WHEREAS, Wayne Allen, also known as “Coach Wiz”, was born to Shirley Allen and the late Ossie Jones on April 12, 1971. He passed away prematurely in February 2017. Throughout his entire life Coach Wiz lived, breathed and slept his true passion in life which was the game of football. His energy and love for the game was felt by all he encountered, this energy was true for both on and off the football field; and
WHEREAS, “Coach Wiz” began playing football for the Logan Cowboys and later became a coach for the same organization. After coaching for a season with the Logan Cowboys organization, Coach Wiz had a greater vision. A vision where he would create a team of his own. This vision developed in to the organization known to us all as “The North Philly Aztecs”; and
WHEREAS, The Aztecs Organization was founded in 1993 by Coach Wiz and Steve Irving (fellow coach of the Logan Cowboys). The program began with Steve as President and Coach Wiz as Vice President. The goal of the Aztecs has always been to provide positive activities for the neighborhood youth that keeps them off the streets and on the playing fields; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years our youth football and cheerleading program has been a blessing for thousands of youth who flock from all city neighborhoods to participate. In addition to Coach-Wiz’s role as Vice President, he was also the head coach of the 180lbs football team. Coach Wiz existed in this capacity until 2009; at that time, he became the “President of the Board” for the organization. He served in this dual role until his death in 2017; and
WHEREAS, During his 23 years of service with the Aztecs Organization Coach Wiz personally served not only as a coach, but also as a father figure, leader, and mentor to many of the youth who have participated in the program. He sacrificed his own personal ambitions to ensure that the youth of our City were active and always had something positive to do. The memory of his twenty-three-year commitment to keeping children safe is something that should be preserved in our City’s history forever. We cannot think of a better honor than renaming loop road which circles the Aztec’s field after our fearless leader; and
WHEREAS, We in this Council, join in recognizing and honoring the life and legacy of Wayne “Coach Wiz” Allen and hope that the renaming of the 900 block of W. Cayuga Street, between 9th Street and Old York Road, will keep his memory alive, as a reminder of his service and dedication to the community through his service; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, By the Council of the City of Philadelphia, That the 900 block of W. Cayuga Street is also named “Wayne ‘Coach Wiz’ Allen Way”.
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