
Streaks’ 2023-24 schedule
Fri., Nov. 10 Meet the Streaks, 7:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 22 vs. Limestone, 7:30 p.m. Fri., Nov. 24 vs. TBA, Galesburg Turkey Tourney Sat., Nov. 25 vs. TBA, Galesburg Turkey Tourney Fri., Dec. 1 at Rock Island, 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 2 at Dixon, 6 p.m. Tue., Dec. 5 vs. Quincy, 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 8 vs. United Township, 7 p.m. Tue., Dec. 12 vs. Burlington (Iowa), 7:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 15 vs. Moline, 7 p.m. Sat., Dec. 16 vs. TBA, Iowa/Illinois Shootout at Augie Wed., Dec. 20 at Danville, 6:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 27 vs. TBA, at Taylorville Holiday Tournament Thu., Dec. 28 vs. TBA, at Taylorville Holiday Tournament Fri., Dec. 29 vs. TBA, at Taylorville Holiday Tournament Fri., Jan. 5 at Sterling, 7 p.m. Tue., Jan. 9 at Geneseo, 7 p.m. Fri., Jan. 12 at Rock Island Alleman, 7 p.m. Sat., Jan. 13 vs. TBA, Galesburg MLK Tourney Tue., Jan. 16 at Limestone, 7 p.m. Fri., Jan. 19 vs. Rock Island, 7 p.m. Tue., Jan. 23 at Quincy, 7 p.m. Fri., Jan. 26 at United Township, 7 p.m. Sat., Jan. 27 vs. TBA, Peoria Manual Shootout Fri., Feb. 2 at Moline, 7 p.m. Tue., Feb. 6 vs. Sterling, 7 p.m. Fri., Feb. 9 vs. Geneseo, 7 p.m. Tue., Feb. 13 vs. Rock Island Alleman, 7 p.m.
ONEIDA — For the second straight season, ROWVA/Williamsfield’s football team has advanced to the second round of the playoffs.
And the Cougars (8-2) are taking on a familiar foe in the Rebels of Stark County (10-0) at 2 p.m. Saturday at Bill Adams Field in Oneida.
R/W and Stark County faced each other in Lincoln Trail-Prairieland Conference (Small) action in Week 6, and the Rebels handed the Cougars a 24-14 loss, which at the time was R/W’s only defeat. The Cougars fell to the Titans of Annawan/Wethersfield 28-6 in Week 8.
“It’s the second year in a row that we’ve been playing in Week 11, and it’s pretty special. Obviously, we’re not taking it for granted,” R/W coach Grant Gullstrand said. “We played a really good game last week and had a good regular season. Now, we get a chance to have a rematch against a conference opponent. It’s a pretty exciting time.”
What’s the key for the Cougars versus the Rebels, Part II?
“We made a lot of mistakes in the first game against them both schematically in what we were doing and our players made some mistakes. We had a couple of bad snaps and some missed tackles. We had some stuff we had to fix coaching wise to get kids in better spots,” Gullstrand said. “I think we’ll be prepared. Our kids are pretty confident after last week’s (28-14) win over Sterling Newman (Central Catholic).
“We just have to play our game, and we have to make less mistakes,” Gullstrand added. “Last Saturday was the best game we’ve ever played as a program. The defense was flying to the ball. Offense, it took us a while to figure some stuff out, but we made explosive plays that negated us not being consistent. In the second half, we found the consistency, ran the ball and dominated the line of scrimmage like you need to do in a playoff game.”
R/W by the numbers
Senior Riley Danner has completed 123 of 194 passes for 1,724 yards. He’s thrown 16 touchdowns, rushed for one and been picked off four times.
Junior Preston Schroeder has completed six of eight passes for 114 yards and a TD. He also has five catches for 50 yards and a TD.
Senior running back Spencer Brown has 80 carries for 541 yards and 14 TDs. He also has 15 catches for 269 yards and five TDs.
Senior running back Bryan Bertlshofer has 123 rushes for 1,179 yards and 14 TDs. He also has catches for 104 yards.
Junior running back Jack Cordle has 11 carries for 58 yards and a touchdown. He also has nine catches for 87 yards and a TD.
Senior running back Lewis Sams has 38 catches for 449 yards and has broken the plane three times. Senior wideout Jack Godsil has a dozen grabs 12 for 167 yards and a pair of TDs. Junior tight end Talan Hull has 34 catches for 657 yards and four TDs. Sophomore Drake DeJaynes has a 7-yard TD reception.
On the defensive side of the ball, a pair are tied for the team lead in tackles. Senior Luke Nelson has 54 tackles (35 solo), and Hull has 54 tackles, as well, and 38 of his are solo.
Cougars’ 2023 schedule
Regular season
Week 1: R/W 29, Havana 20
Week 2: R/W 47, LVC (Lewistown, Valley, Cuba) 8
Week 3: R/W 38, United 18
Week 4: R/W 55, Princeville 40
Week 5: R/W 35, South Fulton 18
Week 6: Stark County 24, R/W 14
Week 7: R/W 45, Rushville-Industry 16
Week 8: Annawan/Wethersfield 28, R/W 6
Week 9: R/W 43, Abingdon-Avon 23
Postseason
Week 10: R/W 28, Newman Central Catholic 14
Week 11: Stark County at R/W at Bill Adams Field in Oneida, 2 p.m. Saturday
R/W’s roster
#2 Dawson Traphagan RB/LB
#3 Dalton Hertz RB/DB
#4 Nathan Courtright WR/DB
#6 Keegan Gerlach WR/DB
#7 Daniel Skala TE/LB
#8 Brock Davis TE/LB
#9 Preston Schroeder QB/DB
#10 Drake DeJaynes QB/DB
#11 Lewis Sams RB/DB
#12 Riley Danner QB/DB
#14 Jack Godsil WR/LB
#20 Spencer Brown RB/LB
#22 Devonte Noel WR/DB
#23 Edwin Foster TE/LB
#24 Bryan Bertlshofer RB/LB
#30 Brady Rickey RB/LB
#32 Jack Cordle RB/DB
#34 Kole Miller RB/LB
#40 Connor Wilson TE/LB
#45 Drake Powell TE/LB
#50 Carter Smith OL/LB
#52 Noah Soper OL/LB
#53 Max Main OL/DL
#54 Taylor Foster OL/DL
#56 Gage Aldred OL/LB
#58 Christian Doubet OL/DL
#61 Jacob Wheeler OL/DL
#62 Mathew Dennison OL/DL
#64 Cayden Sanders OL/DL
#66 Henry Powers OL/DL
#67 Tristan Loomis OL/DL
#68 Chad Rickey OL/LB
#69 Luke Nelson OL/DL
#70 Ayden Sanders OL/DL
#72 Matt Little OL/DL
#73 Jaxson Strom OL/DL
#76 Harlan Mitchell OL/DL
#80 Talan Hull TE/LB
Head coach: Grant Gullstrand
Assistant coaches: Jason Lydic, James Sams, Jordan Danner, Kaevahn Pendleton, Tucker Sams
Stark County’s roster
#0 Connor Wagenbach WR/LB
#1 Chris Barnwell RB/DB
#2 Blair Daum WR/DB
#3 Brett Hopp WR/LB
#4 Chase Holmstrom WR/LB
#5 Ben Browning QB/DB
#6 Matthew Bowser WR/DB
#7 Connor Daum RB/DB
#8 Justin Warner WR/DB
#9 Lane Joos WR/DB
#10 Braden Lindley WR/DB
#11 Charley Holmstrom WR/LB
#12 Brady leezer WR/DB
#14 Aiden Smith WR/DB
#15 Luke Rewerts QB/DB
#16 Caleb Gentle QB/DB
#17 Wyatt Snider WR/LB
#20 Keagen Sparks WR/LB
#21 Dillon Steelman WR/LB
#22 Nolan Orwig RB/LB
#23 Connor Down QB/LB
#24 Cary Morgan WR/DB
#25 Kaiden Libby WR/LB
#27 Owen Gibler WR/LB
#28 Guillermo Leon Ruiz WR/LB
#30 Rocco Swearingen RB/LB
#33 Mason Thieben WR/LB
#35 Nico Calderon WR/DB
#42 Avery Gerber WR/LB
#45 Baptiste Robineau WR/DB
#50 Jaxon Carder OL/DL
#51 Ben Siebenthal OL/DL
#52 Colton Wagenbach OL/DL
#54 Hunter Hart OL/LB
#55 Christian Calderon OL/DL
#56 Chet Gillespie OL/LB
#57 Charles Boarman OL/LB
#59 Nolan Snider OL/DL
#60 Jacob McCauley OL/DL
#62 Cole Merriman OL/DL
#64 Aiden Painter OL/DL
#65 Owen Mercer OL/DL
#67 Donavin Hoffman OL/DL
#68 Tanner Price OL/DL
#70 Owen Hess OL/DL
#71 Will Richards OL/DL
#72 Jayden Meecham OL/DL
#74 Ronan Breese OL/DL
#75 Cole Kinsellla OL/LB
#76 Jackson Saner OL/DL
#78 Corbin Williams OL/DL
#80 Johnathan Becker WR/DB
#86 Ross Saner WR/LB
#87 Adrian Manzano-Garcia WR/DB
Head coach: Jade Noard Assistant coaches: Dustin Browning, Clint Terwilliger, Dylan Miller, Trey Swanson, Joe Charvat
Departing thought…
“They’re playing really well,” Gullstrand said of his squad. “The communities are really excited. It’s a fun time to be here. The kids have worked really hard for this, and it’s awesome to see them get the opportunity to continue to play.”
GALESBURG — To some, Galesburg High School senior Markis Lewis might eat a unique snack on the nights he has football games.
But No. 9 knows what appeals to his palate.
Lewis enjoys two bowls of Fruit Loops before donning a helmet and pads in contests.
Lewis, a defensive back and wide receiver, has had a bigger impact for the Silver Streaks playing defense in 2023.
On offense, he has a four yard carry, and Lewis has nine grabs for 121 yards and a touchdown. However, Galesburg coach Derrek Blackwell plans to vitalize the offensive skills Lewis has a bit more in the Streaks’ final game this season.
“We put a lot more into the playbook for Markis. We’ve got a lot of ways to try to feed Markis the ball this week,” Blackwell said. “It’s not that we have excluded him from the game plan in our other games. It just naturally came about that he didn’t get the ball as much as he should. We’ll try to see that Markis gets the ball a lot more this week.”
Lewis’ only score came in the Streaks’ first contest, a 53-14 non-conference home loss to the Eagles of Dunlap, and the 17-year-old knows his strong suit is defending foes.
“I used to give the wide receivers too much cushion but I stopped doing that,” Lewis said. “I make them uncomfortable.”
“As a DB, he’s a technician. He does everything right,” Blackwell said. “If Markis was 6-3 or 6-4, he’d probably be a Division I athlete. He’s quick. He’s fast.
“His size puts him at a disadvantage but his work ethic makes up for his size.”
Lewis, who stands in at 5-foot-7, also puts on track spikes for Galesburg, and he believes being a sprinter has helped him on gridirons.
“It helps with endurance, breathing, overall speed and my running form,” said Lewis, who hopes to compete in track and field at the next level. However, football tugs at his heart strings, so Lewis, who moved to Galesburg from Chicago as a sixth-grader, is still undecided on what sport he’ll partake in once his high school athletic career concludes.
“I wish Markis the best in the future,” Blackwell said. “He’s a senior captain. He’s a quiet leader. He hangs out with everybody. They all like Markis. Every day, he’s joking with someone and having fun with another person.
“He’s just a team guy. He keeps the morale high around here.”
GALESBURG — The members of Galesburg High School’s football team know once the fourth quarter concludes Friday night the 2023 season is over.
With a 2-6 overall mark heading into the Western Big 6 Conference affair against the Panthers of United Township (3-5, 1-4 in WB6), the Silver Streaks won’t play in the postseason. It takes five victories to accomplish that feat. However, Galesburg can end its season on a positive note and avoid finishing in last place in league play with a win over UT.
The Panthers have had more time to prepare for the Streaks, as they didn’t play in Week 8. That’s because UT never found anyone else to play to fill the void left with Alleman not fielding a varsity team, so the Panthers’ third win came via forfeit.
Gino Williams (WR/DB/QB), Amarie Richardson (RB/DB),Markis Lewis (WR/DB), Izaiah Coleman (FB/ILB), Nicholas Curtis (RB/OLB), Sam Satisky (K), Keyondre Harrison (TE/ILB), John Willis (OL/DL), Jamari McDonald (OL/DL), Yoreh Yarita (TE/OLB), and Adrien Phillips (WR/DB) are Galesburg’s seniors, and they’ll be honored before the contest. For some of them, they’ll never don a football uniform again, and they’ll be cherishing every moment.
Derrek Blackwell, who is in his third season at the helm after a dozen as an assistant, doesn’t want a win for himself. It’s all about the student-athletes who make up his program.
“I took this job because I love coaching football, and I love being around kids and teaching them the game of football. It’s exciting. It’s fun,” Blackwell said. “I feel like the moment that the chills go away then you’re probably in the wrong profession. I get those chills every Friday night.
“This isn’t about me personally,” Blackwell added. “This is about the seniors who have put in four years of work. This is about the underclassmen that have stepped up and played varsity games as sophomores. This is about building a program at Galesburg.”
And what’s the key for the Streaks to come out on top over the Panthers?
“It’s to play hard, to play consistent, to play together and not get too high with the highs and too low with the lows,” Blackwell said. “We just have to stay even keel and play together.”
