What do the words: Man, husband, father, teacher, athletic director and coach all have in common? They are all titles that current Lebanon Athletic Director and Head football coach Rob Allen has held at one time or another during his life.
This season is like no other for Allen, this one is really special because it will be his last on the sidelines as a coach. For a coach there is no better way to go out then on top, which is what he will try to guide Lebanon to do. Lebanon is in the final 8 teams at the 5A level and their dream of a state title is still alive.
It has always been about sports for Allen. He grew up in a small town in Oregon called Mapleton. Allen was very active in sports at a young age. In the seventh grade he knew that he wanted to teach P.E. and to coach when he grew up. Allen played football, basketball and did track during his time in high school which only had about 100 kids in it.
Allen played college football at what is not called Western Oregon which back when he played was called Oregon College of Education. All his days on the field helped him prepare to become one of the best coaches around the area. Allen has been coaching in the Lebanon area for 30 years, which is just one more reason why this is a sad end when his final game comes.
If you go to a Lebanon practice and watch it you will see Allen watching and observing from the sideline until it is time for him to help teach the team about something which is when he steps in. Unlike a lot of football coaches Allen does not yell at kids to motivate them, he talks to them and helps to teach them.
Allen does have future plans after he stops coaching and continues to be athletic director. “We have a few projects that I would like to see get done. Getting a new track and new football fields as well as other sports fields for the rest of our teams,” said Allen.
Allen is a leader on and off the field and that is part of what makes Rob not only one of the best coaches but also one of the best men in the sports and teaching profession.
Who: Coach Rob Allen
What: His last football season
When: 2010 Season
Where: Lebanon, OR
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