'Voice of the Rams' among latest inductees into Badin HS' Sports Hall of Fame

The long-time “voice” of Badin High School sports, former school official and long-time volunteer was among the recent inductees into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Dirk Allen, spokesman for the Hamilton-based private school, was among six inductees honored during a ceremony at the school in late April.

Allen, who is retired from full-time work at the school but continues volunteering on a part-time basis, is also a former Managing Sports Editor for the Hamilton Journal, which is now published as the Journal-News, as well as being one of the most recognized and respected prep sports officials in Butler County.

Having joined Badin’s staff in 2001, Allen also worked stints as admissions director and journalism teacher as well as handling public information duties.

For years he has also been the game announcer and score bookkeeper for many of Badin’s sports games, including football and boys and girls’ basketball, along with emceeing other events at Butler County’s only Catholic high school.

“It was quite an honor, and really an unexpected one at that,” said Allen of his hall of fame induction.

“I have been involved with Badin athletics for a long time, and you do things because you enjoy them, not because you’re expecting some kind of award at the other end of it. Being inducted into the Badin Athletic Hall of Fame is really special to me,” said the now Hall of Famer, who was enshrined as an “exemplary volunteer.”

Besides being the “voice of the Badin Rams,” for 31 years Allen also been the score bookkeeper for girls’ basketball.

“Keeping the official scorebook has been a blast – a fun bandwagon to ride. So many terrific memories.”

“The students have energy, so I have energy. I’ve been at Badin High School for 25 years, with more to come. I’ve been blessed to be here,” said Allen.

Geoff Melzer, athletic director for Badin and a member of the Hall of Fame Committee, said “I’m not sure I could list all of the things that Dirk Allen does at Badin High School.”

“He has a lot of enthusiasm for the school and really supports our students all across the board. I know he was surprised when he was named to the Athletic Hall of Fame, but the committee told him, ‘Of course you’re going in; you deserve it.’”

“His contributions to our athletic program have been invaluable for many years. He’s a great member of the Badin family,” said Melzer.

Joining him in this year’s inductee class are: Wayne Doehlman, Hamilton Catholic High Class of 1963 (track); Scott Sherman, Badin Class of 1982 (football); Jessica Flannery Spaeth, Badin Class of 2006 (tennis); Lizzy Sunderhaus, Badin Class of 2008 (basketball) and Zach Toerner, Badin Class of 2009 (football and baseball).

Also honored at the Hall of Fame ceremony was the recognition of the school’s Legacy Family, a family that has had a positive impact on Badin and its athletic traditions.