Juniors: Kenneth Ward (FB/ILB), Lyxander Cauthon (WR/DB), Caden Ashby (WR/DB), Jamar Range (RB/DB), Mark Franklin (OL/DL), Ashton Bane (OL/ILB), Larry Randolph Jr. (OL/DL), Celestin Matala (OL/DL), Gilbert Lewis (OL/DL), Asher Whitcomb (OL/DL), Sal Kisler (OL/DL), Andre Exauce (TE/OLB).
Sophomores: Caden Riley (QB/OLB), Drew Hickey (WR/DB), Bradley Eaton (WR/DB), Ayden Clark (QB/OLB), Anthony Makwala (K), Demetrius Watson (RB/DB), Alfred Ayala (RB/OLB), Nicolas Ojeda (FB/ILB), Madon Taylor (TE/DE), Marquis Horne (OL/DL), LaVant Ritenour (OL/DL), Davion Collins (OL/DL), Dajian Mitchell (OL/DL), Pierre Welcome (OL/DL), Kohyn Baughman (WR/DB), Drake Easley (WR/DB), Dallin Junious (OL/DL), Cooper Ray (TE/ILB).
By the numbers
Williams has completed 36 of 88 passes for 389 yards and a touchdown, and he’s been picked off three times. Williams also has 76 rushes for 170 yards and a pair of scores, as well as an 11-yard catch.
Richardson has 123 carries for 786 yards and nine touchdowns, and he has 12 catches for 121 yards. Range has 62 rushes for 453 yards and has broken the plane three times, and he has three grabs for 59 yards. Lewis has a four yard carry, and he has nine receptions for 121 yards and a TD.
As a unit, Galesburg has committed 16 fumbles and lost 11 of them. The Streaks are averaging 17.4 points per game while their opponents are putting up an average of almost 36 points per outing.
GALESBURG — Galesburg High School junior Jamar Range is quiet and reserved.
Range, a running back and strong safety for the Silver Streaks’ football team and a sprinter for Galesburg’s boys track and field team, tends to let his actions speak for themselves.
Range, whose uncle is Streaks boys basketball legend Joey Range, sees more time on defense than offense for Galesburg football coach Derrek Blackwell, who is also his cousin.
“Jamar is a great athlete. He has emerged as a defensive leader. He is one of our top tacklers. That’s his role for this team, it has been on defense,” Blackwell said. “I know he gets frustrated that he doesn’t get the ball as much on offense. He should get the ball more. He deserves the ball more. Also, he’s sitting behind one of the best running backs in the conference (in senior Amarie Richardson), so that’s a tough decision for all the coaches.
“At the same time, Jamar plays defense and Amarie does not, so we feel we are getting the best out of our team when they’re both on other sides of the ball,” Blackwell added. “Again, Jamar deserves more carries, and he should get more carries but in the heat of the game when things are going the way they’re going it is hard to make that adjustment when he’s doing so well on defense and Amarie is doing so well on offense.”
Range is steadily focused on honing his skills.
“I feel like my coverage can use a lot of work and keeping things inside I can work more on,” said the 16-year-old. “I haven’t fumbled the ball, but I could still do a better job protecting the ball and finding the right holes to hit.”
Blackwell, a 2003 GHS grad who served as a running back for the Streaks, has taught Range how to improve with a pigskin in his hands.
“He’s helped me protect the ball better,” Range said. “My freshman year was rough because I used to fumble every game almost. He has helped me the past two summers with ball control.”
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick Jr. is someone Range tries to model his game after.
“He plays my position, and I watch a lot of his clips,” Range said.
Range, who has 56 rushes for 413 yards and has broken the plane three times in 2023, knows lessons learned playing football apply to life.
“You learn how to work well with other people,” said Range, who dons No. 24. “You also learn discipline.”
Departing thought…
“Jamar does outstanding things for this team without any complaints,” Blackwell said. “He does his job, and he knows where he’s supposed to be. It’s good to have a guy like that on the field. It’s like the extension of a coach.”
GALESBURG — After securing a 24-7 home victory over Rock Island last week, Galesburg High School’s football team has some poise.
“We’re definitely confident,” Silver Streaks coach Derrek Blackwell said after Tuesday’s practice. “We’re playing with a lot of confidence. I think that we’ve been playing with confidence. We’ve just been on the wrong end of the scoreboard. Our kids play hard. They fight their butts off. They come out, and they expect to win every game.
“They play their hearts out,” Blackwell added. “I’m so proud of these kids.”
Galesburg (2-5, 1-3 in Western Big 6) won’t take the next foe on its schedule lightly by any means.
The Streaks head to Moline to take on the Maroons (3-4, 1-3) in league action on Friday night. Moline suffered a 42-28 loss to United Township in Week 7, and the Maroons defeated the Rocks 28-10 in Week 5.
Blackwell, who is in his third season in charge after a dozen as an assistant, is well aware of what Moline’s program, which is having a down season, has achieved over the years.
“This conference is a meat grinder like it always is,” Blackwell said. “Moline is just the same approach as Rock Island, who is a good perennial powerhouse in the state of Illinois. We feel the same way about Moline. In the state of Illinois, Moline football is known, and they’re good and we’re going to treat them that way.
“Until we can make a name for ourselves, we have to beat teams like Moline and Rock Island consistently,” Blackwell added. “We’re just ready to play. We’re ready to go. We’re chomping at the bit to go get another ‘W.'”
Juniors: Kenneth Ward (FB/ILB), Lyxander Cauthon (WR/DB), Caden Ashby (WR/DB), Jamar Range (RB/DB), Mark Franklin (OL/DL), Ashton Bane (OL/ILB), Larry Randolph Jr. (OL/DL), Celestin Matala (OL/DL), Gilbert Lewis (OL/DL), Asher Whitcomb (OL/DL), Sal Kisler (OL/DL), Andre Exauce (TE/OLB).
Sophomores: Caden Riley (QB/OLB), Drew Hickey (WR/DB), Bradley Eaton (WR/DB), Ayden Clark (QB/OLB), Anthony Makwala (K), Demetrius Watson (RB/DB), Alfred Ayala (RB/OLB), Nicolas Ojeda (FB/ILB), Madon Taylor (TE/DE), Marquis Horne (OL/DL), LaVant Ritenour (OL/DL), Davion Collins (OL/DL), Dajian Mitchell (OL/DL), Pierre Welcome (OL/DL), Kohyn Baughman (WR/DB), Drake Easley (WR/DB), Dallin Junious (OL/DL), Cooper Ray (TE/ILB).
By the numbers
Williams has completed 33 of 74 passes for 358 yards and a touchdown, and he’s been picked off three times. Williams also has 63 rushes for 166 yards and a pair of scores, as well as an 11-yard catch.
Richardson has 108 carries for 733 yards and eight touchdowns, and he has 11 catches for 108 yards. Range has 56 rushes for 413 yards and has broken the plane three times, and he has two grabs for 25 yards. Lewis has a four yard carry, and he has eight receptions for 112 yards and a TD.
As a unit, Galesburg has committed 14 fumbles and lost 10 of them. The Streaks are averaging 18.4 points per game while their opponents are putting up an average of 35.1 points per outing.
But Deligiannis, who led the Silver Streaks with 105 tackles (36 solo) in his final high school season, opted to return home after playing for the Vikings for two seasons.
Last fall, Deligiannis didn’t play football. Instead, he attended classes at Carl Sandburg College while he contemplated what his next step would be, and Deligiannis also worked part-time at Craft, located on historic Seminary Street. While doing so, he started considering wearing a Prairie Fire uniform.
“I started talking to a bunch of Knox alumni while working at Craft. To me, going to Knox was way out of the picture but I have an uncle who went to Knox and my cousin, who is my best friend, graduated from Knox two years ago. I realized how lucky I am to have my family around me and that was a crucial factor in deciding to go to Knox,” said Deligiannis, an environmental studies major. “I liked Augustana but I had this gut feeling that I should be close to home. I figure when I graduate that I’m going to go out west, and I just wanted to be as close to my family as possible.
“The guys have been very welcoming. I can confidently say that I made the right decision,” added the junior. “I love being a part of the team here. We care about each other. It’s really a family.”
Prairie Fire football coach Aaron Willits is glad Deligiannis, who didn’t attend any classes last winter but enrolled at Knox for the spring semester, reached out to him about joining his squad.
“He had a lot of questions about the program and things like that,” Willits said. “It just kind of fit. It was the right match for both of us.
“He’s really grown into the program. The learning took some time but what really stood out was his physicality, the downhill nature of things.”
Deligiannis has appeared in all four games the Prairie Fire have played this season. Last Saturday afternoon, he received his first start at safety, and Deligiannis led Knox with seven tackles in the Midwest Conference home affair against Lake Forest.
“He started last week and was crushing it on tackles for us,” Willits said of Deligiannis. “We need that energy all the time and that’s one of the things he brings. He brings a good vibe, a good energy.”
Deligiannis, who dons No. 37, is penciled in as a starter for the Prairie Fire’s home league contest versus the Red Hawks of Ripon this weekend.
“The defense is similar in some ways to Augustana but the terminology is a little different,” Deligiannis said. “It took some time to get the feel of my teammates. Chemistry is very important.
“The first game, we weren’t really sure who we were and who was going to play and getting a game or two under my belt and understanding more of the nuances of what the coaches wanted was a very big step for me,” Deligiannis added. “Last week, I played at the speed I want to play. I’m not second guessing anything, and I’m trusting my teammates. It’s really nice to feed off of them and when you trust them you can kind of play the way you want to play and not overthink things.”
In other words, Deligiannis is playing a lot looser, and he knows there’s things he needs to clean up.
“Being more comfortable at the top of routes and knowing when I want to get my head around or knowing to go play through his hands,” Deligiannis said. “I feel good about my tackling. I feel good about the speed of the game.
“I think I get to play more instinctually here,” Deligiannis added. “They trust my speed and my talents.”
GALESBURG — Galesburg High School senior Sam Satisky has accomplished things no other Silver Streak has.
Satisky holds the school record for longest field goal — a feat he accomplished last Friday night after nailing a 48-yarder in a Western Big 6 Conference affair in Quincy — and he also has scored more goals in a single season (30) than any other Galesburg boys soccer player.
That’s right, Satisky takes the pitch and the gridiron for the Silver Streaks in the same season.
He’s a valuable asset for GHS boys soccer coach Phil Redington and GHS football coach Derrek Blackwell, who had no doubt Satisky wouldn’t miss when he lined up near midfield with 6:30 left in the first quarter against the Blue Devils.
“I knew he could do it. I believe in him. I believe he has more in him, as well,” Blackwell said of Satisky’s record boot. “We kind of needed to get that on film for Sam, as well, so people can see how good his leg is.
“Sam came in here three years ago with John Rehn, who was a soccer player, as well,” Blackwell added. “John Rehn was a good field goal and PAT kicker, and he kind of passed that over to Sam. In the middle of Sam’s sophomore year, John got hurt and Sam had to take over, and he did an excellent job. He did even better his junior year, and right now, he’s kicking awesome.”
Satisky serves as a captain for both the Streaks’ boys soccer team and the football team.
“He’s a leader. I don’t know of too many special teams kicker only guys that are elected captain by their peers,” Blackwell said. “I believe he’s the only person in school history that set two records in the same season. That’s outstanding. That’s astonishing.
“Not only is Sam an athletic record holder, he excels in his academics. That’s what we preach around here, and why the word student is before athlete. Sam does all of that well,” Blackwell added. “Everything Sam does I appreciate. I couldn’t ask for anything more from Sam.”
And is playing two different sports at the same time difficult for Satisky?
“No, it’s really easy because of the way the coaches work together,” Satisky said Tuesday night before Galesburg’s boys soccer team faced Rock Island at Van Dyke Field. “The partnership they have makes it really easy for me being a kicker and a striker.”
Satisky, who dons No. 14 while playing soccer and wears No. 40 on football fields, puts in a lot of work on his own honing his football skills.
“Most of it is just technique and working on the small little details whether it’s at home or coming to the field,” Satisky said. “I go to a lot of kicking camps to learn and get tricks.”
Satisky isn’t sure what sport he will play at the next level.
“I hope to keep my options open as long as possible,” Satisky said.
Departing thought…
“I love both my teams. They’re both special groups,” Satisky said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without them. They’re both like second families to me.”
GALESBURG — With only three weeks left in the regular season and a 1-5 overall record, Galesburg High School’s football team knows it won’t take the gridiron in Week 10.
Pride is the only thing on the line for the Silver Streaks.
Galesburg remains hopeful a couple more wins come before the final buzzer sounds to end its season.
And up next for the Streaks is a Western Big 6 Conference home affair on against the Rocks of Rock Island (1-5, 1-2 in league play) on Friday night.
Galesburg heads into the contest after suffering a 56-19 loss at Quincy while Rocky secured a 24-14 home victory over United Township last week.
Traditionally, the Rocks are a powerhouse in the WB6, and the Streaks haven’t had much success against them in the last 30 years. Galesburg coach Derrek Blackwell knows all about the history.
“We’re not treating this like Rocky is 1-5 like us. They have athletes,” Blackwell said. “When you walk into Rocky Stadium, you see all the state appearances. You see all the Big 6 titles. You see all of those things.
“We’re treating Rocky like Rock Island football should be treated,” Blackwell added. “With that being said, we feel we have a good chance to win a football game. I told the seniors the other day that they have a good chance to do something that hasn’t been done in a while. We haven’t beaten Rocky since 2015, before that it was 2004 and before that it was 1991. You’re talking three wins in a 30-year span.
