Mike Allen

Officiating in sports transcends popularity contests, regardless of the game. As a wrestling referee, the challenges intensify when pitted against two emotionally charged and determined opponents. Simply stated: officiating wrestling is a demanding job, often underappreciated by both wrestling fans and competitors.

Mike Allen of Waterloo is being inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame after a 35-year officiating career. “Mike was known for his exceptional knowledge of wrestling techniques and rules throughout his career,” stated Bill Roths, supervisor of wrestling officials for the IHSAA. “Athletes and coaches trusted his judgment, knowing that he possessed a keen eye for identifying infractions and a firm grasp of the sport’s nuances. His calm demeanor, coupled with his ability to make split-second decisions, made him a respected figure in the wrestling community.”

The first African American to officiate in the Iowa state tournament, Allen has officiated at 20 Iowa High School Championships and a number of other national high school tournaments. He was voted Iowa Wrestling Official of the Year in 1980, 1987, and 1992 along with being named to the Iowa State Officials Hall of Fame in 2003.

Allen credits his parents and the coaching staff at UNI for forming him into the respected referee his is. Allen recalled getting into officiating when he was assistant wrestling coach at Waterloo Central under head coach Gene Luttrell. “I was coaching with Gene and questioning some calls on the mat,” Allen recalled. “Gene said if you think you can do it better, then you should take the officiating test. It was an open book test, and I took it and passed. So began my journey as a wrestling official.”

Allen, a seasoned figure in the wrestling arena, boasts an impressive track record:

• Officiating Prowess: Allen has officiated 23 NCAA Championships and presided over numerous Division I conference championship tournaments, including the Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac-10. He was the first official to work the NAIA, NJCCA and all three NCAA national tournaments in the same year.
• Athletic Journey: As an accomplished athlete himself, Allen grappled on the mats of the Ellsworth Community College and the University of Northern Iowa where he clinched a conference championship in the 190-pound weight class. Notably, he also excelled as an all-conference football player.
• Coaching Excellence: Allen’s impact extends beyond officiating. His coaching prowess shines through as he guided five student athletes from Central High School to state titles within a span of eight years.

Mike Allen has been inducted into many Halls of Fame: The East High School Hall of Fame, The Ring of Honor Football Hall of Fame, The Ellsworth Football Hall of Fame, The Midlands Hall of Fame, The Glen Brand Wrestling Hall of Fame, The FILA International Wrestling Hall of Fame, The Iowa Wrestling Official Hall of Fame, The Iowa African American Hall of Fame, and Iowa Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Meritorious Official.

Allen was inducted in the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2024 along with Jay Borschel, Travis Paulson, Trent Paulson, Leslie Beers (posthumously) and Arthur Holding (posthumously).

High School

Waterloo East High School

College

University of Northern Iowa

CoachStan Sheriff, Don Erucha, Chuck Patten