Allen ready for USC Beaufort debut
The first time Danny Allen got a chance to observe his new players on the golf course, the round was forced to a premature finish.
"On Friday we got in about 12 holes before lightning and thunder halted our play," USCB's new men's coach recalled Monday, still less than a full week on the job.
At least the Sand Sharks were able to get in a full 18 holes of work both Saturday and Sunday, though each of those also required waiting out short delays as Mother Nature played through.
"Yeah, we've had a little dodgy weather," Allen said. "Other than that, it hasn't been too bad."
Thus ends the introductory period. Come Tuesday morning, Allen has a lineup card to fill out when USCB opens its fall season at The Club at Savannah Harbor, taking on Sun Conference rival Savannah College of Art & Design in a dual meet.
"Trying to learn as much as possible in a short period of time, it's always a rush," said Allen, who arrives following two years at Coker College, where he directed both the men's and women's programs.
He replaces Chris Cuneo, who left in May to take a job at the historic Knollwood Club outside Chicago. The hiring wasn't announced, though, until Aug. 27 -- and Allen's first day wasn't until last Wednesday.
It's a whirlwind, sure, but one that Allen saw coming.
"I knew when school was starting and when I could start," he said. "This is my seventh year in (college) coaching, so I'm very comfortable with a lot of the aspects -- the office work and being in an athletic department. I know how to coach. It's just learning the players and the people I'm working with. That just takes time."
Allen takes over a program that finished fourth at last year's NAIA Championships, its fourth top-10 finish since 2010. The Sand Sharks begin this season No. 5 in the preseason rankings.
"I have no doubt Danny is the right coach to continue the success the USCB men's golf program has enjoyed on and off the course," athletic director Quin Monahan said in announcing the hiring.
For now, Allen said he'll lean quite a bit on his two returning starters in seniors Brad Curren and Jud Milam. Both finished among the top 16 at last year's Sun Conference tournament.
"I kind of knew those two are going to play and be an integral part of the team right away," Allen said. "Then it's learning who the next guys are, so it's getting in those rounds and seeing what kind of scores they're shooting."
Senior Cory Cottrell, junior Jesse Maislin and sophomore Seth Rockwell seek to step into bigger roles, while Allen also has five freshmen to evaluate.
"The lineup will probably change from the first tournament throughout the year," Allen said. "But that keeps guys hungry and ready to compete."
Over time, Allen said, things will settle down and he'll be able to put some of his own touches on the program.
"I think USCB is a great school in a great area, especially for golf," he said. "The idea is to take it to the next step and win national titles. For me as a coach, it's a great area to coach in and recruit to. I think the sky is the limit as far as the program goes."
This story was originally published September 8, 2015 at 8:12 AM with the headline "Allen ready for USC Beaufort debut."