Like father, like son: Allen triumphs
BY MACKENZIE HALL
News
Editor
For
quarterback Grant Allen, playing football for Ouachita was an opportunity that
he did not think was going to happen.
After
months of rehab and multiple surgeries, Allen, a junior accounting major from
Springdale, Ark., was not sure if his football career would continue. During
his junior year of high school, Allen tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder
and later had surgery. After rehabbing back to health, Allen returned strong
for his senior year of football. Later in his senior season, Allen broke his
ankle– another setback to his football career. Despite these difficulties,
Allen was an overcomer.
“I’ve
had my fair share of adversity. Overcoming those injuries was a really big part
of my story. I feel like those injuries made me who I am today,” Allen said.
“It taught me a lot about myself and how I was able to overcome so much and
still be successful at the college level. I didn’t know if my career would end
or if I would get to play college football.”
Two
weeks before National Signing Day, Allen received an offer from OBU.
“Up
to that point, I had no idea where I was going to go. I feel like God kind of
showed me this is where I needed to be. OBU has a great business school and
great football program. Those two were big for me in my decision. I really feel
like God opened this door,” Allen said.
His
time with OBU football goes beyond the field. Allen values the brotherhood and
life lessons he has learned from both his teammates and coaches.
“Football
is the greatest team game there is. The relationships you form along the way
are powerful and last beyond the game,” Allen said. “I have benefited from this
football program so much. Not only on the field, but off the field. Our coaches
teach us valuable life lessons. The game of football really prepares you for
life. There are so many aspects to it that can be applied to the real world.”
For
Allen, this love for the game started at a young age. Since he was 6 years old,
people could always find him with a football in hand. Coming from a family of
strong quarterbacks, it was natural that he picked up the sport.
“I
grew up in a football family. My dad played quarterback at University of
Arkansas, and both of his brothers also played quarterback in college,” Allen
added.
Allen
and his dad have similar stories. A redshirt freshman for the Hogs, in 1991
during his second year of what was quickly becoming a highlight season as a
starting quarterback, in his eighth game versus Baylor he injured his knee and
started the long road of recovery.
“Going
through my injuries, I’ve really been able to rely on him. His experience has
helped me get through mine; I just really look up to my dad,” Allen said.
From
his time playing football and overcoming obstacles, Allen has learned that he
is capable and can do more than he believes is possible.
“Nothing
is guaranteed. There is no guarantee that you can play the game as long as you
want, and I think that’s big. There is no challenge too big, and I am capable
of doing more than I think,” Allen said.
From
his time at Ouachita, Allen hopes he is remembered for not only his athletics,
but also the way he cared for others on his team.
“I want to be known as a guy who was friends with everyone,” Allen said. “I think it goes beyond football because football is going to end, but relationships last forever. I want to be known as not only a good quarterback, but also someone who was respected by others and friends with everyone. Someone who could be relied upon.”
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