I was one of the lucky Bearkats that got to play for Coach Allen. Besides my father and grandfather nobody has made an impression on my life like Coach Allen did. I'll never forget the saying "GAUD DAWGITT BAWFEELD, YOU LOOK LIKE A JACKASS IN TALLGRASS" I really don't know what that saying means, but I knew what he was telling me. The scariest thing in life I can think of would be being a Korean Soldier and being face to face with an American G I by the name of Herbert Allen. If I make it to the level of manhood Coach Allen was, then I know I have done what is right. It was a honor to play for this man, I'm sure many feel the same way. I'm going to put on my "RED SHORTS" today and go out win today. Thats what he taught me. Thank you Coach Allen, you were simply "Greatness" (Bawfeeld, not Waun this is Mark) Mark Barfield
Hey, didn't play for Coach Allen but had the pleasure of knowing the man...a sad day for me and many more. Our prayers are with the Allen Family. PS. I know he made a difference in many a young person's life. He made a difference in mine!! Karl Gabel
I also had the "pleasure" to play for Coach Allen in both football and baseball. This man instilled true fear among all who played for him. He had a gaze that could reduce anyone to a pile of ashes. I remember stories of coach Allen while I was still in Junior High..... But by being so tough, he taught me many valuable lessons: No substitute for hard work. Equality-no special favors. Never quit. He extolled on the virtues of Larry Dobie and the Negro baseball league. He told us why he could not stand left handers. He explained to all of us that it didn't matter if Jesus had long hair, we couldn't.....
To do Coach Allen's memorial justice, we need an audio section so everyone can do their impersonation of him:
" Come're boy....."
"Cody..... are you a fooooooool???" You better stop running with that clown Hux"
"whaaaat?.....whaaaaaat?...... are you crazy, boy?
Like Mark Barfield, he made a huge impression on me. I am thankful for the lessons he taught me and for the fun we had telling Coach Allen stories. When I am coaching little league baseball, I always lay down my favorite Coach Allen rule:
"Da first rule in baseball is you do NOT hit the coach!"
Thanks for being my coach....... David Cody
