Clemmons, NC- Timmy Allen, the newly appointed head coach at West Forsyth, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the local wrestling scene to his role. As a graduate of Davie High School in Mocksville, North Carolina, Allen has a strong connection to the community. He further refind his skills as a wrestler at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Reflecting on his experience as a middle school coach, Allen acknowledges the importance of his previous role in preparing him for the challenges of being a high school head coach. "Where I coached in middle school has a long history and tradition of developing strong wrestlers," Allen stated. "I was a high school assistant for five years, dealing with many of the same responsibilities that I have now."
However, Allen's journey to becoming head coach was not without its obstacles. He faced a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment, which greatly impacted his ability to be present during the preseason. Mentally, he questioned his decision to take on the role and wondered how he would be able to fulfill his responsibilities. Nevertheless, Allen put his faith in the Lord and persevered. He credits his assistant coach, Tony Hairston, for stepping up in his absence, stating, "The Lord blessed me with a great assistant coach, Tony Hairston, who is also the Girls head coach. He did a great job and is continuing to do a phenomenal job when I have appointments or have to go to the doctor. He has stepped up while I am recovering and limited in my ability to demonstrate in practice."
Building a strong wrestling program at the high school level is a top priority for Allen. He emphasizes the importance of committing to year-round wrestling and strength training. "We are committed to year-round wrestling and strength training," Allen stated. "We constantly recruit kids in the school to be a part of our team so that we can continue to build and reach our goals."
Motivating and inspiring his wrestlers is another important aspect of Allen's coaching philosophy. Despite the personal challenges he has faced, Allen shows up for his team and demonstrates his dedication. "Honestly, just showing up and showing that I am here and that not only am I fighting for myself but I am fighting to be here for and with them!" Allen states. "I constantly am reminding them that wrestling builds our toughness and resiliency and prepares us for life’s challenges (cancer). I honestly don’t know if I would have had the outcome I have had without wrestling!"
In his first year as head coach, Allen's primary focus is on the growth and development of his team. While wins and losses are not at the forefront of his mind, he hopes to see improvement from his wrestlers and wants them to fall in love with the sport. "I really haven’t thought about wins or losses yet," Allen admits. "I just want our team to get better every day and become better wrestlers and fall in love with the sport! The winning will take care of itself!"
Discipline and dedication are key values that Allen aims to instill in his wrestlers. He believes that establishing a true team and family culture will motivate the athletes to not let each other down. "I really preach TEAM," Allen states. "If you establish a true team/family culture, the wrestlers will not want to let each other down! The discipline will sort itself out."
Recruiting and retaining talented wrestlers is crucial for the program's success. Allen plans to be visible and promote the team through social media to attract potential athletes. "Be visible! And promote through social media," Allen advises.
Looking ahead, Allen's long-term goals for the program include winning conference, regional, and state titles, as well as developing wrestlers who can continue their wrestling careers beyond high school. He acknowledges that achieving these goals will require hard work and dedication from both the coaching staff and the wrestlers.
Creating a positive and inclusive team culture is a priority for Allen. He promotes a team mentality and leads by example to support the growth and development of each wrestler. "Promote the team mentality and lead by example!" Allen emphasizes.
When asked about his decision to accept the head coaching role at West Forsyth, Allen credits Coach Hooker for reaching out and encouraging him to apply. "Coach Hooker reached out and told me he was thinking about resigning and told me to put in. And it was one of those things where everything just fell into place and felt right!" Allen shares.
As the team's first competition, the Wheatmore duels, approaches, Allen's main objective is to assess the team's abilities and learn more about his wrestlers. "I really just want to see what we got and what we are made of. And learn a little bit about my guys! And start to develop team chemistry and start to individualize plans for each wrestler," Allen explains.
Allen is supported by a dedicated coaching staff at West Forsyth. "I was blessed with some great coaches," Allen says. "Coach Tony Hairston has a long coaching background and was a standout for App St. he is a great instructor and mentor to the wrestlers and other coaches in the staff. I don’t know where I would be without him right now with my whole Illness and recovery! He was the glue while I was out! I brought several guys over from DC two I coached Bryson Hunter and Matthew King. And two who wrestled at DC. Jeremiah raby, Alex gobble. Each of had very successful HS careers and had multiple state places and runner ups amongst themselves. I know each guy and I know their hearts are in it for the right reasons!"
With a strong foundation and a dedicated coaching staff, Timmy Allen is poised to lead the West Forsyth wrestling program to new heights. His personal journey and commitment to the sport serve as inspiration for his wrestlers, and his focus on building a positive and inclusive team culture will foster growth and development for each athlete.
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