SPORTS
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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.
Men’s Basketball
Fri Nov 26 OBU 62 UT Tyler 74 Sat Nov 27 OBU 76(OT) TAMUC 86 Thur Dec 2 OBU 54 Ark Tech 72 Sat Dec 4 Harding 92 OBU 85
Women’s Basketball
Tues Nov 23 CCU 54 OBU 92 Sat Nov 27 OBU 71 Rogers St 82 Thur Dec 2 OBU 84 Ark Tech 90 Sat Dec 4 Harding 60 OBU 82
Battle of the Ravine Football
Sat Nov 13
Allen received an offer to play football for Ouachita two weeks before National Signing Day. Allen’s unconventional story in athletics in similar to his Dad’s, so he looks to him as an example. (photo by Levi Dade)
“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 forev-
er. 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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