LAKEVILLE, IN. – LaVille’s Collin Allen has signed to continue his academic and athletic career at Trine University. “It was one of the first colleges that I first visited,” recalled Allen when asked about his selection. “It really stuck with me. I really liked the coaches there and the atmosphere of the college. It is a smaller college. I know where everything is and that really appealed to me.” Allen is a three-sport athlete at LaVille, playing football, basketball along with track and field. He was an offensive and defensive lineman for the Lancer football team. Allen was a part of a senior class that went 34-9 during its four years of football. Included during the last four years have been the school’s first-ever Hoosier North Athletic Conference football championship in 2022 and an Indiana High School Athletic Association title in 2021. Only the graduating class of 2017 has more football wins in a four-year span at 35. “The North Judson game is my most memorable moment in football,” said Allen. “It was a close game, went into overtime and that last play, just pushing the pile. The whole team was on the field, the coaches, the community, it was a really memorable moment.” And for Allen, he has really enjoyed his time being a part of the Lancer Athletic family. “Being a Lancer and playing athletics has meant a lot to me,” explained Allen. “It’s been me and all my buddie since first grade. We had a really successful season here going undefeated, winning conference and won sectional in 2021. It’s meant a lot to me and helped me make this decision to continue my football career. “Been really proud to be a Lancer, because of the guys I’ve played with. I’m playing with my friends in every sport, and part of it has been the community. They come in such large numbers to support our teams. They have supported our fundraisers and helped get us new jerseys, all the equipment we needed.” According to Allen, he plans to major in business management while at Trine University. “They have a nice stadium and the fans really come out and support the football team. That atmosphere really drew me to play football there.” said Allen, who is listed at 6-foot, 3-inches and 235 pounds. “The coach that has been recruiting me, coach Riley has been really helpful in helping me to make this decision. I will be playing defense. I’ll be playing middle linebacker and probably some special teams.” Trine is a Division III school that participates in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA). The MIAA includes Adrian College, Albion College, Alma College, Calvin University, Hope College, Kalamazoo College, Olive College, St. Mary’s College and Trine. The Thunder finished 7-3 overall a year ago. Allen, a soft-spoken, hard working young man also appreciated playing with his younger brother Cody. “I got the chance to play with my brother for two years,” concluded Allen. “I enjoyed that a lot. I will always remember when me and my friends and Cody and his friends would get together for a birthday party or whatever and play football at our house. We had probably 20 people over. I think that that helped us gain a connection. That connection helped us have a successful time in football.” TRINE UNIVERSITY Football became a varsity sport at Trine in 1995 and has steadily risen to become one of the top programs in NCAA Division III. After completing its 25th year of existence during the 2019-20 season, the Thunder have won a total of six conference championships, including five as members of the MIAA and winning back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018. Since joining the NCAA in 2004 (members of NAIA prior to joining NCAA), Trine has also made five appearances in the Division III Tournament and was a NAIA national semi-finalist in 1998. In its program history, Trine has had a combined 38 All-American awards (NAIA & NCAA) earned, including 10 players who have earned multiple recognitions. Thunder players have been named conference “Most Valuable Player” a total of nine times, including one multi-time “MVP.” In 2010, former standout Eric Watt ’10, won the Gagliardi Trophy (regarded as the Division III version of the “Heisman Trophy”) and Lamar Carswell ’18 was selected as a finalist for the same award in 2018. A total of three coaches have earned national recognition as regional “Coaches of the Year,” including current Head Coach Troy Abbs who earned the honor following the 2017 campaign. A total of 138 All-Conference honors have been earned by Trine players (MSFA & MIAA) with 86 first-team selections. Trine players have also been recognized for their success off the field in the classroom with five CoSIDA Academic All-Americans and multiple conference scholar-athletes. Trine has had four undefeated regular seasons in its program history, including back-to-back regular seasons without a blemish in 2017 and 2018. Over the years, Trine has accumulated a program record of 145-105. The Thunder have posted 17 winning seasons (out of 25 years) with six years of 10 or more victories. Quick Facts Name: Trine University Location: Angola, Ind. Founded: 1884 Enrollment (2020 Fall): 4,646 Nickname: Thunder School Colors: Navy (PMS#540) and White. Taupe (PMS#4525) is used as an accent color. President: Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D. Athletic Director: Matt Land Senior Woman Administrator: Brittney Harvey Sports Information Director: Nick Duffy Football Stadium (Capacity): Fred Zollner Athletic Stadium (5,500) Basketball Arena (Capacity): MTI Center (3,500) National Affiliation: NCAA Division III Conference: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA).