On Galesburg’s Morning News, we caught up with Coach Craig Hillier, Galesburg High School’s 30-year track and field veteran, after a gritty third-place finish at the Pontiac Sectional.
Hillier highlights state qualifiers Gilberto Lemus (shot put, discus), Josiah Carter (high jump), Reed Schleich (400m), and the 4x400 relay (Schleich, Praise Nwagbo, Isaac Jasper, Demetrius Watson), prepping for the IHSA State Meet in Charleston, May 29–31.
He shares strategies for managing nerves, the sport’s evolution, and his Mount Rushmore of top athletes coached, reflecting on his legacy shaped by his father, Tom Hillier.
Left: Gilbert Lemus in the shot put and discus.
Top right: The 4x400 relay team of Praise Nwagbo, Demetrius Watson, Isaac Jasper, Reed Schleich.
Bottom right: Josiah Carter in the high jump. (Submitted by GHS Track & Field)