Coach Overton Celebration: A Gift of Gratitude

Join us in celebrating 41 years of teaching and coaching with Coach Allen L. Overton, Jr. As a token of our appreciation and gratitude, we would like to present him with a gift that he and his wife Valerie can enjoy. They have provided us with significant contributions; let us express our gratitude in return.

We kindly request that you contribute what you can; no donation is too small. We extend our gratitude in advance for your generosity.

Committee for Coach Overton Celebration of Service

BIOGRAPHY – Coach Allen Lee Overton, Jr.

Coach Allen Lee Overton, Jr., was born in Elizabeth City, NC, on December 19, 1953. He graduated from Northeastern HS in 1973, in which he lettered and excelled in the following sports (Football, Wrestling, and Track/Field)

He attended North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC. While in college, he was a two-sport letterman in football and wrestling. He pledged Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity in the spring of 1977 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education in 1978. After graduating, he tried out for the Carolina Storms (Chargers), a new professional football league based in Charlotte, NC. He successfully made the team and played as a linebacker and strong safety. This summer league was an American Football Association (AFA) member. He was part of the team from 1979 to 1983, during which they won two American Bowl Championships.

In 1979, Coach Overton applied for a Health/Physical Education teaching position at James Blair Intermediate School in Williamsburg, VA. He commenced his teaching duties on December 3, 1979, and subsequently assumed the roles of Head Track and Field Coach and Assistant Football Coach.

In 1982, he established the Freedom Striders Track and Field Club, which has since achieved considerable success and garnered numerous awards for the youth of Williamsburg/James City County, York County, Newport News, Hampton, and Smithfield. The club's primary purpose was to offer educational and character-building activities during the summer, providing a safe space for area youth to focus on their development.

Coach Overton started his high school coaching career in 1985 at Lafayette High School as an Assistant Coach for football, wrestling, and track/field. He later became the Head Coach for Indoor Track/Field at Lafayette HS and Indoor and Outdoor Track/Field at Jamestown HS and Bruton HS. He also served as an Assistant Coach at Warwick HS.

In his 41 years of teaching and coaching, Coach Overton mentored many students and witnessed their success in various fields. He succeeded in every program he coached, with his athletes winning multiple District, Regional, and State championships. His teams also claimed multiple District and Regional team titles. The Freedom Striders Track/Field Club also secured over 25 National Individual championships or records under his guidance.

Coach Overton has received numerous accolades, honors, and awards that speak to his dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of our youth. He has had the privilege of coaching two highly distinguished Track and Field athletes: Seneca Lassiter from Williamsburg and Nicole Kelly from York County.

Coach Overton lives in Toano, Virginia, with his wife Valerie. They have a blended family: daughter Denitra, sons Joe and Fred, and five grandsons—Darrien, Isaiah, Neiko, Colin, and Caleb. His main supporter is his mother, Ida M. Morris, with whom he speaks daily.