Juniors: Kenneth Ward (FB/ILB), Lyxander Cauthon (WR/DB), Caden Ashby (WR/DB), Jamar Range (RB/DB), Mark Franklin (OL/DL), Ashton Bane (OL/ILB), Larry Randolph Jr. (OL/DL), Celestin Matala (OL/DL), Gilbert Lewis (OL/DL), Asher Whitcomb (OL/DL), Sal Kisler (OL/DL), Andre Exauce (TE/OLB).
Sophomores: Caden Riley (QB/OLB), Drew Hickey (WR/DB), Bradley Eaton (WR/DB), Ayden Clark (QB/OLB), Anthony Makwala (K), Demetrius Watson (RB/DB), Alfred Ayala (RB/OLB), Nicolas Ojeda (FB/ILB), Madon Taylor (TE/DE), Marquis Horne (OL/DL), LaVant Ritenour (OL/DL), Davion Collins (OL/DL), Dajian Mitchell (OL/DL), Pierre Welcome (OL/DL), Kohyn Baughman (WR/DB), Drake Easley (WR/DB), Dallin Junious (OL/DL), Cooper Ray (TE/ILB).
Week 9: Friday, Oct. 20 vs. United Township, 7 p.m.
Last week’s box score
Quincy 56, Galesburg 19
Score by Quarters
Galesburg 5 0 14 0 – 19
Quincy 28 28 0 0 – 56
Scoring summary
First Quarter
Q – Jeriaus Rice 33 pass from Bradyn Little (Justin Beaver kick), 11:37
Q – Caeden Johannessen 25 pass from Little (Beaver kick), 8:45
G – Sam Satisky 48 yard FG, 6:30
Q – Tykell Hammers 13 pass from Little (Beaver kick), 5:23
Q – Rice 15 pass from Little (Beaver kick), 2:38
G – Safety, Quincy holding call in end zone, 35.7
Second Quarter
Q – Rice 56 run (Beaver kick), 9:49
Q – Johannessen 20 pass from Little (Beaver kick), 6:14
Q – Rice 19 pass from Little (Beaver kick), 4:19
Q – Adon Byquist 16 pass from Little (Beaver kick), 1:09
Third Quarter
G – Amarie Richardson 69 run (Satisky kick), 10:55
G – Richardson 7 run (Satisky kick), 2:18
Team statistics
First downs – Galesburg 9, Quincy 13
Rushes-yards – Galesburg 28 -137, Quincy 12-164
Passing yards – Galesburg 73, Quincy 275
Comp-Att.-Int – Galesburg 5-12-0, Quincy 16-18-0
Total yards – Galesburg 210, Quincy 439
Fumbles-lost – Galesburg 3-2, Quincy 1-1
Penalties-yards – Galesburg 1-5, Quincy 4-22
Individual Statistics
Rushing
Galesburg – Richardson 15-123, 2 TDs; Jamar Range 10-18, Gino Williams 1-3, Caden Riley 2 -(-7). Quincy – Rice 6-156, TD; Baker 2-9, 26 2-2, Wilson 1-1, Williams 1-(-4).
Passing
Galesburg – Williams 4-5-0-62; Riley 1-7-0-11. Quincy – Little 15-17-0-269, 7TDs, Day 1-1-0-6.
Receiving
Galesburg – Richardson 2-54, Nico Ojeda 2-8, Williams 1-11. Quincy – Byquist 5-52, Johannssenn 3-98, Rice 3-67, Hammers 3-45, Carter Hildebrand 1-6, Jack Mettemeyer 1-5.
WB6 Standings
Quincy 6-0, 4-0 in WB6
Sterling 3-3, 3-0 in WB6
Geneseo 5-1, 3-1 in WB6
Moline 3-3, 1-2 in WB6
Rock Island 1-5, 1-2 in WB6
Galesburg 1-5, 0-3 in WB6
United Township 2-5, 0-4 in WB6
Departing thought…
“I want to point out that the last time we played at home the fan support was great. The student section was great. I hope they bring that back again and don’t look at us as just a 1-5 team playing another 1-5 team,” Blackwell said. “I hope they bring the energy on Friday night because that really did help us out against Geneseo. The score didn’t look good, but I thought we fought hard and played well, and the people in the stands really helped that out.”
GALESBURG — For the second week in a row, Galesburg High School’s football team will face a state ranked foe.
The Silver Streaks (1-4, 0-2) hit the road to face the Blue Devils of Quincy (5-0, 3-0) in Western Big 6 Conference action Friday night.
Heading into last week’s contest against United Township (a 63-27 win for the Blue Devils), Quincy was ranked No. 8 in Class 7A.
Galesburg was upended by Geneseo 43-3 at Van Dyke Field last Friday evening. Heading into that affair, the Maple Leafs were ranked No. 9 in Class 4A.
“The Big 6 is a meat grinder. You’re never going to have a week in the Big 6 where you go ‘oh, this one is going to be easy.’ It’s never that way in the Big 6,” GHS coach Derrek Blackwell said after Tuesday’s practice. “Last week, we had a state ranked team. This week, we have a state ranked team. The kids get excited for those opportunities. I think their level of play raises when they have a team of that caliber.
“Quincy is good. They’re young, and coach (Rick) Little has this group really rolling,” Blackwell added. “Bradyn, his son, has been playing under him for a few years now, and he understands what his dad expects. They get it done, and they do it really well. It’s going to take 100% effort from us. We have to eliminate the mental mistakes, eliminate the physical mistakes and play physical for four quarters.
“Everything has to go in our favor if we want to win a game like this.”
Typically, a trip to Quincy is the longest of the season when the Streaks have to face the Blue Devils on the road. However, that’s not the case in 2023. Due to Alleman not fielding a varsity team, Galesburg traveled to “The Hoosier State” in Week 3 and suffered a 35-14 loss to Trafalgar (Indian Creek).
Juniors: Kenneth Ward (FB/ILB), Lyxander Cauthon (WR/DB), Caden Ashby (WR/DB), Jamar Range (RB/DB), Mark Franklin (OL/DL), Ashton Bane (OL/ILB), Larry Randolph Jr. (OL/DL), Celestin Matala (OL/DL), Gilbert Lewis (OL/DL), Asher Whitcomb (OL/DL), Sal Kisler (OL/DL), Andre Exauce (TE/OLB).
Sophomores: Caden Riley (QB/OLB), Drew Hickey (WR/DB), Bradley Eaton (WR/DB), Ayden Clark (QB/OLB), Anthony Makwala (K), Demetrius Watson (RB/DB), Alfred Ayala (RB/OLB), Nicolas Ojeda (FB/ILB), Madon Taylor (TE/DE), Marquis Horne (OL/DL), LaVant Ritenour (OL/DL), Davion Collins (OL/DL), Dajian Mitchell (OL/DL), Pierre Welcome (OL/DL), Kohyn Baughman (WR/DB), Drake Easley (WR/DB), Dallin Junious (OL/DL), Cooper Ray (TE/ILB).
Week 9: Friday, Oct. 20 vs. United Township, 7 p.m.
WB6 Standings
Quincy 5-0, 3-0 in WB6
Geneseo 5-0, 3-0 in WB6
Sterling 2-3, 2-0 in WB6
Moline 3-3, 1-2 in WB6
Galesburg 1-4, 0-2 in WB6
United Township 2-4, 0-3 in WB6
Rock Island 0-5, 0-2 in WB6
Departing thought…
“I think my team is ready to go,” Blackwell said. “The energy is still there. It’s easy to have your head down when you’re 1-4, but when we left practice today (Tuesday) everybody was smiling. Everyone was happy, and it was a good feeling.
GALESBURG — Galesburg High School football coach Derrek Blackwell doesn’t hide his feelings about senior lineman Jamari McDonald.
“Jamari is a leader on the line. He does everything we ask. I love Jamari,” Blackwell said. “I told him after the game (last) Saturday. Even after getting our butts whipped 45-14, I walked straight up to Jamari. He had his head down, and I said ‘pick your head up. I love you kid,’ and I mean that with everything I’ve got. I Iove that kid.
“He plays hard. You can’t teach the way Jamari plays football,” he added. “If we had more kids playing the way Jamari plays then we’d probably be in a different boat right now. I can’t say enough about Jamari. I can go on and on and on.”
McDonald, who dons No. 68 for the Silver Streaks (1-3), always has a positive mindset, and he is willing to do anything for his teammates.
“Previously, he wasn’t much of a vocal leader but this year he’s taken on that role, and he’s done it well,” Blackwell said. “His attitude is great. It reflects on the team. If someone is down, he’s picking guys up.
“He’s the heart and soul of the line,” he added. “Jamari makes us go on both sides of the ball — offensively and defensively. His passion for the game is second-to-none.”
McDonald’s father influenced him to first take up football. Along the way, he fell in love with the game.
“It’s fun,” McDonald said. “You get to hit and be free.”
McDonald doesn’t spend much time on sidelines, and he uses his physical strength in different ways depending on what position he’s playing.
“On defense, you have to be more aggressive than you are on offense,” said the 18-year-old. “Offense, you are aggressive but it’s a passive aggressive because you can’t just over run or under protect. Defense, you have to be over aggressive to go get the ball and just to make the play.”
McDonald isn’t necessarily content with his performance on the field.
“I still have room for improvement,” he said. “I have to work on some of my aiming points and get offs. I just have to work on the little stuff.”
McDonald has faith that Galesburg can still make the cut for the playoffs. The Streaks need four more victories to be eligible for the postseason.
“We’re an amazing team,” McDonald said. “We have the players to get what we need done. It’s just we need to stick to what we do in practice. When we get into games, I don’t know if it’s the hype of the game that messes with us but I believe we are a playoff team.
GALESBURG — Galesburg High School’s football team has done some things this season its coach likes.
“Our physicality is good,” said Derrek Blackwell. “We’re hustling to the ball and all those type of things.”
But the Silver Streaks have also made some mistakes that Blackwell isn’t too fond of.
“We’re making little very minimal mental mistakes whether its outside contain guys peaking inside, whether its inside linebackers hoping outside, misreading blocks,” he said. “It’s just little things, and they happen more than they should. I understand that those things happen over the course of a game. Sometimes, the other team wins that play, but we have to do a better job at trying to win more plays.
“I feel like the plays we win are really good,” Blackwell added. “The plays that we lose are like third-and 10, third-and-12. They are plays that we really need in the game. We need to do a better job of taking care of the plays that we really need, as well as doing our jobs on every other play.”
Galesburg’s mentor, who is in his third season, hopes there’s less blunders come Friday night.
The Streaks (1-3, 0-1 in Western Big 6) will have to play their best against the Maple Leafs of Geneseo at C. C. Van Dyke Field.
The Leafs haven’t dropped a game yet, and they sit in a tie with the Blue Devils of Quincy (4-0, 2-0 WB6) for the best record in the league.
Galesburg is coming off a 45-14 WB6 road loss to Sterling and has suffered two straight defeats.
“Geneseo is tough. They’ve always been tough,” Blackwell said. “Right now, they’re rolling. They’re 4-0.
“To get a win, we have to focus on ourselves and do what we’re capable of doing,” he added. “If we do anything different it’s not going to look good for us. We just have to play Silver Streak Football for 48 minutes. We have to play fundamental Silver Streak Football.”
Juniors: Kenneth Ward (FB/ILB), Lyxander Cauthon (WR/DB), Caden Ashby (WR/DB), Jamar Range (RB/DB), Mark Franklin (OL/DL), Ashton Bane (OL/ILB), Larry Randolph Jr. (OL/DL), Celestin Matala (OL/DL), Gilbert Lewis (OL/DL), Asher Whitcomb (OL/DL), Sal Kisler (OL/DL), Andre Exauce (TE/OLB).
Sophomores: Caden Riley (QB/OLB), Drew Hickey (WR/DB), Bradley Eaton (WR/DB), Ayden Clark (QB/OLB), Anthony Makwala (K), Demetrius Watson (RB/DB), Alfred Ayala (RB/OLB), Nicolas Ojeda (FB/ILB), Madon Taylor (TE/DE), Marquis Horne (OL/DL), LaVant Ritenour (OL/DL), Davion Collins (OL/DL), Dajian Mitchell (OL/DL), Pierre Welcome (OL/DL), Kohyn Baughman (WR/DB), Drake Easley (WR/DB), Dallin Junious (OL/DL), Cooper Ray (TE/ILB).
GALESBURG — Galesburg High School’s football team opens Western Big 6 Conference play on Friday night.
The Silver Streaks (1-2) hit the road to battle the Golden Warriors of Sterling (1-2, 1-0 in WB6).
“The Sterling Golden Warriors is a good football program,” Galesburg coach Derrek Blackwell said. “Year in and year out, it’s tough to go to Sterling and win a football game. To do so, we’re going to have to play fundamentally sound for 48 minutes, and I don’t think we’ve done that in three games – even the game that we won 41-7 I don’t think we played fundamental football for 48 minutes.
“I’ve been trying to explain to the guys that football is a game of inches, and you have to take every inch that you can get,” Blackwell added. “You have to fight. You have to claw for those inches. You can’t just fake football. You can’t hide a guy. You have to play. You have to run. You have to block. You have to run your routes. You have to run your fakes. Everything has to be in order and there has to be a system for it to work. You can’t just turn it on when it is a Friday night. It has to come Monday through Thursday during practice.”
Galesburg is the only squad in the WB6 that hasn’t played a league game yet, and that’s because Rock Island Alleman isn’t fielding a varsity team this season. The Pioneers and Streaks would have faced each other in Week 3 if that wasn’t the case. Instead, Galesburg traveled to “The Hoosier State,” and suffered a 35-14 loss to Indian Creek High School in Trafalgar, Indiana.
“We saw in the film session what it is to go whistle-to-whistle, be fundamental and do everything right,” Blackwell said of the defeat. “We were not doing all the things correctly.”
