Roy Allen Appointed Seward Interim Director of Athletics

Seward County Athletics will move ahead under the leadership of a new Interim Director of Athletics — one with a familiar face. Trustees appointed Roy Allen to the position, after discussion in executive session, at the regular May meeting Monday night.

College President, Dr. Ken Trzaska, said the decision heralds a positive approach to the college's current climate of athletics, which has been marked in equal parts by radical change and high achievement. 

"Roy brings a sharp and unwavering intelligence around conference rules and dynamics," Trzaska said, noting the details are ever more important as the Jayhawk Conference absorbs the impact of recruitment and scholarship policy changes. On campus, athletics is also in a state of transition. 

This year, Saints Athletics have been a shining success once again. Seward has sent four teams to the NJCAA National Tournament this season including Region VI Champion Volleyball, Men's Tennis, and Women's Tennis teams.   The Men's Basketball team recently turned over a new leaf, with the hiring of Head Coach Jason Sautter and the Volleyball program filled their assistant coaching vacancy with the hiring of Garrett Case last week as well. 

Trzaska pledged to work closely with Allen to facilitate positive and constructive changes envisioned for athletes, coaches, and the community. 

"We're equally excited about the opportunity for collaboration and partnership between athletics and the rest of campus," said Trzaska, noting that such relationships are imperative to launch the next generation of Seward athletes. 

Speaking for the administrative team, Trzaska said, "Roy has our full support, and we are excited for him as he begins his new leadership role as Interim Director of Athletics."

Allen takes over the Interim Director of Athletics position after spending the past nine years as the Sports Information Director with the Saints and the past five as Assistant Athletic Director under the guidance of Saints Hall of Famer Galen McSpadden. 

Of his appointment to his new position, Allen said "I am so excited help continue the tradition of Saints Athletics excellence into the future.  The support that I have received throughout this process from our community and staff has been truly unbelievable.  It is amazing how many people have a passion for our athletics programs and are willing to reach out and lend any support that they can to help them continue being successful.  I want to thank our Trustees and our administration for putting their trust into me for this important position.  I want to thank our coaches, student-athletes, and team members here at Seward for the encouragement and support along the way.  I want to thank my family for pushing me to strive for perfection.  Most of all though, I want to thank our wonderful community for all of the texts, phone calls, emails, and kind words throughout this journey that have helped me reach the position that I am now with the ability to continue to positively impact our talented student-athletes for years to come."

Allen takes on his new duties immediately. The Sports Information Director position, reporting to Allen, will open for applications immediately.