F. Lamar Allen

2004 Effingham County Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Lamar was born to George and Juanita Allen on February 13, 1944 In the small community of Clyo located in the northern section of Effingham County. Lamar has lived in Clyo most of his life.

He began recreation sports with Laurel Hill Lutheran Church softball In 1963.

He participated in church league basketball for a short while and played church league

softball for 20 + years. He then moved over to the Recreation Open league. He also played baseball in the Savannah River League with the Pineora baseball team from 1968 until 1971.

Lamar not only played many sports but he also got into the coaching aspect of the game. He began coaching in the open women's basketball League in the early 70's.

In 1985 and the 1986 basketball seasons, Lamar was drafted by the Effingham Academy Board of Directors to coach the boys basketball Team for two (2) years and the girls basketball team for one (1) year. This was a joy to have the opportunity to coach such trainable athlete's as well as participate in a very organized sports program.

Lamar began coaching youth sports basketball and T -ball/baseball when their son, Troy began participating in recreation sports. His Coaching experiences beginning in 1984 until 1991 resulted in many wins for these teams. This even brought about the opportunity to coach many all star teams.

Personally, Lamar began playing and coaching men’s softball in the early 1970’s.  He along with Clarence Morgan began a travel team under the name of Bubba’s Sport Shop.  They had a lot of fun and a lot of wins.  They then were sponsored by Arden Chevrolet and later were know as the Patriots. Their last sponsor was Curtis and Sandra Brannen from Sylvania, Georgia.  There were know as B & B of Sylvania.  These were really good years with great sponsors.  However, after a time coaching began to look a little easier than playing.  B & B took on younger players to give the experienced players a break.  At this time Lamar devoted his time to coaching.  This team won GRPA District Championships and many, many invitational over the years.  This group of players under the sponsorship of Curtis and Sandra was as close knit as most families.  One year they had a record of 88 wins and 12 losses.

Lamar served on the Effingham County Recreation Board for 20 years while serving 16 of these years as chairman.

He officiated baseball, basketball and some football games for many years in Effingham County.

Lamar was very active in the Effingham County High School Athletic Booster Club for eight (8) years.  He spent much of that time as chairman and contributed countless hours to fundraising activities to support the players and coaches.

Lamar is now the organizer of the chain team sponsored by Effingham Rotary Club.  These “older” gentlemen drag the chains for all Effingham County High School home football games.

He delights in doing this and keeps him right in tune with what is going on in the game.