Juniors: Kenneth Ward (FB/ILB), Lyxander Cauthon (WR/DB), Caden Ashby (WR/DB), Jamar Range (RB/DB), Mark Franklin (OL/DL), Ashton Bane (OL/ILB), Larry Randolph Jr. (OL/DL), Celestin Matala (OL/DL), Gilbert Lewis (OL/DL), Asher Whitcomb (OL/DL), Sal Kisler (OL/DL), Andre Exauce (TE/OLB).
Sophomores: Caden Riley (QB/OLB), Drew Hickey (WR/DB), Bradley Eaton (WR/DB), Ayden Clark (QB/OLB), Anthony Makwala (K), Demetrius Watson (RB/DB), Alfred Ayala (RB/OLB), Nicolas Ojeda (FB/ILB), Madon Taylor (TE/DE), Marquis Horne (OL/DL), LaVant Ritenour (OL/DL), Davion Collins (OL/DL), Dajian Mitchell (OL/DL), Pierre Welcome (OL/DL), Kohyn Baughman (WR/DB), Drake Easley (WR/DB), Dallin Junious (OL/DL), Coooper Ray (TE/ILB).
By the numbers
Williams has 36 rushes for 118 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He’s completed 22 of 47 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown, and Williams has been picked off once. On defense, he leads Galesburg with four interceptions – three of them came in Week 2 in a road contest at Limestone.
Richardson has 44 rushes for 294 yards and three touchdowns. He also has nine receptions for 55 yards. Range has 24 carries for 213 yards, and he’s broken the plane once. Lewis has six grabs for 65 yards and a TD, and he has a 4-yard rush. Phillips has caught four passes for 39 yards.
Galesburg is averaging 23 points per game while foes are averaging almost 32 points per outing. Opponents have racked up 608 rushing yards (average of 7.33 yards per carry) and eight rushing touchdowns against the Streaks. Galesburg has committed seven fumbles (four lost), and the Streaks have committed 19 penalties for 157 yards.
GALESBURG — Galesburg High School senior Gino Williams is an integral part of the Silver Streaks’ football team.
Williams, who dons No. 4, is listed as a wide receiver, defense back, and quarterback on Galesburg’s roster. However, he has not tallied any grabs for the Streaks, and that’s because Williams has been busy serving as Galesburg’s starting signal caller. It’s not his natural position on offense, but Williams is adjusting well. He’s a dual-threat at the position.
Williams has completed 22 of 47 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown, and he has been picked off once.
“Naturally, he is a receiver but we needed him to play quarterback and he hasn’t complained,” Streaks coach Derrek Blackwell said of Williams. “He’s learning on the fly just like I’m learning on the fly what his skill set is at quarterback. He’s getting better at his reads. He’s getting better at his throws. It’s coming together.”
At times, Williams isn’t sure whether to keep the pigskin or pass it to one of his teammates. It’s something the 17-year-old is working to improve.
“I’m being indecisive in the pocket on my choices to either run the ball or throw it and that could be better but other than that I feel I’m playing pretty good this season,” Williams said.
Williams, who also plays basketball and competes in track and field, has 36 rushes for 118 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
“I love Gino’s legs. I tell him to run,” Blackwell said. “What I tell him not to do is run out of the pocket prior to the pass. Once the pocket breaks down, I want him to get out and be an athlete. I want Gino to run. I expect Gino to run. I think he can pick up three, four or five yards with his legs every time.
“A lot of his roll out passes are meant for him to run the ball. If he can’t get the ball out then I want him to run,” Blackwell added. “Gino is an extra running back in the backfield that just happens to throw the ball sometimes. That’s how we use him.”
On defense, Williams leads Galesburg with four interceptions – three of them came in Week 2 in a road contest at Limestone.
“He’s playing outstanding on defense,” Blackwell said of Williams. “He’s a ball hawk. He’s so athletic that it’s almost to a fault. He reacts so well and overreacts sometimes, but he’s on the ball. He’s everywhere we need him to be. I believe he’s one of the better safeties in the league.
“He’s a defensive leader,” Blackwell added. “He led us in tackles in the Dunlap game (in Week 1). He’s doing everything for us on defense.”
While he’s playing well when lined up as a safety, Williams has things he can do better.
“He just needs to not overreact. A pump fake or the quarterback’s eyes kind of send him in a direction,” Blackwell said. “If he could just sit in the middle a little more or maybe even force the quarterback into something when his eyes are going one way then go the other way and force him into going where he doesn’t want to go. Gino is working on those things, and he’s getting a lot better.”
And what’s the future hold for Williams.
“I want to play football in college somewhere,” he said. “I don’t want to stay close to home. I kind of want to get outside and explore.”
Departing thought…
“He’s a captain. He’s a leader and when he’s on the field it seems like things are going right,” Blackwell said of Williams. “He’s got a good head on his shoulders. He does everything that we ask.
“He’s got a great work ethic. He picks the guys up and is an extension of myself on the field.”
GALESBURG — Galesburg High School senior Amarie Richardson decided to let his razor take a break, and the Silver Streaks’ starting running back looks a bit older than he is due to that fact.
However, Richardson is only 17, and he’s swift with cleats on his feet.
“Amarie plays really well. He’s a very fast kid. He uses that speed to his advantage,” said Galesburg coach Derrek Blackwell, a 2003 GHS grad who lined up in the backfield for the Silver Streaks and continued his football career at Western Illinois University.
Richardson, who dons No. 6, has 33 carries for 260 yards and three touchdowns so far this season. Last Friday night in a 41-7 road victory over Limestone, he led Galesburg’s offensive attack with 18 rushes for 201 yards and a trio of scores.
“I feel like I’m doing alright, but I feel that I can definitely do more,” Richardson said after Tuesday’s practice. “When I watch film, I’m seeing a lot of things that I can do better and improve on still.”
Richardson, who is also a sprinter for the Streaks’ boys track and field team, constantly displays his quickness on the gridiron. At times, once Richardson sees a gap to run through he takes off and burst through it when he needs to let things materialize a little bit and get outside the tackles.
“I need to read the holes more,” Richardson said. “I’ve learned, and I’ve been learning. When I see holes, I hit them hard. When plays are designed to go outside I’m so used to trying to gain yards that when I actually could go outside I don’t. I can do better on that part.”
Blackwell agrees, but he knows Richardson will.
“It’s not him hitting the hole, because he does a good job hitting the hole,” Blackwell said. “It’s when we call an outside run he tries to cut it up before he gets outside and we have to explain to him that the play is meant for him to use his speed so just use it.
“He just has to do a better job of trusting the process and getting outside and then once he gets out there using his speed,” Blackwell added. “He’s gotten better at it, and he will continue to get better at it. We will see the results.”
Losing yardage is rare for Richardson, and he’s grown into his position.
“I’ve matured more as a running back,” Richardson said. “I get yards.”
However, Richardson isn’t worried about how many yards he racks up.
“I just really want to make the playoffs. We haven’t made them since I’ve been in high school, so I don’t know what that’s like,” Richardson said. “I don’t really have any personal goals. I just want to win and go to the playoffs.”
Departing thought…
“He’s a leader. He kind of makes the team go,” Blackwell said. “The way Amarie goes is the way the team goes, you know. We kind of ride on his shoulders, and everybody knows that Amarie is a big piece of our offense.
“We’re going to use him the best that we can. Everybody knows that he’s our man.”
Galesburg High School football coach Derrek Blackwell talks to his squad after Tuesday’s practice at C.C. Van Dyke Field. [Matthew Wheaton/Wheat on the Prairie]
By Matthew Wheaton, Wheat on the Prairie
GALESBURG — Those associated with Galesburg High School’s football team will wake up before sunrise for the Silver Streaks’ next game.
Galesburg (1-1) heads to Trafalgar, Indiana, to face the Indian Creek Braves (1-2) on Saturday for a 2 p.m. affair.
The Streaks will do so with a bit of confidence after a 41-7 road win over Limestone last Friday night. Like Galesburg, Indian Creek secured its first victory in the 2023 last week. The Braves defeated the Patriots of Owen Valley 38-0.
Typically, Galesburg would be opening Western Big 6 Conference play this week, but Rock Island Alleman is not fielding a varsity team this season. In turn, the Streaks had to scramble to find a foe, and they’ll travel across “The Land of Lincoln” almost five hours to “The Hoosier State” with a pit stop in Danville, Illinois, to stretch their legs and grab a bite to eat, according to Galesburg coach Derrek Blackwell.
“We have an extra work day,” Blackwell said. “Friday will be our walk-through day. We pushed team dinner back. We usually practice before team dinner, but we’ll practice after it this week, and hopefully they’ll go home and get straight to bed to be here on time (Saturday) and on the bus.
“Hopefully, we will go win a football game.”
What happened in Week 2?
In Week 2, the Streaks slowly kept improving against the Rockets.
“I liked how we progressively got better,” Blackwell said. “You could see us getting better at the things we wanted to do. The first half, we knew what we wanted to do but we weren’t executing it. At halftime, we brought the iPads out and showed the kids what needed to be done.”
Senior running back Amarie Richardson led Galesburg’s offensive attack against Limestone with 18 carries for 201 yards and three touchdowns. Senior quarterback/defensive back Gino Williams had three interceptions on defense, and he had seven carries for 14 yards and a score. Junior Jamar Range carried the pigskin 13 times for 141 yards and also broke the plane.
Galesburg’s roster
Seniors: Gino Williams (WR/DB/QB), Amarie Richardson (RB/DB), Markis Lewis (WR/DB), Izaiah Coleman (FB/ILB), Nicholas Curtis (RB/OLB), Sam Satisky (K), Keyondre Harrison (TE/ILB), John Willis (OL/DL), Jamari McDonald (OL/DL), Yoreh Yarita (TE/OLB), Adrien Phillips (WR/DB).
Juniors: Kenneth Ward (FB/ILB), Lyxander Cauthon (WR/DB), Caden Ashby (WR/DB), Jamar Range (RB/DB), Mark Franklin (OL/DL), Ashton Bane (OL/ILB), Larry Randolph Jr. (OL/DL), Celestin Matala (OL/DL), Gilbert Lewis (OL/DL), Asher Whitcomb (OL/DL), Sal Kisler (OL/DL), Andre Exauce (TE/OLB).
Sophomores: Caden Riley (QB/OLB), Drew Hickey (WR/DB), Bradley Eaton (WR/DB), Ayden Clark (QB/OLB), Anthony Makwala (K), Demetrius Watson (RB/DB), Alfred Ayala (RB/OLB), Nicolas Ojeda (FB/ILB), Madon Taylor (TE/DE), Marquis Horne (OL/DL), LaVant Ritenour (OL/DL), Davion Collins (OL/DL), Dajian Mitchell (OL/DL), Pierre Welcome (OL/DL), Kohyn Baughman (WR/DB), Drake Easley (WR/DB), Dallin Junious (OL/DL), Coooper Ray (TE/ILB).
GALESBURG — After two weeks of practice, Galesburg High School’s football team is set to open the 2023 season.
The Silver Streaks, who went 3-6 overall last fall in Derrek Blackwell’s second season, will do so at 8 p.m. Friday in a home contest against the Eagles of Dunlap.
“The last couple years versus Dunlap I feel they’ve been more prepared than we are. I also feel that we’ve had better teams than they have, so I’ve been outcoached,” Blackwell said after Tuesday’s practice. “I’ve put it on myself, and all our coaches have, to make sure the team is ready. I’m not guaranteeing a victory, but we will be ready.
“There will be less penalties. There will be less mistakes,” added Blackwell, whose team suffered a 27-13 road loss to the Eagles to open the 2022 season. Galesburg fell to Dunlap 7-6 at Van Dyke Field in the 2021 season opener. “Friday will be a hard fought game all the way through, and it has been the last two years.”
‘I just want to do better fundamentally’
Blackwell, who holds a 7-11 career mark, has one main goal for his Streaks this season, and it sounds pretty simple but on occasion mistakes have hurt Galesburg.
“I just want to do better fundamentally,” Blackwell said. “That starts with myself all the way down to the kids. We like to say maybe ‘the kids did this or the kids did that,’ but if the kids are doing it then we’re allowing it. That is all on coaching.
“We have to do better as a coaching staff, and I want myself to be better as a coach at coaching the coaches to what we expect from Silver Streaks football players.”
Seniors will provide leadership
Nolan Carl (TE/OLB),Mikey Eiker (WR/DB), Jon Sibley III (RB/DB), Tristan Legate (QB/ILB), Cam Aguirre (RB/LB), Bryce Harter (RB/ILB), Carter Clary (OL/DL), Noah Wright (OL/DL), Grant Rees (OL/DL), Aaron Kelley (OL/DL), Dishon Nolen (OL/DL), Gavin West (OL/DL), Treyson Hardges (WR/DB), Mason Kimmitt (WR/DB), Graham Peterson (WR/DB), and Jerry Taylor (TE/OLB) made up Galesburg’s senior class in the 2022 season. They all contributed in one way or another, but they’ve moved on and it’s time for another group of young men to step up and serve as leaders.
“The upperclassmen this year are really close,” Blackwell said. “They’ve been friends since the first and second grade. They know each other. They fight for each other, and they fight like brothers, you know. They go at each others necks, but they also back each other up.
“Everything this group of seniors does is together whether that’s getting ice cream or just hanging out,” Blackwell added. “I like that cohesiveness.”
Williams gets starting nod at QB
Senior Gino Williams saw time as a starting quarterback in 2022. He took over for Legate in Week 4 last fall, as the latter suffered a left high ankle sprain. Legate missed two games of action due to the injury.
