CORVALLIS, Ore. – Heading into the 2020-21 year, 24 student-athletes were named to the Cascade Collegiate Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), representing their schools.
Tez Allen is one of the two representatives from Southern Oregon University, along with
Taelor Mayben. The junior is a member of the Raider men’s basketball team and picked SOU because of the coaches and the “beautiful campus.”
Allen is a two-year starter for the Raiders and has had some exciting experiences in his two years.
“Beating Corbin University by a buzzer-beater on the road to make it to the conference tournament championship as a freshman,” said Allen on his favorite basketball memories. “As well as winning our first-round game in the national tournament before it was canceled due to COVID-19.”
The Carson City, Nev., native has had to adjust physically and mentally since his season ended abruptly in March due to the pandemic.
“It has deterred me from being able to easily get into a basketball gym every day to work on my game and get better,” said Allen. “Mentally, getting in the hoop gym is a space to be free and have no worries. It has been tough to not be able to do something I love as often as I would like.”
The coronavirus has also had an impact on the healthcare administration major (with a minor in communications).
“It also has added a new dimension of thought to a possible career in epidemiology or administration adhering to pandemics,” said Allen. “My major has clear relevance to a lot of the policy and guidelines that we are seeing having a huge role in the handling of COVID-19 today.”
Allen is a two-time CCC Academic All-Conference honoree and this last year was named a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athlete so he knows what it takes to be a great student-athlete.
“Learning how to manage time efficiently, taking extra care of your body, being a role model everywhere you go,” said Allen on some of the demands of being a student-athlete.
After graduation, Allen would like to see where basketball takes him.
“I see myself being a professional basketball player somewhere in this world after SOU,” said Allen. “I am willing and hopeful to see where the ball takes me. I also see myself continuing to learn, whether it’s in a grad program or not. I want to help others and contribute to systemic issues in healthcare through administration.”
Allen lists his former teammate and roommate Kerry Cook as an influential person in his life, as well as his fellow athletes and SOU Athletic Director Matt Sayre.
“Kerry Cook was really influential to me both in life and basketball,” said Allen. “All of my school’s athletes push me to be better. As well as our athletic director, who shows what you can do with an organized and dedicated athletics program.”
When not playing basketball or studying, Allen likes to read and draw.
“I usually like to draw flowers, but I try to draw all sorts of things,” said Allen. “I also love music, reading and being around my friends.”
Allen was a late add to this year’s SAAC reps, but a solid choice from Sayre and Allen is excited to be a part of it.
“I hope to accomplish becoming a better role model for my team, school, and younger kids in my life that look up to me,” said Allen. “I hope to represent the conference well and leave a lasting impression as both a student and athlete who was a member of the CCC-SAAC.”