By RICHIE HALL
It’s been a whirlwind past two days for Bobby Allen, who is now the Hamilton Southeastern boys basketball coach.
Allen had spent seven seasons coaching Guerin Catholic, leading the team to seven winning seasons, four sectional titles and a 2023 Class 3A state runner-up finish. On Tuesday, Allen accepted the coaching job at Southeastern, turning Wednesday into a day of transition.
Speaking to The Reporter on Thursday afternoon, Allen said he “met with my team at Guerin on Wednesday morning and then I was introduced at Hamilton Southeastern right after that. Everything was pretty quick.”
Allen also admitted it was “very hard and very difficult to make this decision.” He took over a Guerin Catholic program that was already successful and kept it at a high standard, compiling a record of 128-56 in addition to all the post-season championships.
“I’m leaving behind some of the best friends and amazing families and an incredible basketball program that is making this just seem impossible,” said Allen. “But I also feel that the experience there has prepared me to try and implement the same values and hopefully have the same success we had at Guerin.”
At the same time, Allen said taking the HSE coaching position is “a great decision for my family. We live right down the street from Hamilton Southeastern and my kids are in that school district. It’s an opportunity for a new challenge.”
“It’s one of those things in life that you don’t see coming and you’re not really seeking out,” said Allen. But he is ready for the opportunity, and is aware of what he called “the reality of how difficult the sectional and the (Hoosier Crossroads) Conference are.”
“I know it will be challenging, but I think I’m up for that challenge,” said Allen. “I want to test myself.”
Allen met with the Royals team right away on Wednesday and had individual meetings with the Southeastern players starting on Thursday.
“We’ll get going with limited contact and practices starting next week and hit the ground running,” said Allen.
Be the first to comment on "“I want to test myself” – Allen ready for new challenge at HSE"