Burlington tabs Allen as new softball coach
Burlington Central High School has named Cray Allen as its new head girls softball coach.
Allen is the former highly successful Lake Park coach who led the Lancers to 135 wins and three state finals appearances in his four seasons there, taking third at state in 2008 and fourth in 2005.
“Cray brings to Central the leadership, motivation and credibility needed to create a winning program,” said Central athletic director Steve Gertz in a news release. “Cray has been a part of great programs and has a plan to continue the success here at CHS. Central High School is very excited and honored to have such a strong leader as our new head softball coach.”
Allen takes over the most successful softball program in the Fox Valley area. Under 11-year coach Scot Sutherland the Rockets were 251-105, winning seven regional championships and eight Big Northern Conference titles. The 2009 BC team finished 26-6 and took third place in the Class 3A state tournament. In program history, the Rockets have won 15 regional titles.
“Growing up IHSA athletics were a big part of me and it's special,” said Allen, who graduated from Norris City-Omaha-Enfield High School before receiving his college education from Southern Illinois University.
“My daughter is 2 years old now and it's time for me to get back into (coaching). Burlington Central is a good situation for me to get in and help a program.”
Allen, who is a graphics arts teacher at Lake Park, said knowing the community supports its softball program was a big part of his decision to accept the Burlington job.
“The people of the Lake Park community really knew what good softball was and everything I've heard about Burlington Central is that they're a lot like that,” said Allen. “That makes a coaches job a lot easier. Getting a program to the highest level and keeping it there is not easy. I really feel like the Burlington Central people know how cool it was and how much work it takes to keep it there.
“For them to have that faith in me to get the program back there, I really appreciate that. I'll be the most loyal person out there.”
Sutherland resigned his position midway through the 2010 season over administrative issues. Under acting head coach Lowell Oranger, BC finished 12-13 last season, losing to St. Viator in the regional finals.
With a 135-23 career record, Allen has coached 21 players who have gone on to college careers, including 2004 National Gatorade Player of the Year Stephanie Blagaich, who went on to play at DePaul.