A member of the Secret Society from 1980 to 1981, Allan Durden was a standout wide receiver and defensive back and a member of the powerful Helix teams that made back to back CIF Championship appearances in 1980 and 1981. By the time Allan graduated he had etched his name numerous times into the Helix record book. Allan left Helix holding the school record for passes caught in one game (11), passes caught in one season (56), career receptions (94) and career reception yardage (1713). He was ranked second in one season reception yardage (896), most touchdown receptions in one season (12), most career touchdown receptions (19), most touchdown receptions in one game (4) and most points in one game (24).

Allan accepted a scholarship to the University of Arizona and notwithstanding his great high school accomplishments on the offensive side of the ball, he went on to become an All-American defensive back and opened the door to what was to become a steady stream of outstanding San Diego safeties that have made their mark on the Arizona defense over the last three decades. His outstanding defensive play is reflected numerous times in the Arizona defensive record book. Allan had 14 career interceptions and set what was then a NCAA career record for interception return yardage with 241 yards. His 94-yard interception return against LSU in 1984 is the third longest return in Arizona history.

Allan received numerous honors during his Wildcat career. He was an All-PAC 10 First Team selection in both 1984 and 1985. He was once voted PAC-10 player of the week for his outstanding performance against the University of California. In 1985 he was selected First Team All-American by numerous organizations including UPI and Walter Camp. He was selected to play in both the Hula Bowl and Japan Bowl in 1986. In 1991 the University of Arizona recognized his great contributions to Wildcat football by inducting him into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame.

Allan was able to become a successful collegiate ballplayer because he was willing to make the necessary sacrifices that players on this level are often asked to make. Arriving in Tucson with strong offensive credentials he was eager to continue his playing career at this position. His coaches asked him to make the change in the best interests of the team. Arizona at that time had an abundance of wide receivers and needed help in the secondary. Allan said that it was an easy choice to make because he wanted to play. Often times you can find players on collegiate rosters that never become starters because they refuse to switch positions. They become too concerned about their image and what they perceive to be their “best position.”

Allan came from a great football family. His father Earnel was a former collegiate great at Oregon State and a long time NFL and San Diego Charger coach. Both his brothers Mike and Kevin were outstanding players at Helix High and were accomplished defensive backs in their own right. Allan has always exemplified the great strength of character and family values instilled in him by both his dad and mother June Durden. The dedication to hard work and desire to succeed that he exhibited as an athlete have also been evident throughout his adult life and these traits have been instrumental in his forging a successful career in the automotive dealership business in Southern California. Allan lives with his wife and son in La Mesa.

For his exemplary conduct both on and off the field and for forging a path to Tucson Arizona that many other Secret Society members followed to reach the pinnacle of collegiate football success, the Star Chamber is honored to include Allan in the Star Chamber Gallery of Stars.