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Mike Allen, Former Beloved Principal and Iowa Hall of Fame Officiator, Is Remembered as a Blessing by His Community
- Volume 82 Magazine
- 3 days ago
- 12 min read
Updated: 12 minutes ago
Michael Allen, a respected member of Waterloo, Iowa's community and a former administrator for its school district, passed away at the age of 74 on the last day of February after battling a health condition. Heartfelt tributes from former students, friends, family, and community members have highlighted his incredible legacy, as he is remembered as a significant pillar of the town.
While graciously serving as a principal in the same district and community where he was educated, Allen's influence extended beyond his role in education.
In 2021, the district nominated him for Central Middle School's African American Hall of Fame, which focused on community members who significantly impacted Waterloo.
Mike grew up in Waterloo, where he was a state champion in both wrestling and football during his time at East High School. He continued to excel in sports at Ellsworth Community College, in both football and wrestling. Later, he transferred to the University of Northern Iowa, where he became an all-conference football player and a wrestling champion for the Panthers.
Many of Mike's former colleagues and students describe him as one of the best administrators to serve in the district. Accounts of his excellence have flooded social media, where people recount the discipline, love, and support that Mr. Allen provided to his former students and their families.
Jared Smith, the current Superintendent for Waterloo Community Schools, praised Mr. Allen for the time he served with the district; he stated: "It is with deep sadness that we reflect on the passing of Mike Allen, a remarkable individual whose contributions to the Waterloo Schools and the broader Waterloo community will never be forgotten. I had the privilege of working alongside Mike in three capacities—first as a student at West High, later as an Assistant Principal at East High, and most recently in my role as superintendent. Through every chapter of his career, Mike left an impact on countless lives." Jared continued, saying, "Mike's influence on our students, particularly students of color, was profound. Representation matters, and Mike exemplified the kind of person many of our students aspired to become. Whether it was his colorful suits, the cool cars he drove, or his frequent appearances on ESPN, Mike inspired our young people to dream big.
Mike reminded us all of the power of connection, visibility, and influence. His absence will be deeply felt, but his contributions will shape our community for years to come. Mr. Allen - you will be greatly missed."
Kourtney LaShae, a former student of Allen's, posted on Facebook, "Crazy how he was staff and an influence to me through my entire schooling years from Roosevelt to Logan to East. He was a great man with pure intentions!"
Waterloo East's head football coach, De'Carlos Anderson, shared a heartfelt memory of Mike, saying, "TOUGH LOSS!!! Reflecting on when I got the coaching job at East, Mr. Allen tracked me down to donate money for our coaches' gear. His exact words... "I want y'all to look GOOD."-he was tired of seeing East High coaches looking tacky and raggedy. Also, make sure you get me whatever the coaches get 'cause you know I like to look good too..." LOL! Mr. Allen... The man, the myth, the legend will be missed!!!
Another former student from Allen's middle school career, Les Wilder, remarked, "Mr. Allen passing on the last day of February—he definitely made history with his legacy...He truly loved Black History Month. He organized a Black History program at Central Intermediate when I attended—he recruited each and every student that attended Central to participate in the program, and if you didn't you was gonna get in trouble. He made a few of my friends and I sing "U Will Know" by Black Men United...That will forever be a memory of mine."
Many wrestlers across Iowa remember Allen for his long career as a wrestling official. He was the first African American to officiate at the Iowa High School state tournament and was inducted into the Iowa High School Officials Hall of Fame in 2003. Over the course of 35 years, Allen officiated both NCAA and high school wrestling matches before retiring.
As a Hall of Fame wrestling referee, he has earned great respect within Iowa's wrestling community. Jim Miller, the Executive Director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum, described him as "an icon." The museum even dedicated a post on social media to honor him, stating, "He was one of the most accomplished wrestling officials of all time. We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mike Allen, a trailblazer in the wrestling community. Honored as a Meritorious Official by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2007 and inducted into the Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame of Iowa in 2010, Mike's impact on the sport was immeasurable. His integrity, leadership, and passion will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this time."
His long-time friend and former wrestling teammate, Tony Stevens, remembers Mike as an extremely hard worker. Tony stated, "I contribute Mike's success to him being raised in a supportive and structured family." Stevens continued, "His family structure provided him with a blueprint to be successful. Mike was disciplined and a workaholic. In high school, he worked before school and never missed or came late to an athletic practice. He valued time and did not waste it on non-productive things."