Williams is a dual threat, and he’s been working hard on the gridiron and away from it. Williams knows what he has to do to be a leader.
“I’m just trying to be the best person I can be for my teammates,” Williams said. “I feel really good going into the game Friday. I feel like we have a good team.
“We can come out with a win as long as we stay together as a team.”
Galesburg’s roster
Seniors: Gino Williams (WR/DB/QB), Amarie Richardson (RB/DB), Markis Lewis (WR/DB), Izaiah Coleman (FB/ILB), Nicholas Curtis (RB/OLB), Sam Satisky (K), Keyondre Harrison (TE/ILB), John Willis (OL/DL), Jamari McDonald (OL/DL), Yoreh Yarita (TE/OLB), Adrien Phillips (WR/DB).
Juniors: Kenneth Ward (FB/ILB), Lyxander Cauthon (WR/DB), Caden Ashby (WR/DB), Jamar Range (RB/DB), Mark Franklin (OL/DL), Ashton Bane (OL/ILB), Larry Randolph Jr. (OL/DL), Celestin Matala (OL/DL), Gilbert Lewis (OL/DL), Asher Whitcomb (OL/DL), Sal Kisler (OL/DL), Andre Exauce (TE/OLB).
Sophomores: Caden Riley (QB/OLB), Drew Hickey (WR/DB), Bradley Eaton (WR/DB), Ayden Clark (QB/OLB), Anthony Makwala (K), Demetrius Watson (RB/DB), Alfred Ayala (RB/OLB), Nicolas Ojeda (FB/ILB), Madon Taylor (TE/DE), Marquis Horne (OL/DL), LaVant Ritenour (OL/DL), Davion Collins (OL/DL), Dajian Mitchell (OL/DL), Pierre Welcome (OL/DL), Kohyn Baughman (WR/DB), Drake Easley (WR/DB), Dallin Junious (OL/DL), Coooper Ray (TE/ILB).
ONEIDA — There’s no doubt about it, Garrett Rau will always have fond memories of his time in Knox County.
And after seven years in Illinois, Rau is headed to “The Badger State” to coach, reside, and teach, and he’ll do so once the 2022-23 school year concludes.
The 25-year-old has been named as the head varsity boys basketball coach for his high school alma mater in Abbotsford, Wisconsin, and he will serve as the defensive coordinator for the Falcons’ varsity football team.
Rau, a 2016 AHS and 2020 Knox College grad, is excited about returning to his hometown, and he’ll be building from the ground up. In the 2022-23 season, the Falcons went 2-23 overall and 1-15 in Marawood (North) Conference action on the hardwood under the guidance of Brent Faber.
“There’s a really good history in the basketball program up there. I played on the last conference championship team. I played on the last regional championship team. We lost in triple overtime in the sectional game,” said Rau, who played baseball, basketball and football in high school. “All those memories I still look back on all the time today. To be able to go back and create more of those memories, hopefully, is special.
“They haven’t had a whole lot of success lately, so the big thing is getting them to buy-in, and trust that the work they’re putting in is going to pay off,” Rau added. “We play in a really really competitive conference. I would argue that it’s the best small school conference in Wisconsin.”
Rau has never called all the shots on the varsity level, but he has plenty of coaching experience.
For two seasons, Rau served as Galesburg High School’s sophomore boys basketball coach. Ryan Hart was the Streaks’ varsity coach his first season (2020-21), and Chad Thompson was in the second (2021-22). This winter, Rau, a science teacher, was ROWVA/Williamsfield’s sophomore boys coach, and he served as the defensive coordinator for the Cougars’ football team.
Rau worked under former Streaks football coach Michael “Wash” Washabaugh in the 2020 season, which was pushed back into the spring in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Rau was Galesburg’s freshman coach, and on the varsity level, he worked with the defensive backs, wide receivers, and served as the Streaks’ special teams coordinator.
In 2021, Aaron Willits hired Rau to coach the Prairie Fire’s defensive backs. In his collegiate playing career, Rau was a three-year starter in the defensive backfield and handled the punting duties for Knox. A captain his senior year, Rau was selected as an All-Midwest Conference performer as a defensive back in 2018 and 2019. He also received All-MWC honors as a punter in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
“I always tell people I like both the same, but growing up I always considered myself a hooper. Until my senior year of high school, I really didn’t have any interest in playing college football,” Rau said. “I had offers to play both (basketball and football) coming out of high school, and I just told myself that I was going to pick a school and then whatever that school wanted me to play is what I would play. I ended up choosing Knox, and they wanted me to play football so I played football.
“Basketball is my first love,” Rau added. “If I had to pick one, I would say basketball is my favorite.”
What’s Rau’s coaching style? What will be the Falcons’ game plan?
Rau takes a laid back approach when it comes to his coaching style, and Rau values the bonds with the student-athletes he encounters.
“I want to be somebody that they come to when they need help,” Rau said. “I want to be the person they look up to. Being able to be that person has been really fulfilling so far.”
Rau has already been working on the X’s and O’s and knows what he wants from Abbotsford’s hoopers.
“We’re going to be a pressure man-to-man team. I would love to be able to press people. Offensively, we’ll be a little bit newer aged,” Rau said. “We’ll put our big guy in the high post. We’ll run a little bit of offense through him kind of similar to what the (Denver) Nuggets do with (Nikola) Jokić, and what the (Milwaukee) Bucks do with Giannis (Antetokounmpo) — where your big is handling the ball to try to engage those defenders a little bit farther away from the basket and create a little bit more space.
“As a (football) defensive coach, I really try to keep it as simple as I possibly can. I just let the kids read and react and play fast,” added Rau. “I really stress the little things in every thing that we do — being fundamentally sound. I don’t blitz a whole lot. I like to see what the offense is doing and react to it.”
Rau’s taken things from all his bosses
Along his journey as an assistant coach, Rau has learned from everyone he’s worked under, and Rau will take a little bit from everyone of them with him.
“Wash is very very organized, and he’s very good with getting everybody in the program to move in one direction. Hart was a very much go with the flow kind of guy. Working for those two at the same time was kind of interesting, because they are kind of opposite on how they go about things. Learning how to adjust, especially during that COVID year, was something that Ryan taught me,” Rau said. “Willits taught me a lot about program building. Chad is another guy who is super organized, and he’s very similar. He was a younger guy who came back to his hometown to be the head basketball coach. I’ve actually talked with him a fair amount about how to handle some of those situations.
“(ROWVA/Williamsfield boys basketball) coach (Bob) Anderson is a legend around this area, and he’s so prepared all the time. I’ve never met a coach that is so prepared for everybody, every thing and every moment. The scenarios that he puts in during practice in order to prepare them for a game is something that is really special and it allows him to do so many different things in the course of a game,” Rau added. “(Cougars football coach Grant) Gullstrand is a really good program guy. I’ve learned a lot about training, strength and conditioning and running a program. He did a good job this year at letting me make mistakes as an assistant. Being able to make mistakes and learn from them was a really big thing.”
Departing thought…
“I’ve been in the Galesburg-area for seven years now, and I’m going to miss it a ton to be honest with you,” Rau said. “It’s been a big part of my life and a true home away from home kind of feeling to it.
“I’ve met a lot of amazing people. I’ve been able to work with and for a lot of great people. A lot of them will be friends for the rest of my life,” Rau added. “I am really grateful, and I’m going to miss it a lot.”
GALESBURG — None of the teams that made up Galesburg High School’s boys basketball program in the 2022-23 season finished with winning records.
Under the guidance of Mark Harden Jr., the Silver Streaks’ freshmen went 13-16 overall. Galesburg’s sophomore squad, coached by Mark Harden Sr., finished with a 12-18 record, and Chad Thompson’s varsity team went 4-10 in Western Big 6 Conference play and 10-23 overall.
But each and every one of the student-athletes who represented the Streaks on the hardwood grew along the way, and while wins are the ultimate goal, the lessons learned from the losses mean something, too.
“I think we competed and played hard all year,” Thompson said Tuesday evening after the annual banquet for Galesburg’s boys. “Our record wasn’t what we wanted it to be but you saw a ton of growth on a team with very little experience coming back to the varsity roster.
“(Senior) Easton Steck and (junior) Ian Dominique Jr. are the only guys who had any varsity experience with meaningful minutes. It was a huge learning year for us, and we knew that coming in,” added Thompson, a 2011 GHS grad who played for the Streaks. “I thought we saw great growth. It might not have been reflected in the record but anyone who knows anything about basketball and watched this team knows the strides we made were huge.
“We still have a lot of building to do and a lot of building to go.”
In WB6 action, Clary averaged almost 11 points a game (No. 10 in the league), and he snagged almost eight rebounds per conference affair, which put Clary at No. 2 in the WB6. He earned All-WB6 honorable mention honors, and Clary was named as the Streaks’ Most Valuable Player. In the offseason, Clary put in a lot of time improving his skills.
“Carter made himself into a basketball player this summer. He fully bought in,” Thompson said. “He got stronger. He developed his skills on the block. He can shoot the 3. He is a decent ball handler. He’s a very good passer out of the post, and he was an elite offensive rebounder.
“Carter did such a great job playing with maximum effort and working out with maximum effort,” Thompson added. “He was a two-sport MVP at a school of over 1,000 kids, and that’s rare to do. I think that itself speaks to Carter’s work ethic.
“We’re incredibly proud of him.”
Dominique echoes Thompson’s sentiments.
“I was there every step of the way. We were working together. My game grew but his game grew drastically,” Dominique said of Clary. “He put up almost a double-double. I was proud of him for sure.”
“After last season sitting on the bench and cheering my team on, I put in the work in the offseason,” Clary said. “I thought I played pretty well but I wish the record would have been different.”
On Monday night, Clary donned a Galesburg basketball uniform one final time. He started for Team Illinois in the boys edition of the Iowa-Illinois Senior All-Star Basketball Games, which took place inside Augustana College’s Carver Center in Rock Island, and he netted five points.
“That was a great experience,” Clary said. “It was impressive to watch everybody play.”
Dominique ‘heart and soul’ of Streaks
Not only did he push Clary, Dominique was doing the same for the rest of his teammates, as well.
“Ian is the heart and soul of our team and the leader of our team. He is the hands down leader, and it is not leadership that is assigned by coaches,” Thompson said. “He stepped up and took the reigns at a young age and built himself into a leader. That is a quality he already had in him.”
And Dominique, who has a warrior mentality, now sits atop the Galesburg record book for made 3-pointers in a season with 91.
“Personally, I was happy about it but it really doesn’t matter to me because our record didn’t show it. Making that many 3s obviously helped the team but it didn’t help it enough. The record really doesn’t matter to me because we didn’t get as many wins as we wanted,” Dominique said. “Next year, I’m hoping we get a lot more wins and if it happens again I’ll break the record again, but I’m more focused on winning as a team and making it farther in the playoffs next year.”
Dominique will be focusing on getting better before then.
“I’m so proud of him for the 3-point record because it shows his determination to be great himself, but he has a long way to go beyond just the 3-point line,” Thompson said of Dominique. “He’s got to learn to score the ball better inside. He’s got to get stronger and faster. He knows that, and I also know he’s going to do those things to be successful, and he’s going to bring other guys along with him.”
Galesburg’s Award Winners
Newcomer of the Year: Jackson Crock-Sibbing
Most Improved Player: Jace Keith
Defensive Player of the Year: Gino Williams
Warrior Award (Toughest Player): Ian Dominique Jr.
Silver Streak Award: Nolan Carl, Easton Steck
Most Valuable Player: Carter Clary
Streaks’ roster
Seniors: Brandin Lewis, Carter Clary, Nolan Carl, Easton Steck.
Juniors: Gino Williams, Ian Dominique Jr., Talen Davis, Jace Keith, Ayden Almaguer, Jackson Hillhouse, Jamal Waters.
Sophomores: Tyree Taylor, Cody Jones.
Freshmen: Jackson Crock-Sibbing, Leslie Kelley.
Departing thought…
“I’m just really looking forward to the young guys we have coming up. I think it’s going to be an exciting fast paced group to watch,” Thompson said. “We will definitely have another new look to Galesburg Basketball.”
GALESBURG — Those who hit the hardwood for Galesburg High School’s girls basketball program in the 2022-23 season met up for a final time Monday night.
The Silver Streaks did so in the GHS Commons area, and they reflected on what they accomplished. Despite falling short of their goals, no tears were shed, as it was a joyous occasion.
As a collective unit, Galesburg went 50-23 overall this winter and 25-18 in Western Big 6 Conference action. The Streaks’ freshman squad, coached by Josh Biddle, finished with a 12-4 mark and went 9-1 in league play. Galesburg’s sophomores, who were guided by Michael Rux, finished with a 12-11 record and finished with .500 winning percentage in the WB6 with a 7-7 mark.
The Streaks’ varsity team went 26-8 overall, finished in second place in the WB6 with a 9-6 record and grabbed its second straight regional crown — 26th overall.
Galesburg’s season ended with a 63-34 loss to Peoria Central in Class 3A sectional semifinal action back on Tuesday, Feb. 21.
“We were upset that we didn’t win first in conference but I don’t think it made that big of an impact on us, and we still played hard,” said junior guard Alexis Edgerson. “We had a great season.”
Evan Massey, who has accumulated a 992-390 record in 45 seasons as the Streaks’ varsity coach, agrees.
“This was a great team. They were one of my favorite teams to coach,” Massey said. “They were not afraid to work hard, and they really worked to help each other.
“Defensively, we did not give up many easy points in transition, with second shots, or at the foul line,” he added. “Offensively, we did not turn the ball over.”
Galesburg had four seniors — Lilly Clark, Capre Ferguson, Kayla Pendergast, and Juniper Schwartzman — and they set good examples.
