With more than 20 years of coaching experience and a championship resume, Allen brings a passion for developing student-athletes, growing the sport of wrestling, and building programs that create lasting success. Throughout his career, he has helped lead teams to five UIL Team State Championships and five UIL State Dual Championships while coaching 74 All-State wrestlers. 

For Allen, coaching has always been about more than wins and championships. His purpose is to help students grow in knowledge, character, and discipline while creating opportunities that extend beyond the wrestling mat. 

"I've been coaching for over 20 years and have been blessed to be a part of five UIL Team State Championships and five State Dual State Championships," said Coach Allen. "However, I'm still the second-best coach in my house." 

Allen credits much of his family's success to his wife, Monica, who has earned statewide and national recognition throughout her coaching career. 

"My wife Monica is a State Coach of the Year, National Coach of the Year, and is in the Texas Wrestling Hall of Honor," said Coach Allen. "Bottom line is we got a phone call, and we are a wrestling family. Our favorite thing to do is grow the sport and build or rebuild programs. It's our passion." 

Monica will serve as an Assistant Wrestling Coach at Memorial High School alongside Chris.  

Allen earned his Bachelor of Science in Education with a specialization in Kinesiology and Biology from West Texas A&M University. He began his coaching career in 2002 and has spent more than two decades teaching science while leading successful wrestling programs across Texas. 

He previously coached at Caprock High School from 2002 to 2007 before joining Azle High School, where he spent 11 years teaching IPC and Biology while helping build the wrestling program from just eight athletes and establishing a girls wrestling program. In 2018, Allen returned to Caprock High School as Head Wrestling Coach and Anatomy and IPC teacher, helping transform the program into one of the state's premier wrestling programs. 

Throughout his career, Allen has been recognized as a Model Schools Presenter, Secondary Teacher of the Year nominee, THSWCA Coach of the Year, and AISD Teacher Training Instructor. He also serves as an FCA Mentor and Huddle Leader and holds certifications in USA Wrestling and Olympic Lifting instruction. 

As he begins this new chapter at Memorial High School, Allen is excited about building the Panthers wrestling program from the ground up and establishing a culture that will impact student-athletes for years to come. 

"We rebuilt Caprock into a state power, and we are excited about building a new school, a new program, and setting the foundation for success long after we are gone," said Allen. 

Allen and his wife, Monica, have three sons. Their oldest son, Cael, was a four-year varsity tennis letterman and will attend West Texas A&M University. Their middle son, Ryland, is a two-sport athlete, regional wrestling placer, and baseball player who will join Memorial High School as a junior. Their youngest son, Jace, will enter seventh grade and enjoys competing in baseball and tennis after previously wrestling alongside his brothers. 

Congratulations on your new role, Coach Allen! We are excited to welcome you to the Frenship Family and look forward to the future of Memorial Panther Wrestling under your leadership.