Campus Features and Ornaments

Tier I: Harding Road Level
Tier II: Upper Campus, Front
Tier III: Courtyard at rear of Massey Commons
Tier IV: Front Campus Green
Tier V: John E. Sloan Quadrangle
Centennial Gate, Howard Allen, 1908-1977
Heritage of MBA Football, 1899-1998
Tommy Owen, 1924-1993

Centennial Gate Howard Allen 1908-1977
Howard Lee Allen dreamed about attending MBA. He attained that goal and graduated in 1930. As a student at MBA, he excelled in both football and baseball and earned a role as a reserve player in basketball. He was elected vice-president of his class and awarded the Martin Medal as MBA's outstanding boy. Following his career at MBA, Howard Allen attended Murray State Teachers College, setting athletic records in both football and baseball and serving as captain of both teams his senior year. One record he achieved in college that may never be exceeded was an 81-yard punt.

After his graduation in 1934, Howard Allen returned to MBA as the coach of the football, basketball, and baseball teams. Over 17 seasons, 1934-1951, Howard Allen's teams achieved remarkable success in both winning percentage and leadership development. His record in football was 99-37-12. His teams won city championships in all three sports. He introduced the T formation and post-season games to Nashville.

Howard Allen's career at MBA, however, can only partially be measured by win-loss statistics, championships, and the number of players honored. Much more important was his love for the school and his influence on the hundreds of players he coached and befriended. Howard Allen had a unique gift. His knowledge, personality, and personal standards combined to inspire countless young men to achieve a level of excellence far beyond their expectations of themselves. He developed ordinary boys into winners.

In these endeavors he led, encouraged, demanded, and taught. His approbation was valued above all other prizes. He is so remembered by those who had the joy and privilege to know him.