“Our four seniors were hard workers and leaders,” Massey said. “They definitely were positive models for our younger players.”
Kilgore paved the way for Galesburg
Junior Kiarra Kilgore was selected to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s all-state second team in Class 3A, and she also was named the MVP of the WB6.
“She’s a great player,” Edgerson said of Kilgore. “I love playing with her.”
Kilgore averaged 22.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.9 steals per game in 2022-23, and she has netted 1,422 points so far in her career, which ranks sixth in the Streaks’ record book. Sarah Larson holds the top spot with 1,906 points.
“Kiarra being selected as the MVP of the WB6 was a tremendous honor and a very deserved honor,” Massey said. “She did so many good things for us as a team.”
And Kilgore is hungry for more. She has already started preparing for her senior season.
“I’m not satisfied with what I accomplished,” Kilgore said. “I’ve already been getting back in the gym with my dad (Curtis Kilgore).
“I pretty much shoot layups and 3s,” she added. “I need to get better at my mid-range and become a better ball handler.”
Streaks’ Award Winners
Most Improved Player: Antonia Kisler
Best Defensive Player: Alexis Edgerson
Amy Crisman Award (outstanding player): Kiarra Kilgore
GALESBURG — Galesburg High School’s Gauge Shipp wrestled at 126 pounds in the regular season.
But the junior took on foes who weighed 12 pounds more than him in the postseason.
Back on Feb. 4, when Shipp stood on the scale before taking the mat in regional action at Sterling High School, it read he was 1.6 ounces heavier than he actually is. In fact, the scale did on three different occasions.
However, Shipp didn’t back down. He never does, and Shipp grappled in the 138 pound weight class.
Shipp focused on what he could control, and he did an outstanding job doing that all season long.
Over the weekend, Shipp faced four different opponents in the Class 2A state tournament, which was held at the State Farm Center in Champaign, and none of them tallied a point against Shipp. He arrived back to his hometown on Sunday afternoon as a state champ.
“I’m proud of my performance,” Shipp said Monday evening. “I didn’t give up a single point this weekend, and I think that is a great accolade – that’s hard to do at such a high level.
“This weekend was just all about my offense,” added Shipp, who finished the season with a flawless record of 50-0.
Shipp is only the third member of the Silver Streaks’ wrestling program who have claimed a gold medal. Gene Denisar (154 pounds) earned one in the 1963-64 school year, and Gene Courtwright (115 pounds) did in 1944-45.
As a sophomore, Shipp finished sixth in state competition at 120 pounds. There are green street signs just outside Galesburg’s city limits which inform folks that, and Shipp is looking forward to seeing state champion on the next set.
“It’s really cool when I come back into town from wherever I went, and I see (the signs),” Shipp said. “I’m just glad I’m a name that comes up when you talk about Galesburg. I’m proud to be a part of that.”
Does Shipp have weaknesses?
Shipp is more than aware of his weaknesses, and he’s always focused on improvement.
“I definitely have weaknesses, and I work on those weaknesses every day,” Shipp said. “I’ve always had problems keeping my legs back, and I think I got really better at that this year. Not a lot of kids got to my legs.
“You can always get better, and you can always sharpen yourself as a wrestler and as a person,” he added. “I just keep working on those things every day.”
What’s Shipp do besides wrestle?
Onemight think all Shipp does is wrestle 24/7, but that’s not the case. There are other items on Shipp’s agenda, as well.
“I love fishing. I love being outdoors,” Shipp said. “I work with my dad in the garage a lot.
“I just enjoy the little things with my family and with my friends,” he added. “The time I do get to spend away from the mat, I spend it outdoors, and I’m with the people I love.”
Departing thought…
“Every time I go on that mat, I just believe I’m the best wrestler and that’s what I had to keep in the back of my mind (at state),” Shipp said. “This weekend, I just wanted to take it all in because you only get a certain amount of opportunities at the state tournament as a high schooler. I took it all in and made sure I was the best version of myself when I was wrestling.”
GALESBURG — A quartet of Galesburg High School wrestlers will take part in Illinois High School Association state matches over the next two weeks.
Juniors Rocky Almendarez (132 pounds) and Gauge Shipp (138 pounds) — along with senior Emilio Torres (170 pounds) — will do so at the State Farm Center, located on the University of Illinois campus, in Champaign. State action there runs Thursday through Saturday.
Next weekend, sophomore Annalisa Gibbons (140 pounds) will wrestle inside the Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.
The Top 6 finishers in each weight class will earn a state medal. This marks the third straight season Almendarez and Shipp will wear singlets in a state tourney. Torres experienced state last winter by serving as a training partner for Jeremiah Morris (220 pounds), who graduated in 2022.
“We took three boys last year and it was the first time that Galesburg took three to the IHSA event since 2002, so that was pretty exciting,” Silver Streaks coach Greg Leibach, who is in his seventh season, said before Wednesday’s practice. “To follow it up a year later with the same number of boys is really satisfying and a credit to the kids.”
Gibbons is the first Galesburg girls wrestler to earn a state bid. This is only the second season the IHSA has backed a state series for girls.
“I just want to try to do my best (at state) and try to improve in every match,” Gibbons said.
Almendarez, Shipp are close pals
Almendarez (36-7) and Shipp (46-0) always face each other in practice. They’ve been good friends since the sixth grade, and they make each other better.
Shipp holds a 122-9 overall record in his high school wrestling career and surpassed the 100 win mark earlier this season. With 93 career victories, Almendarez will do so next winter. The GHS school record for career wins is 130.
“We push each other every day,” Shipp said. “Even if we butt heads at practice, the next day it’s completely different – like it never happened.
“I’m really excited to compete at state again. It’s nice to get to the State Farm Center,” added Shipp, who has been wrestling since the age of 6. “The key is just being really confident in my offense and my abilities when I’m wrestling. I’m hoping for some good results.”
Almendarez agrees with his pal.
“Key is just to set up your shots and stay in good position,” Almendarez said. “You have to just wrestle consistent and with confidence.”
Torres ‘just dumps’ his foes
Torres (32-15) is a half inch from being 5-foot-3, and like all of his teammates, he displays a lot of heart.
“He had a good run this season and a lot of good matches,” Almendarez said of Torres. “He just doesn’t give up and with the fireman’s carry he just dumps them.”
“He’s been such a joy to watch. He had to win back-to-back tough wrestleback matches at the sectional last week to qualify for state, and he wrestled them perfectly. He achieved the goal he had set for himself early on,” Leibach said of Torres. “I’m just thrilled for him. That state qualifier label was hard earned. He can take pride in that for the rest of his life.”
Gibbons hadn’t wrestled before this season
Gibbons is in her first season representing Galesburg’s wrestling program, and she improved as the season wore on.
“(Juniors) Hannah (Almendarez) and Emily (Miller) came back as experienced wrestlers, and I think they had great leadership qualities on the girls side of the sport,” Leibach said. “They all had the opportunity to compete at girls only events and that was really enjoyable and valuable for them.
“Eliana (Juarez) and Annalisa came in as first year wrestlers, and they were already good athletes. Eliana as a soccer player, and Annalisa as a softball player,” Leibach added. “They were able to apply that athleticism and that competitiveness to their wrestling.
“We just watched them get better week after week.”
And what made Gibbons decide to grapple?
“It looked interesting,” she said. “I like the environment, the people and winning.
“I think more girls should try wrestling.”
Departing thought…
“At state, the key for all four of them is to take it one match at a time,” Leibach said. “We’re excited about the potential all four of our qualifiers have to not just go compete but also be successful. They have to let their focus be on the next match that is in front of them.
“In these state tournament brackets there are quality wrestlers everywhere, and if you lose that focus you can fall off track from what your ultimate goal is.”
GALESBURG — Galesburg High School’s girls basketball team started off a bit slow in its first game in 2023.
However, the Silver Streaks picked up the pace after the first eight minutes expired on Thursday night at John Thiel Gymnasium, and Galesburg came away with a 65-40 win over Sterling in Western Big 6 Conference action.
After the first quarter, the Streaks (17-4, 5-2) were ahead 9-7 against the Golden Warriors (2-15, 0-7). Behind its defense, Galesburg pulled away from Sterling in the second stanza for a 28-15 advantage at the half. The Streaks were ahead 48-26 after 24 minutes of play.
Steals led to buckets for Galesburg versus Sterling, as the Streaks clogged up the gaps well. Galesburg’s Capre Ferguson, a senior guard who netted 10 points, and Kiarra Kilgore, a junior guard who had a game-high 33 points, did an especially good job doing so.
“I thought in particular Capre and Kiarra got out in the passing lanes, and we got some easy things in break-aways,” Streaks coach Evan Massey said. “It kind of set a tone, and our pressure had an effect.”
Massey, who is in his 45th season and currently holds a career record of 983-386, likes the way things have gone in 2022-23. Galesburg has grown as the season has progressed.
“I’m proud of what they’ve done so far, and how they’ve approached things,” Massey said. “I think they really have taken to trying to be a strong man-to-man defensive team, and they’ve done a nice job working to defend people. We’ve improved a lot offensively since the beginning of the year, as well.
“We have to keep getting better defensively, and we need other players to step up and score like they did tonight,” Massey added. “At Mattoon, it was Juniper Schwartzman and Syriah Boyd stepped up and were big scorers for us. Here tonight, it was Capre and Alexis (Edgerson, who finished with 11 points) stepped up and scored. We have to continue to get more scoring.”
Streaks’ Kilgore joins 1,000 point club
In Mattoon Holiday Tourney action versus Sullivan on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, Kilgore became one of 16 players who have represented Galesburg on the hardwood that have notched 1,000 points in their careers.
“She was a very good sophomore. She’s a great junior right now in terms of what she does,” Massey said of Kilgore. “We’re excited that she’s still got over a year left to go.”
Kilgore currently has scored 1,140 points in her career, and she never thought she’d reach the 1,000 point plateau.
“I’ve worked hard for this,” Kilgore said of the achievement. “My dad (Curtis Kilgore) has been a really big part of this and has made me become the player that I am.”
Kilgore would rather have victories over points.
“Wins are more important. I’m a part of a team and that’s what we want,” Kilgore said. “I’m not worried about me scoring.”
Galesburg’s 1,000 point scorers
Sarah Larson 1,906 (1995-99)
Tiffany Sibley 1,806 (1988-92)
Jessica Howard 1,516 (2007-11)
Megan Pacheco 1,445 (1996-2000)
Molly Watson 1,430 (1993-97)
Jessica Leiber 1,415 (2009-13)
Brenna Saline 1,414 (2003-07)
Shayli Florine 1,261 (2012-16)
Sarah Pacheco 1,260 (1997-2001)
Kiarra Kilgore 1,140
Stefanie Mitchell 1,135 (1991-95)
Debbie Roberts 1,090 (1981-84)
Ann Henderson 1,080 (1989-93)
Taylor Young 1,014 (2004-08)
Shannon Johnson 1,012 (1985-89)
LaToya Wright 1,010 (2002-05)
Streaks’ schedule
Sat., Jan. 7 vs. Manual, 1 p.m.
Thu., Jan. 12 vs. Moline, 7 p.m.
Thu., Jan. 19 at Geneseo, 7 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 21 vs. Morton, 1 p.m.
Mon., Jan. 23 vs. Canton, 7 p.m.
Thu., Jan. 26 vs. Quincy, 7 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 28 at United Township, 1:30 p.m.
Thu., Feb. 2 vs. Rock Island, 7 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 4 vs. Alleman, 1:30 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 8 at Sterling, 7 p.m.
Feb. 11-17: IHSA Regionals
Departing thought…
“I think we’re playing really well as a team,” Kilgore said. “We’re moving the ball well. We’re being more patient on offense.
“We’re playing better man-to-man defense. We’re communicating a lot more and getting in the gaps.”
GALESBURG — With three games left on the schedule, Galesburg High School’s football team holds a 1-5 overall mark, and the Silver Streaks know they won’t be playing in Week 10.
Only pride is on the line for Galesburg as the season winds down, and the Silver Streaks — who have suffered four straight losses — have a tough test this week.
Galesburg will battle Moline (5-1, 4-0) at 7 p.m. Friday at Van Dyke Field in a Western Big 6 Conference affair. The Maroons have reeled off four straight victories, and they’re contending for back-to-back league crowns.
The Silver Streaks haven’t been able to beat a WB6 opponent this season, and they’re looking to make things difficult for Moline. However, Galesburg coach Derrek Blackwell knows that’s not easy to do.
“I’ve been telling the guys all week that we’ve got nothing to lose. We’ve already lost (a chance for) the playoffs,” Blackwell said after Wednesday’s practice. “Our record doesn’t show what we’re capable of doing. I believe the guys can come out and play a good game and show Galesburg fans what we’re made of.
“Like I said, we’ve got nothing to lose,” Blackwell added. “We’re just going to go out there and play our hearts out. They’re a really good team so we’re just going to do what we can. We’re going to play tough hard nosed football to try to come out victorious.”
What went down last fall?
The Silver Streaks were blanked by the Maroons 27-0 at Browning Field in Moline last fall.
Seniors: Nolan Carl (TE/OLB), Mikey Eiker (WR/DB), Jon Sibley III (RB/DB), Tristan Legate (QB/ILB), Cam Aguirre (RB/LB), Bryce Harter (RB/ILB), Carter Clary (OL/DL), Noah Wright (OL/DL), Grant Rees (OL/DL), Aaron Kelley (OL/DL), Dishon Nolen (OL/DL), Gavin West (OL/DL), Treyson Hardges (WR/DB), Mason Kimmitt (WR/DB), Graham Peterson (WR/DB), Xavier Van Dyke (TE/DE), Jerry Taylor (TE/OLB).
