Fountain Valley’s Allen Decides to Transfer to Corona del Mar

Fountain Valley junior Julie Allen, The Times’ Orange County girls’ cross-country runner of the year in 1999, will transfer to Corona del Mar High next semester.

Allen’s family is moving into the Corona del Mar attendance area in January, said Julie Allen’s mother, Leslee. The Allens put their house on the market last week and it sold within two days.

“I’m excited but also sad to leave my friends and teachers,” Allen said. “The school has been great my first 2 1/2 years. It will be a new and exciting experience.”

Allen will be a big asset for the Sea King track and cross-country programs. The cross-country team recently completed its season by defending its Division IV state title in Fresno. The track team won a Southern Section Division III title last spring.

“It’s wonderful when a kid comes in with that caliber,” Corona del Mar Coach Bill Sumner said.

The Allens are leaving Fountain Valley because they failed to settle an on-going dispute with co-head coaches Barry Migliorini and Marty Baratti regarding off-season training Allen was receiving from Sumner, Leslee Allen said.

“We’ve had mixed feelings,” Leslee Allen said. “Julie loves her team and she loves her teachers, but the whole package looks to be more valuable at Corona del Mar.”

Migliorini confirmed the departure stemmed from uneasiness with Allen’s off-season training but also agreed she should benefit under Sumner’s full-time watch.

“It just didn’t seem right for her to get training from someone we’ll be competing against for an Orange County title.” Migliorini said. “If that’s what [the Allens] think is best, than that’s where they should go.”