The Sachem community has lost one of its Hall of Famers and an early multi-sport athlete from the 1970s.
John Allen, affectionately known as “The Bear,” a member of the Sachem Class of 1976, passed away this week at his home in upstate New York. Allen, who was inducted into the Sachem Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023, was fiercely proud of his Sachem roots and remained deeply connected to the community.
He frequently shared memories of his time at Sachem and regularly traveled from Carmel, N.Y., to attend Sachem athletic events, including last weekend’s Sachem North vs. Bay Shore wrestling dual meet. “Sachem Tough, Sachem Proud” was how Allen often signed his messages, a phrase that perfectly captured both his enduring love for the school and the intensity he brought as a rugged, hard-nosed three-sport athlete. Legendary football coach Fred Fusaro said Allen was part of the foundation that elevated Sachem athletics in its formative years, noting that players like Allen built the tradition that followed. Allen’s athletic résumé remains among the most impressive in school history.
A three-sport athlete, two-sport captain, two-sport team MVP, and three-sport All-League and All-County selection, he earned nine varsity letters. He was a four-year varsity wrestler, three-year varsity track and field athlete, and two-year varsity football player, and was the recipient of the Richard Van Norr Memorial Award as Sachem’s top male senior athlete.At the collegiate level, Allen attended the University of Massachusetts as a two-sport athlete, becoming one of the winningest wrestlers in school history while also contributing to multiple championship football teams. Following college, he continued giving back by coaching youth football in several local leagues.
Allen is survived by his brother Bobby, sister Jackie, nephew Mikey, and niece Leah Rose. He will be remembered not only for his athletic excellence, but for his loyalty, leadership, and unwavering pride in Sachem.