Mark Allen was hired to be the first Head Powerlifting Coach at Independence Community College in 2021. After eight successful seasons coaching the team at Coffeyville, Allen made the jump to Indy to begin the Pirates' powerlifting program.

“We are constantly seeking new opportunities for our current and prospective students," President Vincent Bowhay, Ed.D, said of the program launch. “We are excited to offer another program with local and regional demand, as yet another reason to come to, and stay, at ICC!”

Allen is a Kansas native who attended Caney High School. He joined the powerlifting team in high school and won a State Championship. Through powerlifting, Allen said he learned important life lessons involving work ethic, mental toughness, comradery, and discipline.

“I’m very excited about moving to ICC and starting the powerlifting program,” Allen said. “So far, all the other coaches and staff have been very welcoming and supportive. I look forward to growing the team and working for ICC.”

After college, Allen transitioned into strongman competitions, earning a pro card in May 2015. Now at the helm for the Pirates, Allen plans to build the program from the ground up.

“My main goal for this first year is to grow and get more students involved,” Allen said. “We will start with local meets, and the goal someday is to do some qualifiers for nationals. Down the road, hopefully we’ll eventually be competing against the best college powerlifters in the country.”

A typical powerlifting season lasts an entire school year with one competition in the Fall semester and one in the Spring. Allen said he plans to work with his student-athletes 12-16 weeks in preparation for each meet.

As the team grows and improves, the sky will be the limit for Pirates’ powerlifters under the guidance of Coach Allen.

“We’re going to stay active,” he said. “Lifting has a lot of physical and mental benefits that can be applied to other areas in life, and I just want to instill that in my student-athletes.  I want to give everyone involved with this team a positive experience.”