Hall of Fame
Former swimming head coach Dave Allen took over the Potsdam program in 1971 and turned it into a New York State champion during his six-year tenure.
Allen compiled a 44-26 record while at Potsdam, including marks of 8-2, 9-1 and 9-2 in dual meets during his final three seasons. The Bears were state champions under Allen in 1972 and were ranked as high as 15th in the NCAA Division III poll.
He coached five All-Americans during his tenure at Potsdam and twice was named State University of New York Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.
Prior to Potsdam, Allen received his bachelor’s in physical education from Springfield College. He began his coaching career at Allegheny College, where he had a record of 4-7 in his inaugural season.
Later Allen became coach of the first ever swim-team at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington in 1977. He was named the Coach of the Year for the Colonial Athletic Conference in 1984.
At UNC-Wilmington, Allen has coached 14 All-Americans, 25 conference champions and six Eastern titlists. In 25 years of coaching, Allen has amassed more than 230 wins.
This past season, Allen had the unique opportunity to coach his son Matt at the collegiate level. Matt competes in the freestyle events for the Seahawks and holds the school record for the 500-meter freestyle.
Allen and his wife, Ellen, reside in Wilmington, N.C.
