Track and Field's Louis Allen: Where Are They Now?

General | 9/30/2020 8:32:00 PM

He was the first black athlete to graduate from Lipscomb, a blazing sprinter from Miami whose first visit to campus was the day he moved into the dorm. Flash forward nearly 50 years and meet Louis Allen, a humble minister and a lifelong educator who has taken lessons he learned as a Bison to make this world a kinder place. We learned about his most memorable teammate, his favorite instructors, and his best lessons from campus when he sat down this week with LipscombSports.com.

What years did you compete for Lipscomb?

I ran track for the Bisons – mostly sprints up to 400 meters – from the fall of 1967 through the spring of 1971. Bailey Heflin was the coach most of my time at Lipscomb, and Russ Combs and Steve Barron also coached.

What teammates were most memorable?

That's difficult to narrow down, because we were a very, very close unit. We worked hard together and we became pretty much like brothers. We shared with one another our issues, our heartaches, our problems, and whatever was on our minds.

But if I'm pressed to name one, the teammate who made the greatest impression on me was Buddy Martin. To simply look at him you wouldn't say he's an accomplished track athlete, but he had a heart that was unmatched. He was a natural leader, and his value to our team was enormous. He was the teammate I most admired.

What degrees have you earned?

I graduated from Lipscomb in 1971 with a degree in Business Management. I added a Master's degree and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and Florida International University respectively.

Why did you attend Lipscomb?

I know this will probably come off as mushy or cliché, but it's clear to me now that it was in God's divine plan for me to attend Lipscomb. When I look back over my years there – the relationships that were formed and established and where I am today – it's clearly because of God's hand in my life. He had to ordain that plan for me.

Bailey Heflin was another factor. He was a really good salesman who came to a couple of high school meets in Florida. After the second one he offered me a scholarship on the spot. I had never visited Lipscomb, but when he spoke to my parents and told my mother Lipscomb was a Christian school, she was sold. I had several other offers, but Lipscomb was the one for me and I'm grateful for the opportunity.

What is your favorite athletic memory at Lipscomb?

There are a lot that come to mind, but the best memories are: 1) When we won our first TIAC Team Championship, 2) I went as an individual to represent Lipscomb at a meet at the University of Miami and ran a school record 9.5 in the 100 meters in my hometown, and 3) I had the opportunity to run my first indoor meet at a banked track in Alabama, and – scared to death of the banking – I still ran a school record 49-something in the 400 meters and won. Our team represented Lipscomb very well that day.

Who influenced your athletic career at Lipscomb?

Coach Heflin had a great deal to do with it. He was a great coach – an athlete's coach who made us feel welcome and at home. He took away all the home sickness and treated us like family members. He was a character – no doubt about that – and I truly loved that man.

Another strong influence on me and many others on that campus was Dr. Mack Wayne Craig. I especially appreciate what I learned from him because of the walk that I'm walking with the Lord now as a minister, educator, and businessman. He was an awesome teacher and instructor, and I truly enjoyed every class I took under him.

What do you remember about Lipscomb campus life during your time here?

When I first arrived at Lipscomb, I think Bailey pulled some strings so that many of the athletes were assigned to live in the Cockrill House. It's long-gone now, but in 1967 it was located on the southwest corner of the campus about where the Smith Stadium softball field is now. After that year, High Rise dorm was completed and we moved to the first floor. Dorm life provided lots of opportunity for camaraderie and it helped us get to know the rest of the student body. It was a good time. I have no negative thoughts or feelings about anything that relates to dorm life – it was good.

The cafeteria food was not great when I first arrived on campus, but it improved … or perhaps I adjusted to it. In either case, it had to be good for us because we couldn't go anywhere else – it was our only option!

What is the most valuable lesson you learned in your time at Lipscomb?

One of the greatest lessons that I gained, I didn't really understand until much later when I read some poetry by Maya Angelou. She had a saying: "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time." I look back and think of some people I met on Lipscomb's campus, people I really believed in and trusted. Those people were of a spirit of kindredness, kindness, and charity – showing love and concern for us, and that was a defining moment for me. It was an example that grows stronger to me as time passes because I realize the care those people showed for us.

Who were your favorite professors?

I mentioned Dean Craig and I also clearly remember Axel Swang, chairman of the department of business. He was tough, but he was excellent. I also remember a language arts teacher, Mary Collins, who taught me plenty about English grammar.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Miami, Florida.

What do you do now?

I worked in the Miami-Dade County School System for 37 years before "retiring" and moving to the Atlanta Public School System for another nine years or so. I've just retired again, and I'm working to become an insurance adjuster in the Atlanta area.

Also, I was ordained in 1999 as a Baptist minister, and I'm associate pastor and Director of the Christian Education Ministry at Enon Baptist Church in Atlanta.

Tell us about your family:
I have two sons, Louis James III and Koron, and two beautiful granddaughters whom I love dearly.

FAST FINISH

Favorite food: Seafood – all seafood
Favorite TV show or movie: The War Room, a movie about the power of prayer
Favorite Bible scripture: Psalms 27
Favorite sports teams: University of Miami Hurricanes, Miami Heat, and Dallas Cowboys
Pet peeve: I'm put off by people who are less than authentic
Person I most admire: My mother
Person I'd most like to meet: I think I would enjoy meeting Lipscomb's track coaches and team.
Rather ride or drive? I'm a driver
Salad or dessert: I'd better go with salad
Dream vacation spot: I'd love to take a cruise to Alaska
Early morning or late-night person? I guess I'm both – I don't go to bed early and I wake up early.

You can reach Louis by email at p27lja@yahoo.com

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Track and Field's Louis Allen: Where Are They Now?