For Immediate Release
April 5, 2001
LAKE FOREST, IL -- Chicago Bears running back James Allen is scheduled to be honored by his hometown this weekend. Wynnewood, Oklahoma has declared Saturday, April 7 "James Allen Day." The Bears most recent 1,000-yard rusher is being recognized by the Wynnewood High School athletic department and Black History Club for his professional and personal accomplishments. The school has also announced the endowment of the James Allen Academic Scholarship, to be awarded annually to one Wynnewood student.
"It's a great honor to be recognized by the people who I grew up with for the things I've been able to do in my career," Allen said. "I cherish the opportunity to go back home and visit with everyone who helped me become the person I am today.
"This honor takes my responsibility as a role model to another level. It is a challenge because I know that as a pro athlete I have an image to uphold and that kids are going to look up to me. My goal is to show kids that no matter what neighborhood you're from, you can make something out of your life if you work hard and make smart choices."
Allen led Wynnewood to state football championships in 1991 and 1992 with a pair of perfect 15-0 campaigns. The fourth-year pro also served two years as the president of the school's Black History Club, earning a scholarship from the organization, which he used to attend Oklahoma University. Following a stellar collegiate career in which he became the first Sooner running back in history to start as a true freshman, Allen has developed into the lead tailback for the Bears after a career-high 1,120-yard rushing season in 2000.
Saturday's festivities get underway with a 2 pm reception at Landmark Bank in Wynnewood and is followed by a highlight film of the school's 1992 state title game. The evening concludes with the Black History Club Banquet in the high school cafeteria where Allen will speak to the students, parents and faculty in attendance.