Allan Jacobson, a former teacher at WCSD, shared, "Mike was one of my favorite Waterloo Schools principals. He really cared for students and staff." Jade Lowery, a former student and neighbor, reflected, "RIP Mr. Allen—from middle school to high school; even during college, he was ALWAYS in my corner. He'd tell anyone who'd listen I was one of his favorite students and his next-door neighbor-this really makes me sad."
Angela Bush also shared a touching and humorous tribute on social media: "R.I.P. to Mr. Mike Allen. I have so many memories of him, but the ones that stick out the most is when he used to come to pick us (Alisha Mcginnis, Phaedra Roby and myself) up in the morning and take us to basketball practice and we better had been ready. He was such a great man. He treated all students like we were his kids because he didn't play either lol. But it was all love. He couldn't have been in the school system now because he wouldn't let us walk around with our hair not done and looking a mess!! We would get told about ourselves real quick. He really cared about us and wanted us all to be great. He wanted us to always show up and be the best version of ourselves. We need more like Mr. Allen in the world. We lost a good one. He will truly be missed."
Volume 82 had the opportunity to catch up with Mike's son, Victor Allen. During our lighthearted and humorous conversation, he shared several fond memories about his dad, particularly his passion for cars and his love for stylish clothes.
Here's what Victor shared about his father: "He was a car person, and I was his antithesis as it relates to cars—Victor explained that he'd ask Mr. Allen, what are you getting and why? If it's something that's practical, I was the more practical part of the discussion. Victor shared a story about Allen when he talked to him about wanting to purchase a Corvette. He humorously told me the questions he asked Mr. Allen while helping him decide—"Do you have a sports car in your fleet right now? And you want one because you just gotta have one? Do you have an alternate vehicle for the months when there's inclement weather? (At that time, he was traveling for officiating). If he had one (an alternate vehicle), great, get the Corvette. If you didn't, you might wanna hold off on getting that vet and get you an SUV."
He continued, "Cars were one of the things that Daddy and I always bantered about. Maybe in the last five to six years, he wouldn't notify me prior to getting a sports car. He bought a Maserati and sent me a picture with no text! I responded to the picture and said, "This you?" [No reply]! Lol!. Victor continued, "Daddy bought cars like we buy groceries at the store, spontaneously!"
Victor and I discussed Mike's tenacious spirit and outstanding legacy as a wrestling official as well. He shared with me that during the early years of his dad's career, Mike considered quitting due to the outrageous racism he faced from spectators. However, he persevered and became a well-respected referee.
Shortly after Allen's death, his fellow NCAA wrestling officials honored him at the Big 12 Championships by wearing purple emblems. His death received statewide coverage, and members of Iowa's high school and collegiate wrestling associations attended his funeral services.
Mike's wife, Arnita, remembers him as a hardworking, caring, and loving man. As a husband, she described him as gentle and tender-hearted, always ensuring that she never wanted for anything.
They first met in 2007 when Arnita was a secretary for the Waterloo Schools at the administration building. She believes God always favored their relationship, wanting them to be husband and wife. Arnita said, "Mike was dedicated to the work God had called him to do. He served as principal for 39 years in the WCS, where he loved the students as if they were his own children."
Arnita shared that Michael aspired to be a preacher before he became ill, in addition to his many accomplishments. Yet, she reminded him that he was already a minister in his own right; she said, "I let Michael know that he was a minister." She told Allen, "You don't necessarily have to stand in the pulpit at a church to be a preacher-your pulpit was the school where God used you to minister to the students and minister to God's children."
Arnita shared that wherever they went—whether to dinner, the doctor's office, shopping, or other places—they would often run into some of his former students, who would usually reminisce with him about their time with Michael as their principal.
Arnita explained that her youngest son attended West High School when Michael served as the assistant principal. She said, "My son took notice of Michael, and he said, Mom, "If there were a student in trouble or having problems, he would cling to them." "So God used Michael as a vessel to snatch the students that were going off track to pull them back and help put them back on track. God not only used Michael as a principal, but God used Michael as a referee; he was very precise."
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