From Player to Coach: Curtis Allen

The 2010 Spring Season coaching staff for the Franciscan University Barons is looking fresh and new.  Sarah Bartley interviews the newest addition to the Baron family, head men’s tennis coach, Curtis Allen.

It was an exciting Monday for me, sitting in my new office as the recently hired sports information coordinator, and talking with our newest addition to the athletic department and a fellow 2009 FUS grad, Curtis Allen.  He was the classic southern California boy, relaxed, calm, his left leg propped up on his right knee and wearing flip flops. I was put at ease for my first official interview on the job.

Welcome back, Curtis! You couldn’t leave the Franciscan University sports world, could you?

Having played basketball for Franciscan all four years while I was a student gave me an inside perspective on the growth of the athletic program from club to varsity to NCAA Division III.  Deciding to take this position was definitely a big decision and a calling.

So why the switch from basketball to tennis?

Well, my mom played tennis in high school and my aunt is a semi-pro tennis player.  It is definitely a family sport.  My siblings played in high school as well and I played on the FUS club team my freshman year in 2005.

How is the season looking to shape up?

About seventeen to eighteen men came forth this past fall and expressed interest in playing this 2010 season.  Tryouts are at the end of January and practice is slated to start in February.  I am excited for our team to start playing on the beautiful new courts in Belleview Park.

New courts?

Yes!  The school worked with the city of Steubenville to build six brand new courts and the entire park has been completely redone.  It looks fantastic, and I’ve been in communication with the city to begin tennis programs for the youth of the area this summer.

And what are your plans for getting the team in shape? Do you have any particular drills that just pump you up?

I’ll have the guys out at practice doing a lot of footwork, running and lifting.  You really have to be in good shape and very fit to play tennis and play it well.  My favorite drill is using the ball machine to practice my groundstroke – there is nothing better than getting in that groove of hitting shot after shot. It just makes me feel so good.

Nice!  Now I have to ask: favorite pro tennis player?

Hmm…Andy Roddick is great to watch, and Roger Federer is a class act who overtook the player who is probably my all-time favorite, Pete Sampras.  So, yeah, Pete Sampras. Definitely, Sampras.

How about a quote for the road?

We are the first division three team for Franciscan University.  These guys will always be remembered for their competition and success.  I am excited for them and what they are bringing to this school.