An Emotional Tom Allen Hurts For Injured Son Thomas, Vows IU Will Fight This Weekend

Written by Juliet Gahan

Indiana head coach Tom Allen has never been one to hide his emotions. We have seen him kick trash cans, slam on tables and crowd surf in the locker room. So when his son Thomas Allen was carted off during IU’s 24-0 win against Michigan state on Saturday there was more emotion. The younger Allen is scheduled to have surgery this week.

“It’s hard to see your son out there…It’s hard to stand there and see that and then keep coaching.“ Coach Tom Allen said. Allen could tell by the way his son Thomas was responding that it didn’t look promising. The two hugged and hoped for the best. 

Tom Allen announced that Thomas will be out for the remainder of the season. He will have hip surgery this week. Coach Allen was emotional speaking on the subject Monday afternoon. 

“It's been a long journey, but it's been awesome. My kids have sacrificed, my wife,'' Allen said before choking up. "So, It hurt so much for Thomas because I know what he's been through to get here. He's a tough sucker.'' Allen has coached at eleven schools since 1996. He has taken his family with him everywhere he goes. 

Unfortunately, this is not Thomas’s first season ending injury. His son has worked hard to play this season after a tough game last October. 

Last season Thomas suffered a shoulder injury when Indiana  took on Nebraska.  Hoosiers won the game 38-31, but Thomas Allen would be out for the remainder of his sophomore season. He finished  2019 with 17 tackles in eight games. This year he has racked up eight tackles and made the Hoosiers proud. 

This weekend Indiana is taking on Ohio State. It will be an exciting match up. Coach Allen is more than motivated for the game. 

“I love this place. I love these kids. We’re gonna fight, man. I don’t care what anyone says about this stinking game. We’re going to compete and we’re going to fight. Good-Lord willing, we’re going to find a way to keep proving everybody wrong.“ Allen said. The Hoosiers are three touchdown underdogs against the third ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.