2023 IATO Inductee
Marvin Allen Jr., a lifelong resident of the Des Moines area, is a fine example of dedication and commitment.
He has been married to his wife Mary for 40 years.
He retired after a 36-year working career with John Deere as a team leader in the Experimental Shop.
He retired as a Master Sergeant after 20 years in the US Army Reserve.
He is approaching 35 years as a Track and Field Official and a 20-year member of the IATO, primarily serving as a starter.
Marv ran track at Washington Irving Junior High and Tech High School in Des Moines and Peru State in Nebraska. He held the Tech 440 yard dash record for several years and competed in 2 AAU National Championships.
He received his BA from Drake University.
Marv has always had a great love for the sport. He got involved with officiating at the 1990 Drake Relays and is USATF National Level Certified.
Although he is still active as a high school and college official, his main interest and involvement in track and field lies with the AAU as the Executive Committees Budget Director. He also serves on the Junior Olympics Jury of Appeals, is the primary Championship meet starter and the Region 14 AAU Track and Field and Cross Country Meet Director.
When asked what is a key part of his involvement in track and field today, Marv replied:
“My role is working with youth…….trying to be instrumental in helping to make a positive change/and challenge them to achieve high standards on and off the track.”
Marv and Mary had 3 sons, Jason, Michael and Richie and have been blessed with 7 grandchildren.