Allen Takes Leave as Cancer Recurs

Boise State Coach Pokey Allen took a medical leave of absence after a biopsy confirmed he has a recurrence of cancer in both his lungs.

“I am a little scared,” said Allen, who will go to Seattle next week for tumor-removal surgery. “I’d like to act braver than I am, but I’m scared.”

Allen, 53, was diagnosed with a rare, deadly tissue cancer in his right triceps in December 1994. The tumor was removed in March 1995. After eight months of chemotherapy and a stem-cell transplant procedure, Allen’s cancer was declared in remission.

Allen is 23-14 in three years at Boise State.

Tom Mason, an assistant, will become interim coach.