Western Connecticut State University is proud to announce that long-time legendary Head Athletic Trainer Mark Allen has retired after 40 years. The 2015 WestConn Alumni Hall of Fame inductee began his storied career in Danbury in summer of 1982.
A native of Springfield Mass, Allen graduated with his Bachelor's Degree from Westfield State University in 1980 and a Master's Degree in Human Performance from Southern Connecticut State University in 1985.
In 1980, Mark began working in the Boston area as an intern for the New England Teamen (NASL) and later with the Boston College Football program. In 1981, he moved back to Springfield to become the Head Athletic Trainer at Cathedral High School.
With the goal of putting together a comprehensive sports medicine program, WestConn hired Mark in the summer of 1982. Starting out in a storage closet as his first training room, his program has grown and has certainly kept pace with the University as a whole. During his tenure, Allen's contributions have come in many forms. He has played significant roles in the development, layout and organization of the original training facility in Berkshire Hall, the O'Neill Center and Westside Athletic Complex Athletic Training rooms. These rooms have provided WestConn with the best possible care for the student-athletes which represent our University. Allen also played equally significant roles in the development of the Fitness Centers throughout campus.
"To say it is an end of an era seems so cliche but it really is when it come to Mark's tenure here at WestConn." said Lori R. Mazza, WestConn Director of Athletics and Recreation. "Mark has taught on campus and led our athletic training area with such with knowledge and skill yet with such empathy for every student athlete he came into contact with over his 40 years. Mark has been such a mentor to the staff and students who would like to get into the field and although he has retired, there is no doubt he has left an invaluable mark on the WestConn's athletic program. I am so grateful for the knowledge he shared, the compassion for those who needed him when injured, but most of all his friendship to all those who knew him. He will be missed and wish him nothing but the happiest of retirements."
As our athletic programs have grown, so has the need to increase staffing. Starting with only two part-time Athletic Trainers, the program now has three full-time Certified Athletic Trainers and a graduate assistant which service nearly 500 student-athletes.
He also introduced Graduate Assistants to the program which helped improve staffing needs and the quality of care. Allen negotiated funding from outside businesses which made these positions possible. His program also offered work-study opportunities and internships for those interested in the field.
When Allen first came on board at WestConn, his primary objective was to secure medical support for student-athletes needing specific medical care. Over the years, he fostered many positive relationships with local medical professionals along with our on-campus community, which has directly benefited student-athletes. One of the best relationships has been with Ortho CT and Dr. Michael Brand and Christopher Geier as well as with Associated Neurologists and Dr. Neil Culligan.
Over the years, Allen has worked with every sports program at WestConn including extensive coverage with the full-contact football and men's lacrosse programs as well as sharing duties for the other 16 intercollegiate programs.
Of personal interest is his love for the game of ice hockey. Working with the Club sports programs to bring back Men's ice Hockey and was an Assistant Coach for over 10 years.
Allen represented WestConn on numerous occasions. Of note was his selection to work with the United States Olympic Committee as an Athletic Trainer in 1983 in Lake Placid, NY, the U.S. Olympic Sports Festival at LSU in 1985 and the National Junior Soccer Team in 1987. A year later, he traveled to the United Kingdom with a group of top-rated senior football players on a competition and Goodwill Tour. He has also been active with the Nutmeg State Games right here in Connecticut.
In 1997, Allen was recognized for his work and dedication to the University by being promoted to the rank of Full Professor.
Allen resides in Brookfield, Conn. with his wife Terri and has four adult children, Judy, Danny, Brendan and Brian.
Original source can be found here.
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