‘Heck of a Team’: Steve Ferguson relives Galesburg Football Glory in the ’60s

WGIL’s Jay Redfern talks with Steve Ferguson, a 1966 Galesburg High School graduate and standout running back and cornerback, in this 16-minute podcast, with a portion airing during halftime of Galesburg football broadcasts this season on WGIL. Ferguson takes us back to the mid-1960s, when 5,000 fans packed Lombard Field and the 1964 Silver Streaks, “a heck of a team,” went 6-1-1, ranked #2 in Illinois. Relive the thrilling 6-6 tie against #1 Peoria Central, officiated by NFL refs, and a defense so stingy it allowed no touchdown passes all season. Ferguson shares Coach C.C. Van Dyke’s rugged practices, a cracked-helmet concussion with no protocol, and a missed Alabama scholarship under Bear Bryant. From the Kimbrough twins’ legacy to Silver Streaks pride, this episode captures 1960s football’s grit.

Steve Ferguson, No. 21, poses with other varsity letter winners and Coach C.C. Van Dyke from the 1965 Galesburg Silver Streaks football team.
Steve Ferguson, No. 21, poses with other varsity letter winners and Coach C.C. Van Dyke from the 1965 Galesburg Silver Streaks football team. (GHS REFLECTOR)

2025 Halftime Interviews:

Week 1: From Silver Streak to surgeon: Beau Shay’s hall of fame journey

Week 2: Galesburg’s 1956 Undefeated Silver Streaks: Tom Milan’s Story

Week 3: Jerry 'Buddy' Cato: Silver Streaks football legend

Week 4: Greg Turner reflects on Galesburg and Illini football days

Week 5: Peyton Isaacson: Streaks Star on Legacy, Leadership, Success

Week 6: ‘Heck of a Team’: Steve Ferguson relives Galesburg Football Glory in the ’60s

Senior halfback Steve Ferguson carries against Pekin in 1965.
Senior halfback Steve Ferguson carries against Pekin in 1965. (GHS REFLECTOR)

 

WGIL’s Jay Redfern talks with Steve Ferguson, a 1966 Galesburg High School graduate and standout running back and cornerback, in this 16-minute podcast, with

 

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