After leaving a few years ago to become an assistant football coach at Ada, Matt McCreary will return to Allen as the Mustangs’ new head coach.

McCreary was hired at a special meeting of Allen School Board on March 30.

McCreary said one reason he wants to return is because he trusts the administration at Allen Public Schools.

“I trust Chad Colbert, Jeff Hiatt, and I’m getting to know Mr. (Chris) Grimm,” McCreary said, “ I trust the administration (at Allen). I knew kind of like what the situation was as far as equipment, facilities, and I like that situation. I love the kids there at Allen. I was there several years ago, and it’s a great set of kids, There’s a great culture there and I want to build and be a part of that.”

McCreary said Allen gave him a lot when he was there.

“They took a chance on me as a young teacher and coach, and I’d like to give back,” he said, “and build that program. Help build that community up and grow even more as much as it’s grown so far. I want to see great things happen. And, it’s an opportunity to be a head coach, and have a great effect on a lot of kids’ lives. I think football is the greatest sport on earth, and I want other kids to see all the greatness that it has to offer, all the things that it can teach a young person.”

McCreary said he’s happy to return to Allen.

“I’m excited,” he said. “My wife, she’s excited, she’s been real supportive. She’s excited to start buying black and gold T-shirts.”

McCreary said he will finish out the school year at Ada as he made a commitment, but he is planning to be involved in spring football at Allen.

“... and really just take a couple of weeks and teach kids how we do things,” McCreary said. “How we keep a locker room clean, to how we form a line during practice, to how we perform in a drill. It’s going to be a lot of what our culture is going to be like. That’s what those first few weeks will be about.”

McCreary said he picked up some things at Ada that he will bring back to Allen.

“Coach (Chris) Berus taught us a lot about work ethic, and being organized, having an organized practice, being efficient in your practice and meetings,” McCreary said. “And also, he gave me a view of the bigger picture of how to run a football program. All the different aspects, from how you wash jerseys to how you win a football game. There is so much to it, and I’m excited to bring that to Allen and show these kids and my staff how I think we’re going to be most successful. Put that into play, and create a great athletic culture.”

Transportation bonds

It was also announced at the special meeting that Allen Schools will sell the $420,000 General Obligation Transportation Equipment Bonds to Farmer’s State Bank, as the bank bid the lowest interest rate.

Money from the bonds will be used to purchase new transportation for Allen Schools which will include three new buses.