Juniors: Gino Williams (QB/WR/DB), Amarie Richardson (RB/DB), Adrien Phillips (WR/DB), Markis Lewis (WR/DB), Izaiah Coleman (RB/ILB), Nicholas Curtis (RB/OLB), Sam Satisky (K), Keyondre Harrison (TE/OLB), John Willis (OL/ILB), Gavin Kaden (OL/DL), Jamari McDonald (OL/DL), Bradley Pearce (OL/DL).
Sophomores: DeAmiyn Elston (WR/OLB), Darius Walker (RB/DB), Easton Reed (QB/OLB), Lyxander Cauthon (WR/DB), Caden Ashby (WR/DB), Kenneth Ward (RB/ILB), Saxen Patrick (WR/DB), Jamar Range (RB/DB), Aguy Isala (WR/DB), Don Patrick, Jr. (WR/DB), Josiah Carter (WR/DB), Ashton Bane (OL/ILB), Keaton Bane (OL/ILB), Nathan Maloy (OL/DL), Masen Iams (TE/OLB), Schuylur Sturgeon (OL/DL), Gilbert Lemus (OL/DL), Asher Whitcomb (OL/DL), David Bernhart, Jr. (OL/DL), Sal Kisler (OL/DL).
GALESBURG — Carter Clary wasn’t certain he was going to take the gridiron for Galesburg High School this fall.
The 6-foot-5 senior thought about just focusing on improving his skills on the hardwood for the Silver Streaks.
But the 17-year-old decided not to walk away from playing football for Galesburg, and Silver Streaks coach Derrek Blackwell is glad Clary had a change of heart.
“In the spring, he kept telling us he was just going to be a basketball guy, and I was telling him he’s too good of an athlete to just be a basketball guy,” Blackwell said of Clary after Wednesday’s practice. “He worked himself into incredible shape. Last year, he still had some of his baby fat on him. He’s in great shape physically.
“Hopefully, he will be able to finish out these last three games for us and then go out and have a great basketball season for coach (Chad) Thompson,” Blackwell added. “Again, I’m just glad that Carter decided to come back out for football. I think it will be beneficial for him, and it was beneficial for us, as well.”
Last week at Rock Island, Clary served as a right guard and a defensive end for Galesburg. He’s filling in on offense for fellow senior Noah Wright, who suffered an injury in a home contest against Quincy.
“I normally play defense so offense is not as easy coming but it’s getting better,” Clary said. “I just like hitting people, making plays and stops (on defense).
“I never used to play defense,” added Clary, who dons No. 50 for the Silver Streaks. “I used to always play offensive line and then I got switched over my junior year. That’s when I started learning defense. I was never really the best at blocking but now I’ve gotten better at.”
How’s Blackwell, who is in his second season in charge after a dozen as an assistant, feel about the way Clary’s been performing while donning a helmet and pads?
“Carter’s playing very well. We put a lot on his plate by having to step up and play guard. He’s been practicing at tackle so he didn’t really know much about guard. He stepped up and did well at that,” Blackwell said. “He’s been playing our backside defensive end, and he’s really grown at that. He plays tough. He plays hard. He plays disciplined. It’s just great to have Carter on the field — a tough nosed guy.”
And what’s Clary need to improve upon in Galesburg’s final three football games?
“Personally on defense, I have to work on not going upfield. I need to contain and not leave a big hole for the running back to go through,” Clary said. “On offense, I just need to communicate with my right tackle.”
GALESBURG — Galesburg High School junior Markis Lewis is content with the way he’s playing for the Silver Streaks’ football team.
However, the 16-year-old, who also is a member of Galesburg’s boys basketball and boys track and field squads, knows there’s always room for improvement.
At times, Lewis is his own worst critic.
“I feel like I’m playing good but I feel like I can change some stuff,” he said after Tuesday’s practice. “I feel like I can get better and change some things around such as my coverage or like my tackling. I’m not very good at tackling so I need to improve that.
“I just want to get better and stop making mistakes,” Lewis added.
Lewis, who has been taking the gridiron since he was a sixth grader, serves as a defensive back and wide receiver for the Silver Streaks.
And what’s he like about football?
“I just like route running,” Lewis said. “I like making interceptions, how it feels when you catch the ball and scoring touchdowns and stuff.”
Lewis dons No. 9, and he prefers playing defense for Galesburg because it gives him a chance to have the biggest impact. He displayed that in last Friday night’s 42-14 home loss to Quincy in Western Big 6 play. Lewis came up with a key stop on the goal line and he had an interception, as well, against the Blue Devils.
“Markis is a playmaker. He makes plays,” Silver Streaks coach Derrick Blackwell said. “He does everything we ask. He pays attention to details. He’s coachable. He listens. He doesn’t talk back. He does all the things that you want out of an athlete and that’s what makes Markis so good.
“He’s a small guy (at 5-foot-7) but he plays big,” Blackwell added of Lewis. “He’s a good teammate, a good guy and a good person. I could go on forever about Markis.”
GALESBURG — Easton Steck recently began his senior year at Galesburg High School, and the 18-year-old has a season left of playing baseball for the Silver Streaks.
But Steck knows where he’ll continue his career collegiately, as he recently committed to take diamonds for the University of Illinois-Springfield.
The Prairie Stars are guided by Ryan Copeland, who is in his fourth season at the helm and his eighth at the school after also serving as the team’s pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for four seasons. In late June, Copeland was named the American Baseball Coaches Association’s NCAA Division II Midwest Region Coach of the Year. It was the second straight season that Copeland earned a Regional COY honor.
In 2022, Copeland led the Prairie Stars to a 48-11 overall record. UIS won both the Great Lakes Valley Conference Division Regular Season Championship and the GLVC Tournament Championship. In NCAA postseason play, the Prairie Stars won a Midwest Regional Tournament and the Midwest Super Regionals, and they earned a bid to the NCAA Division II Baseball Championship for the first time.
“I went down and talked with the coaches and everything they talked about with me just seemed so perfect,” Steck said of UIS. “Everything they can do for me sounds great. I know I’ve got more in me that I can use on the field. (Copeland) knows how to develop guys and get them to their full potential.”
Two former Prairie Stars players who played under Copeland have been drafted by Major League Baseball squads, and five members of the 2022 UIS team signed pro baseball contracts over the summer.
Steck hasn’t fully developed, yet
Steck also plays basketball for Galesburg, and he averaged 6.4 points and four rebounds per game as a junior in 2021-22. Steck is expected to fill a bigger role for the Silver Streaks this winter and the sky is the limit, as they say, for Steck on the hardwood.
And it is on baseball fields, too.
In the 2022 season, Steck had a .355 batting average, .618 slugging percentage, 1.089 on-base plus slugging percentage, 8 doubles, 7 homers, 32 runs, 30 RBIs, 26 steals and drew 23 walks, and he had a .884 fielding percentage. Over the summer, Steck played hardball for the Illinois Steel, and he improved.
“I think the thing I got best at was my hitting and I was consistent with my glove. I know every once in a while during the high school season I’d sit back too far on the ball and try to wait too much and I’d get a bad hop, misjudge a few and I took a few errors like that,” Steck said. “Turf during the summer helped a lot. I got in that mindset of ‘hey, it’s off the bat, go get it and don’t sit back and let it determine what I do.’ I’d go get it early and play through that.
“Hitting, I saw amazing pitchers all summer. I feel like I was able to develop a quicker swing to where I can hit the high velocity, the harder throwers,” Steck added. “I definitely got better sitting on curveballs and going the other way. During the high school season, I did not hit the opposite direction very often. I pulled it almost every time. In the summer, I was spreading it more across the field which will help a lot. If I can use the whole field it gives me a lot more chances to do better.”
Steck, who mans shortstop and center field for Galesburg, is always making adjustments.
“Hitting, I have to fully develop. I feel like the last couple of years I’ve bounced back and forth and hadn’t found that one swing that worked perfect,” said Steck, who plans to major in exercise science at UIS. “I kind of bounced back and forth from hitting for average and hitting for power and trying to find out what would work best for me. I need to polish every little aspect.
“I want to stay consistent. I think last year I was kind of up and down at some points. I want to do everything consistently (this spring),” Steck added. “If I’m hitting home runs then I want to do it. If I’m hitting for average then I want to do it the whole season and not be bouncing up and down. I want to be the reliable guy who is doing it every time.”
GALESBURG — The Galesburg High School football team has suffered two straight losses.
And the Silver Streaks (1-3) look to rebound Friday night against the Blue Devils of Quincy (3-1) in Western Big 6 Conference action at Van Dyke Field.
Galesburg will have to contain Quincy’s air attack, as the Blue Devils’ passing offense ranks first in the WB6. Quincy has 663 passing yards (331.5 yards per outing) and six touchdowns in league play. The Blue Devils’ overall offense sits at No. 2 in the conference with 872 yards (426 yards per contest) and nine TDs.
Bradyn Little serves as Quincy’s signal caller, and the sophomore has completed 37 of 52 passes for the aforementioned 663 yards and six scores. Blue Devils wideouts Gregory Quince, Tykell Hammers and Jack Mettemeyer hold the Top 3 spots respectively in receptions per game in league affairs. Quince, a senior, has 13 grabs for 195 yards and a pair of TDs. Mettemeyer, a junior, has six receptions for 197 yards and four touchdowns, and Hammers, a sophomore, has 12 catches for 194 yards.
“Quincy’s tough. They play tough. They’re coached well. All of their players have played well together for a long time, so they’re a cohesive group,” Silver Streaks coach Derrek Blackwell said. “They’re going to come here hungry. They’re not going to take it lightly on the Silver Streaks, but vise versa the Silver Streaks aren’t going to take it lightly on them either. It’s about what the Silver Streaks get done.
“We’ve been working really hard this week to try go get back on the right track and doing things the right way,” Blackwell added. “We’ve just got to hone in on all the details and take care of our business.”
What happened in 2021?
Galesburg started off the 2021 season with a trio of losses but the Silver Streaks improved along the way, and Galesburg went 4-2 to close things out.
In Week 5, the Silver Streaks went on the road and downed the Blue Devils 35-9 for their second victory of the season.
A look at the Streaks’ numbers
Galesburg’s passing offense ranks third in the WB6. Silver Streaks senior Tristan Legate and junior Gino Williams have both taken snaps at quarterback, and they’ve combined to complete 24 of 46 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns.
Legate sat out for Galesburg’s league game at Geneseo last week with a left high ankle sprain, and he may not take the field against Quincy either. Legate has thrown 27 passes in conference action, and he’s completed 11 of them for 197 yards and the previously mentioned three scores.
Like Mettemeyer, Galesburg’s Mikey Eiker and Amarie Richardson both have six receptions against WB6 foes. Eiker has 197 receiving yards and three TDs – five overall touchdowns – while Richardson has 64 receiving yards but hasn’t caught a touchdown. So far this season, Richardson has three rushing TDs, and he has just under 200 yards rushing.
Seniors: Nolan Carl (TE/OLB), Mikey Eiker (WR/DB), Jon Sibley III (RB/DB), Tristan Legate (QB/ILB), Cam Aguirre (RB/LB), Bryce Harter (RB/ILB), Carter Clary (OL/DL), Noah Wright (OL/DL), Grant Rees (OL/DL), Aaron Kelley (OL/DL), Dishon Nolen (OL/DL), Gavin West (OL/DL), Treyson Hardges (WR/DB), Mason Kimmitt (WR/DB), Graham Peterson (WR/DB), Xavier Van Dyke (TE/DE), Jerry Taylor (TE/OLB).
Juniors: Gino Williams (QB/WR/DB), Amarie Richardson (RB/DB), Adrien Phillips (WR/DB), Markis Lewis (WR/DB), Izaiah Coleman (RB/ILB), Nicholas Curtis (RB/OLB), Sam Satisky (K), Keyondre Harrison (TE/OLB), John Willis (OL/ILB), Gavin Kaden (OL/DL), Jamari McDonald (OL/DL), Bradley Pearce (OL/DL).
Sophomores: DeAmiyn Elston (WR/OLB), Darius Walker (RB/DB), Easton Reed (QB/OLB), Lyxander Cauthon (WR/DB), Caden Ashby (WR/DB), Kenneth Ward (RB/ILB), Saxen Patrick (WR/DB), Jamar Range (RB/DB), Aguy Isala (WR/DB), Don Patrick, Jr. (WR/DB), Josiah Carter (WR/DB), Ashton Bane (OL/ILB), Keaton Bane (OL/ILB), Nathan Maloy (OL/DL), Masen Iams (TE/OLB), Schuylur Sturgeon (OL/DL), Gilbert Lemus (OL/DL), Asher Whitcomb (OL/DL), David Bernhart, Jr. (OL/DL), Sal Kisler (OL/DL).
GALESBURG — Galesburg High School’s John Willis plays both ways for the Silver Streaks’ football team.
The junior lines up at left guard on offense, and he serves as an inside linebacker on defense.
Willis made the move to the latter position over the summer, and he’s still working out the kinks in the spot. However, Willis is making an impact for Galesburg (1-3).
“I feel like I’m doing pretty good. It’s an interesting dynamic because most of the season I thought I was going to play defensive end. One day, coach said ‘hey, you’re playing linebacker,’ and I was like ‘OK,” Willis said. “I’m still trying to transition from the line to backer now but I think I really surprise myself.
“The biggest part of the adjustment is probably the passes,” Willis added. “When I see them about to pass, I get antsy and that’s one of the biggest things holding me back is I’m so antsy. I’m so jumpy. I am working on that more.”
