One of the top college and high school wrestling referees in the nation, Mike Allen has worked numerous major competitions and is distinguished for his efficiency and skill in officiating.

Allen, who has been an official for over 26 years, has worked 15 NCAA Championships and a host of other major college events including Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10 and other conference tournaments. He is often selected to referee many of the most important college wrestling dual meets each season because of his ability, integrity and professionalism on the mat.

The first African-American to officiate in the Iowa state tournament, he 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 and was named to the Iowa State Officials Hall of Fame in 2003.

A successful athlete himself, Allen wrestled at the University of Northern Iowa, winning a conference championship at 190 pounds. He has also distinguished himself as a coach, guiding five Central High School student athletes to state titles in eight years. Allen serves as athletic director of his alma mater, Waterloo East High School.

Mike Allen serves not only as an official on the mat, but as a role model to student athletes of all ages.