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PROVO, Utah (Aug. 2, 2006)—Mark Allen, a key contributor on BYU's 1984 National Championship team, passed away at his home in Yorba Linda, Calif. on July 25, 2006.
Allen, 46, led the Cougars in interceptions (four) and pass breakups (10) as a senior in 1984. He started in all 13 of BYU's game while picking up 55 tackles.
"We're deeply saddened by another loss to the BYU football family," BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "Mark will always be remembered for his contribution to the great tradition of the 80's, including the Cougars' 1984 National Championship. He is one of the reasons why we emphasize the tradition of BYU football. It is guys like Mark who have made this program great."
As a junior, Allen had 41 takedowns and led the 1983 Cougars' squad with 13 pass breakups while starting only three games. His two interceptions in 1983 gave him six in 15 starts at BYU. Allen also ran the 400-meters for the BYU track team.
"Mark was the consummate teammate," former BYU quarterback Robbie Bosco said. "Everyone enjoyed playing with him and being around him. He was the type of guy who always made you feel welcome and never made you feel unimportant. He was a great teammate and a great friend."
During the Cougars' season-opener at third-ranked Pittsburgh, Allen helped vault BYU into the national spotlight with a 20-14 victory over the Panthers. Allen was credited with two interceptions, a pass break-up and five tackles.
Early in the first quarter, Allen picked off Pittsburgh quarterback John Congemi after the Panthers had marched down to the Cougars' 20-yard line. Allen's interception and 22-yard return prevented the potent Pitt offense from striking first. Trailing 14-3 in the third quarter, Allen stepped in front of another Congemi pass and returned it 10 yards to set up a 12-yard touchdown run just two plays later that cut the Pitt lead to just 14-9. The interception proved critical as it lead to 17-unanswered points and gave BYU the 20-14 victory.
Allen was credited with two more interceptions on the season, but none were as critical as the two against Pittsburgh.
"I'll never forget his interceptions against Pittsburgh," Bosco said. "Those were probably the biggest plays in that game. His performance against Pitt helped get us off to a great season."
Prior to transferring to BYU, Allen starred at Fullerton Community College for two years. He was an all-conference selection and won the team's Coaches' Award.
After college, Allen dedicated much of his time to coaching football at various levels. Most important to him was coaching his son Kyle and other Yorba Linda kids in their Pop Warner years with the Yorba Linda Cowboys.
Allen was successful in business, operating several mortgage companies in Orange County. He is survived by his wife Sandra; daughters Rachel and Tonya and son Kyle.
