By Jackson Van Roekel
Published September 29, 2022 in The Burg
After years of teaching, coaching, and administrative experience, Nick Young is the Associate Principal and Director of Athletics for Junior High Sports at Galesburg Junior Senior High School.
Nick graduated from Galesburg High School in 1999, where he played football and basketball. The Silver Streaks had 30 wins and just 3 losses in the winter of 1998, where they were runner-up in the state finals and undefeated in conference play. Nick said that his favorite part of his high school basketball experience was the practices and the things behind the scenes. The memories and accomplishments that were made will always be a highlight of Nick’s experience at GHS.
After graduation, Nick attended Knox College, playing offensive line for the football team and finding his love for teaching and coaching. “You learn to grow up really fast,” said Nick when talking about his experience at Knox. “I loved it because I got to meet people from all walks of life.” Nick graduated from Knox College in 2003 with a degree in Environmental Studies, then went back to school to get an education degree in 2006. He attended St. Ambrose University for his master’s degree. It was at Knox where Nick learned how to be detail-oriented, which was vital for being a student-athlete. Being able to manage time as well as the ability to communicate with your peers are key skills that have translated to Nick’s everyday life in Galesburg.
Nick has been in Galesburg for 15 years, 10 of which he has been a coach. He’s spent time both as a football coach as well as a track and field coach. Nick has three children: MacKenzie, Hayden, and Alyssa with his wife Sara, who Nick says is the rock of the family.
The recent consolidation of Churchill and Lombard in Galesburg has Nick wearing a lot of different hats when doing his job. Some of the new facility upgrades include full building renovations, fully air-conditioned classrooms, new furniture and windows, and updated landscaping. Every day is different which can make it hard to prepare for everything, but Nick is willing to accept that challenge. 1800 students, grades 7-12 is a hefty student body, but approximately 100 staff members have kept the train on its tracks to start the 2022-2023 school year.