Silver Streaks coach Derrek Blackwell, who is in his second season at the helm after a dozen as an assistant, likes what he’s seen from No. 54.
“First of all, John Willis is one of the hardest working guys on this team. He puts forth the effort every day. He’s so critical of himself that it’s hard for me to be critical because he’s already there. He’s beating himself up over whatever it is — something so little,” Blackwell said after Tuesday’s practice. “He’s a thinker. He’s a perfectionist. He wants everything done right, and he feels that if anything goes out of sorts that he’s done it all wrong when in actuality his effort makes up for the little mistakes that he may make at linebacker.
“He’s a fast kid. He’s a tough nosed kid. He likes to hit, and I thought that linebacker would be a good fit for him. I love what John is doing there,” Blackwell added. “I’m so critic of him during the games and in his ear and then I go watch the film, and he actually played really well.
“John’s a great guy to have around. I wish I had a 1,000 John Willis’.”
Willis doesn’t take credit for his individual success, and Willis has some goals he’d like to accomplish as the 2022 season winds down.
“I want to attribute the way I’m playing to my coaches. They push me hard. They know that I can be better than I am. They don’t give up on us regardless,” Willis said. “I also have to attribute it to my teammates because they push me as hard as our coaches do.
“I’m going to play my hardest the remainder of the year,” he added. “I’m just trying to strive for greatness.”
Willis a multi-sport athlete for Galesburg
Besides hitting the gridiron for Galesburg, Willis is also a member of the Silver Streaks’ boys track and field team, and the 17-year-old grapples for GHS.
And what’s Willis like about putting on a helmet and pads?
“I think the one thing I like about football is the companionship. You’ll find that in many other sports like basketball, soccer and others but to me the two sports I say have the greatest companionship are football and wrestling just because you’ll never find a brotherhood like those teams and those sports,” said Willis, who began playing football as a seventh grader. “You either win as a team or lose as a team and regardless you always pick each other up at the end. You keep moving forward with a win or a loss.”
GALESBURG — While he maybe wasn’t quite ready to do so, Tristan Legate took over as the starting quarterback for Galesburg High School’s football team as a sophomore.
And No. 5 has matured along the way.
Legate was thrown into the role as the Silver Streaks’ signal caller when Grant Aten suffered a left knee injury in the 2020 season, which was pushed into the spring of 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Aten, a junior at the time, tore his ACL on Friday, March 26, 2021 in a Western Big 6 Conference home contest against Quincy. Aten didn’t take the gridiron in the fall in 2021 as he was rehabbing after undergoing surgery.
“Tristan has emerged as a leader. He was thrown into the fire his sophomore year. He was the backup and understood his role and then in Game 2 our quarterback (Aten) went down and (Tristan’s) been the quarterback ever since,” Galesburg coach Derrek Blackwell said after Tuesday’s practice. “You could see in Year 1 he was kind of nervous. I mean he was a sophomore leading the varsity team and a good varsity team at that. Stepping into his junior year, I believe he thought that group of seniors were the only leaders so he took a back seat to them when in fact he could have stepped up and been a leader. I’m not saying that he should of. I’m saying he could of.
“I think he just kind of took a back seat because that team was senior heavy and they had been playing (varsity) since they were sophomores,” added Blackwell, who is in his second season in charge after a dozen as an assistant. “This year, Tristan’s really vocal. He’s really leading. He takes guys and he puts them on his back. He’s an extension of myself. He’s a coach on the field. I may call the wrong play, and he’ll fix it. I know that I call the wrong play and I just look at him and he’s like ‘I got it coach,’ and he fixes it.”
Three different offenses in Legate’s career
When Legate suited up for the Streaks as a sophomore, Galesburg was coached by Michael Washabaugh. Blackwell didn’t run the same offense as his former boss, and Blackwell’s tossed out what the Streaks did last fall, as the personnel typically always dictates any football coach’s playbook.
“In Tristan’s defense, he’s ran three different offenses in three different years,” Blackwell said. “He’s never had the same offense twice and that’s hard on a quarterback. He’s done really well adjusting with that. He did have the same offense from his freshman to his sophomore year but playing for the freshmen and then playing in a varsity game is totally different.
“Tristan’s been everything that I expected of him and some. It’s not just on the field but it’s off the field, too. He comes to all the off the field community events that we host,” Blackwell added. “He texts me. We talk a lot. I have a good relationship with Tristan.
“He’s just emerged as a great leader of this team.”
Legate sticks to ‘framework of the system’
In Galesburg’s 2022 season opener last Friday night, Legate completed 13 of 25 passes for 231 yards in a 27-13 non-conference road loss in Dunlap. He threw two interceptions, and Legate connected with junior Amarie Richardson for a 73-yard touchdown.
“I liked some throws I made against Dunlap but there’s also some throws I missed that I should have made,” Legate said. “I’m going to work on getting my feet set, delivering the throws that I need to and giving my receivers the chance to catch the ball.”
“If I had to say one guy played well, if there was one guy that played well (versus Dunlap), I’d say it would be Tristan,” Blackwell said. “He stuck within the framework of the system. He did everything that we asked. Physical things happen where you miss a pass or you overthrow. Those things happen, but he did everything we asked.
“He understands that taking a sack is not a turnover,” Blackwell added. “He understands the game and I really appreciate him. Tristan’s really become the leader of this team.”
Legate enjoys being a leader for Streaks
Legate, 17, likes being a leader but being a quarterback in not an easy task at times either. Holding the role means a lot of responsibilities.
“Basically, you’re the heart of the offense. Not a lot of people know but it’s probably one of the hardest positions in sports to play,” Legate said. “You’ve got to make a lot of tough decisions. You’ve got to put the ball where it needs to be. You’ve got to keep the receivers safe and most importantly you’ve just got to be the leader of the team. You’re the heart of the offense, so you’ve just got to be a leader out there.
“I like fighting every Friday night with my brothers,” Legate added. “Football is a family game it feels like and a tough sport played by tough people.”
Legate uses that same mentality on diamonds, as he’s also a member of the Silver Streaks’ baseball team. Legate plays first and third base, and he toes the pitching rubber if asked to do so.
GALESBURG — Some high school boys and girls high school basketball players across the Land of Lincoln may feel a bit more pressure while on the hardwood in the 2022-23 season.
On Monday night, the Illinois High School Association’s board of directors approved the use of an experimental shot clock in regular season tournament and shootout affairs.
“The IHSA’s survey of administrators and coaches last year made it very clear that our membership wasn’t ready to implement the shot clock in basketball at this juncture. Our priority now shifts to gathering feedback and data on the impact that the shot clock creates on game play, game management, and school finances,” Craig Anderson, the IHSA’s executive director, said in a press release. “We look forward to working with our schools to pilot usage of the shot clock in some tournaments and shootouts this winter. We will release information to our schools on how to apply to use the shot clock in their tournament or shootout in mid-September.”
Galesburg boys basketball coach Chad Thompson and girls coach Evan Massey like the move to shot clocks.
“In general, I think it’s a good idea,” Massey said. “I think that what people will find is that in your average game the shot clock is not going to be a factor throughout most of the game because most teams are taking a shot before 30 or 35 seconds. In the body of the game, most of the time it won’t be an issue.
“My sense is that coaches in Illinois are heavily in favor of (shot clocks). I think officials in Illinois are heavily opposed to it,” Massey added. “I’m in favor of it but at the same time I have concerns about the implementation of it.”
Thompson, who is entering his second season at the helm this winter, echoes Massey’s sentiments.
“I personally am 100% pro shot clock. I think it’s good for the game of basketball, and I think it’s going to be really fun to put it in at the high school level,” Thompson said. “It’s something I’ve been in favor of ever since the rumor starting circulating a couple of years ago.
“If you’re a true fan of basketball and you’re really around it a lot you see (the shot clock) in college, you see it in the pros and you’re going to see it in Iowa high schools this year,” Thompson added. “If you watch high school basketball, especially at the 3A/4A level, it’s very rare you see a team take 35 seconds off the clock consistently.”
Massey, who has been guiding the Streaks’ girls hoopers for 44 seasons, believes two things will come from the implementation of a shot clock, and they’re both positive.
“It will help make teams have to finish games. You won’t have the situation where with four minutes to go someone goes into a delay, where teams aren’t playing and going into a stall,” Massey said. “I think that will be positive and the other real positive that doesn’t happen often but there are some teams that seem to want to delay parts of games. In the second quarter maybe their good player picks up a second foul, and they want to slow things down. I’ve seen team’s take four or five minutes off the clock in the second quarter. In my opinion, and others won’t agree, is I don’t think that’s good for basketball especially girls basketball.
“Eliminating the delay at the end of games and in the middle of games I think will be good to eliminate,” Massey added.
In other words, coaches and players are going to have to tweak their game plans.
“I think the big thing it changes in high school games is the end of quarters and the end of game philosophies,” Thompson said. “If you have a really good ball handling group you are really hard to stop at the end of games. It will force you to continue to put pressure on the defense — playing the game trying to score and getting a good look.
“In those situations I can see people really changing the style of the way they play,” Thompson added. “I think it also changes the way a lot of defenses play.”
At 7 p.m. Friday, Abingdon-Avon will face ROWVA/Williamsfield in a Lincoln Trail Conference football game at Bill Adams Field in Oneida to open 2022.
Tornadoes coach Rick Quinn has a handful of returning starters from last season’s team, which went 10-2 overall and advanced to the Class 1A quarterfinals.
Grant Gullstrand, the Cougars’ coach, has about five starting spots to fill. That’s right, Gullstrand has around 16 starters back from last fall’s squad, which finished with a 2-7 record, and Quinn lost 17.
But ROWVA/Williamsfield won’t take A-Town lightly by any means.
“Everyone likes to talk about how they lost a lot of their players from last year but Coach Quinn has a great program over there,” Gullstrand said before Wednesday night’s practice. “The kids from A-Town are always tough and physical. It’s going to be coming out and not so much worrying about what they’re going to do but what ROWVA/Williamsfield is going to do and not be afraid of their physicality, coming out and matching that and making big plays when they present themselves.”
Quinn, as well as Gullstrand, should have a better idea what exactly they’ve got once Week 1 is wrapped up. They’re both hopeful their student-athletes will play fundamentally sound, take advantage of the opportunities they’re given and limit their mistakes.
Those who rep the Cougars and Tornadoes need to check their egos at the door for the betterment of their respective teams, and once 48 minutes have elapsed there will be a victor.
Will A-Town or ROWVA/Williamsfield accomplish the feat? Only time will answer that question.
Cougars and Tornadoes have had ups, downs in camp
For the most part, Gullstrand and Quinn have liked what they’ve seen from their guys the first few weeks of practice.
“Camp, we’ve had our ups and downs but you’re going to have that when you practice against the same people for three weeks straight. For the most part, things have been going pretty well,” Gullstrand said. “We’ve been able to get everything that we wanted in. It’s just fine tuning some of the little things now and getting ready to go.
“The effort has been there,” Gullstrand added. “That’s something that we haven’t had to harp on is effort, and that’s always a positive when you don’t have to do that.”
A-Town’s Don Viar Memorial Field is undergoing renovations, and the Tornadoes have had to strictly use their practice field behind their school.
“We’ve had some spacing issues. I’m a little concerned because the first time we get on a regulation size field will be Friday night,” Quinn said. “Seeing all the markers and things like that I think we may have a few mistakes lining up which can be expected. We’ve just got to be able to rebound from it, play together and give ourselves a chance.
“I think ROWVA/Williamsfield should have a really good program this year. They return a lot,” Quinn added. “We’re going to have to find a way to fight for 48 and give ourselves a chance at the end.”
Quinn likes where A-Town’s defense is at
Due to the aforementioned spacing hiccups on offense, Quinn likes Abingdon-Avon’s defense better at the moment.
“Timing, spacing and alignment and things like that on offense are a bit off,” Quinn said. “Like I said, we’re not on a regulation field right now so the alignment and spacing and things like that is going to be a little bit different on Friday night.
“But the defense, we’ve got a bunch of upperclassmen as far as juniors and seniors out there with a few sophomores sprinkled in. I like where they’re at,” Quinn added. “I think they’re going to fly around and give us a chance.”
R/W’s special teams unit has improved
Jordan Danner and Garrett Rau are new additions to Gullstrand’s coaching staff, as it’s expanded, and in turn ROWVA/Williamsfield’s special teams unit is ahead of schedule.
“Our special teams has done a good job. We’ve got two additional coaches on the staff this year, and we’ve been able to delegate some of those duties out so we’ve been able to focus on special teams a little bit more,” Gullstrand said. “(Assistant) coach (Jason) Lydic has been in charge of that stuff, and we’ve been delegating a little bit more time to it in practice, as well. Special teams is ahead of where it usually is right now.
“Defensively, it’s kind of hard to judge where we’re at right now, because it’s hard to replicate another teams best 11 players. We’re doing a good job getting lined up, and we’re doing a good job communicating. A big part of defense is tackling, so we will see how that goes Friday night,” Gullstrand added. “I wouldn’t say one (unit) stands out over the other. Our guys are able to do more offensively than we have in the past. We’ve been able to go up against a lot of different fronts, recognize blocking assignments, where the holes are in the run game and things like that.”
Cougars’ schedule
Fri., Aug. 26 vs Abingdon-Avon, 7 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 3 vs Dupo, 2 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 9 vs Macomb, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 16 at Princeville, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 23 vs Mercer County, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 30 at Stark County, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 7 vs United, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 14 vs Annawan/Wethersfield, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 21 at Knoxville, 7 p.m.
Tornadoes’ schedule
Fri., Aug. 26 at ROWVA/Williamsfield, 7 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 3 vs Stark County, 6 p.m. at Galesburg