Waterloo Legend Mike Allen: Iowa Time Machine June 1, 1950

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On June 1, 1950, legendary Waterloo East Trojan, Ellsworth Panther, and UNI Panther Mike Allen was born. Allen, a standout on the football field and wrestling mat, further influenced Iowa athletics as one of the country’s most highly-regarded wrestling officials.

A standout athlete at Waterloo East High School, Allen excelled at Ellsworth Junior College in Iowa Falls and at UNI in Cedar Falls. As a wrestler, Mike Allen clinched a conference championship at 190 pounds for UNI, proving his mettle among the best. On the gridiron, Allen also dominated while earning all-conference honors while playing on the defensive line for the Panthers. 

After his standout collegiate career, Allen grew into a guiding force as a coach, leading five Waterloo Central High School athletes to state titles in just eight years. While transitioning from coaching to officiating, Allen continued to serve as an educator at Waterloo Community Schools and ultimately retired as the athletic director at Waterloo East High School.

Allen officiated at 15 NCAA Championships and countless major college and high school tournaments. He broke barriers as the first African-American to officiate at the Iowa state tournament and was honored three times as Iowa Wrestling Official of the Year. His integrity and professionalism earned him a place in the Iowa State Officials Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Allen passed away in 2025. #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryCalendar