Jordan Allen has athleticism in her DNA. The standout senior and Tattnall Traveler is the daughter of Susannah Allen and TSA alumnus and Athletic Hall of Fame member, Donnie Allen ‘85. To say she has excelled during her athletic career at TSA would be somewhat of an understatement. From her early years in c-team sports to her stellar varsity records, Allen has positioned herself as a dominating force for the Trojans. In fact, browsing through her high school resume you will notice an entire page and a half of athletic awards. This Saturday, Allen will travel to North Oconee High School for GHSA Track Sectionals where she will compete to earn her final shot at a GHSA State Championship title.
Though Allen has five GISA State Championship titles under her belt, her goal of capturing first place in state was shattered last year when she suffered an injury at the track sectionals meet. While Allen did clinch a spot to compete in the 2015 GHSA State Track Tournament, a sprained ligament in her foot sidelined her for the rest of her junior year.
“At first, I was devastated to get to that point and not be able to compete for state. It was our first year in GHSA, and I was the only girl to make it to state. I wanted so badly to compete and do the best that I could for my school. After crying most of the way home, I started thinking about the fact that I had another year to compete. I decided then that I would work hard to get back to the state finals for my senior year,” recalled Allen. And work is exactly what she did. Unfortunately, the start of her senior year brought another devastating injury for Jordan in the form of a fractured vertebrae. Allen then sat down with Head Athletic Trainer, Jody Burnett to devise a plan that would get her back on the playing field. Jordan eventually went on to earn All Middle GA and All Region Softball nods and played a vital role as a member of the Lady Trojans basketball team who made it to the elite eight this year.
Fast forward to the GHSA Area Track Meet on April 20, 2016. Allen dominated every single individual event she participated in earning 1st place in the Long Jump, Triple Jump, and 100M Dash. She was also named High Point Winner for the event. “Her chances at earning a shot at state this year look great based on the competing school submissions that I’ve seen,” commented Head Track Coach, Travis Absher.
Only the top 16 athletes were invited to attend sectionals, and from there only the top 8 athletes will earn a spot at state. “The competition at this level is tough, but I feel confident that I have worked hard to get back to this point. This is my last chance as a Tattnall Trojan to compete with all that I have, and I am blessed to have the opportunity to represent my school. Last year’s injury was devastating, but God has used it to help me work harder and appreciate this opportunity even more,” stated Allen.
Jordan has competed in varsity track events since her freshman year of high school, and won GISA state titles in Long Jump (9th/10th grade) and Triple Jump (10th grade.) Jimmy Marshall (200M, 400M) also advanced to sectionals and will represent the Trojans along with Allen.