Western Colorado University Athletics

Marvin Allen began his days at Western as a wrestler and football player from 1957-61.  Immediately following his days as a student-athlete, Allen began what would become a stellar coaching career.

After helping coach at Western in 1962 while obtaining a master's degree, Allen took a position at Alhambra High School in Phoenix, Ariz. as the wrestling and football coach.  Allen spent the next six year's turning Alhambra into a powerhouse.  During his time in Phoenix, Allen secured two wrestling state championships, led his 1967 football team to an undefeated season and was twice named the Arizona High School Wrestling Coach of the Year.

Allen returned to Western as an assistant wrestling and football coach for MSHOF coaches Tracy Borah and Bill Noxon and helped lead the Mountaineers to prominence once again.

In 1974 Allen took over the wrestling and coaching duties at Gunnison High School and stayed for over 10 years.  As a coach of the Cowboys, Allen finished with a 50-6 record against league opponents, went to the state playoffs five times, including the finals in 1985 and had a state playoff record of 9-9.  In 1984, Allen was named the Colorado AA High School Football Coach of the Year.

"He 'bleeds' crimson and slate and wears WSCU on his sleeve and it is embedded deep in his soul," Candi Borah said about Allen in her nomination form.  "Marv very much deserves to be recognized for his Lifetime Achievement from all the lives he has reached and molded into fine people.  Marv is the true integrity for Western State Colorado University."