Athlete – Basketball, Baseball, & Football
Allen McCowan was born to LaDonna Beatty and the late Allen McCowan on January 19, 1970. At a very early age, everyone could tell that this child was destined to be a star! With the love and support from his close-knit family, Allen was afforded opportunities that many in his situation didn’t have. Even though he was raised by a single mother, he was always taught to get an education and to not only dream big, but to go after those dreams as well. His younger sister, Tiffany Washington, was his biggest cheerleader and followed his career from the very beginning. We definitely can’t forget he was the apple of his grandparents’ (both maternal and paternal) eyes! To the late Rev. C.M. and Mrs. Rosetta Beatty and Mr. and Mrs. Sheryl and Mary Jones, Allen could do no wrong. His grandparents gave, sacrificed, and supported him unconditionally.
From Little League to high school, through college, playing overseas in Australia, and even while coaching, Allen always had support from a lot of people. Not only was he a superstar in sports, but he also had the best personality and smile. He loved people and never met a stranger. Allen would find a friend everywhere he went. In the words of Happy Osborne, his former coach at Georgetown College, “I’ll say this, he was a Christian, and I know he’s in a better place right now. This is just such a shock. He was a great all-around athlete and just a great, great guy.”
At Henry Clay High School, Allen was All-City and All-State Honorable Mention in basketball and led the squad to the quarterfinals of the KHSAA Sweet Sixteen Tournament in 1988. He led the Blue Devils baseball squad to the 11th Region Championship in 1987 and played in the East-West All-Star Series in 1988.
At Georgetown College, Allen was the only three-sport All-American in the school’s history, earning NAIA All-American and All-District honors in basketball, baseball, and football. He was inducted into Georgetown College’s Hall of Fame in 2009 and holds the single-season record for receiving yards in football. Allen also holds the basketball record for career steals (253). He remains in the Top 10 for assists (431) and blocks (69). Allen graduated from Georgetown College in 1994.
Following his college career, Allen was chosen to play in the East-West Basketball Extravaganza at Freedom Hall. This game included a select group of former standout Kentucky college players.
After a successful career in the college ranks, Allen then went to Australia to play basketball professionally. While playing Down Under, Allen played for the Albury-Wodonga Bandits. He led the team to an East Conference Championship, was East Conference MVP, and played in the league’s All-Star Game.
Also, while in Australia, Allen married the former Caroline Fischer, and he had three daughters – Jade, Aleira, and Kijana. All three girls have followed in his footsteps and play the beloved sport of basketball. No doubt Allen is smiling from Heaven as his girls are accomplishing so much in the sport.
Even though our beloved #24 took his last breath at the young age of 42, the memories he left far exceed those of an average 42 year old. Allen gave us memories to last a lifetime, and, oh, what sweet memories they are! God bless all who were able to witness the greatness of #24, Allen McCowan.
