PA Salute To Seniors: Robert Allen, Jr. - Delaware Valley Charter
What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race was at the 2013 Penn Relays when my team placed first in the Philadelphia Public League 4x4. We were the underdogs coming in because of our second place finish at the Public League Relays so to go into Penn Relays with no one expecting us to win and coming out on top making school history was big for us.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
I'd have to say I faced my biggest competition at the armory where I've competed there multiple times.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
What stands out the most would have to be the win at the 2014 Indoor States in the 4x200. We knew we could do it and we all counted on each other to play their part and handle their business and we executed very well.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I would change the way I thought of myself because at times I wasn't confident and I believe that if I was I could have ran a lot faster and also being open to more races early on to help build myself up to make better progress in my main races.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I had to overcome hamstring injuries as well as getting use to the Delaware Valley environment having run for the rival school Imhotep Charter for 3 years.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the fun times with my brothers from Del Val and The Tep, the jokes my Tep coach Curt provided and the wonderful times with coach Nettie from now and back in the Mantua days.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
My advice would be to take care of your body, drink PLENTY of WATER, stay hungry but confident and always realize when there's a time to be playful and a time to leave it all on the track.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?
I've always had great coaches that believed in me when I didn't believe in myself so that influenced me to never give up and work for what you want. Us having a female coach at Del Val not everybody respected us so we had to make them. Coach Nettie always reminded us of how nobody is gonna give us anything for free and that we have to work so I thought of that every time I stepped on the track and now use it in everyday life.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending and competing for Gwynedd Mercy University.
Shout-Outs?
My Parents, My second mom Lynette Matthews, My Brothers Donaldo Benjamin, Tyrell, Khalil, My brother Nysair and sister Kayla, Kasib, Kyree, Joe, Khaloni, Lamar, Tyshawn, Tito, Amir, Jai Franks, Brandon Smith, James Keith, Deandre Scott, Curt Davis, Coach Michelle, Imhotep, Mantua Elite, Delco Stallions, Del Val Charter and anyone who ever supported me !
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