When California native Randy McAllister took the head boys basketball coaching job at Pleasant Grove six years ago, he believed he'd have to be ready to tackle a big challenge.

"From what I'd been told and from seeing the 0-8 record in league play, I came in expecting a mess," McAllister recalled. "I thought I'd have to fix the program and it would take a few years before we'd even be competitive."

It didn't turn out to be a rags-to-riches story, where McAllister led a charge to a state title, but under his tutelage Pleasant Grove got things going in the right direction. The Vikings started with three straight wins and made big strides that winter, finishing with a 13-10 record and making it back to the state tournament.

"I remember fondly every year that I've been here but that first season will always hold a special place in my heart," McAllister said. "It was a wonderful experience. The quality of kids I had was better and more prepared than I expected and we had a great season.

"I think that set the stage for some of the things we're doing now."

The Pleasant Grove has compiled a solid 72-53 record during his tenure with the Vikings -- including a stellar 11-1 mark this year -- but it was decisions made 25 years ago that set him on his current course.

McAllister graduated from Huntington Beach High School in California in 1981 and continued his basketball career in the junior college ranks at Shasta College and then in the NAIA program at Vanguard University.

During that time, he was considering what he would do when his playing days ended and to that end took some business classes.

"I was in an accounting class and that was when I decided I wanted to be a coach," McAllister recalled. "I went and changed my major to physical education and began coaching after I finished playing."

He said the transition from player to coach had its rough times in the first couple of years but he began to grasp the different approach needed to instruct instead of just compete.

After graduation, McAllister spent 15 years coaching at high schools in southern California.

"I coached all levels until 1998, when I decided to take a job as a head coach," he said. "I'd had some opportunities before but the timing wasn't right. But I was 35-years-old and I was ready to take over a team."

After spending time at Rancho Verde High School, McAllister began considering a change.

"I had great teams and good kids but the school was a little tough," he explained. "I used to have my wife come to the games with friends so she would have someone to walk with out to the parking lot."

As he started investigating the possibilities, he discovered an opening at Lehi. Although the position didn't fit his particular situation, it did lead to the interest from Pleasant Grove.

"Jess Christen, who was a vice principal then, called me up and said Lehi had recommended me," McAllister said. "I interviewed for the job and they said we'd love to have you."

The Viking head coach said that he expected to be facing a different level of hoops in coming from his previous location but found out that wasn't the case.

"I discovered the play here was every bit as good as the upper end of Orange County where I was before," he said. "Also because there are fewer jobs here, the teams are better coached."

Although McAllister wasn't LDS, he said he felt that the transition to Utah life went very smoothly for him and his family. Not only did the community embrace his family, it also became ardent supporters of the teams he has coached.

"They pack into our gym and I think that's good for the school and the community," he said. "It's also great for the kids to be able to experience that atmosphere."

That atmosphere and intensity has even raised a level this season as Pleasant Grove returned an exciting group of players.

"I've never had this many guys that have been through so much varsity time," McAllister said. "It's made it so there's less teaching of the system and more working to play up to out potential. Our goal is to be as good as we can be and we're fighting a battle to keep improving."

Although with the success comes plenty of pressure, don't expect McAllister to view the downside of things. He said he's learned as he's gone through his coaching experience to make things as positive as possible.

"It's been more fun since I started trying to enjoy what I'm doing," he explained. "A lot of people might say I'm a mellow coach but I don't think my players would. I can be very intense and push the kids to do better, but I always try to do it in a positive way."

McAllister advises young coaches to do two things to make the job a success: Be passionate about it and recognize the time it will take.

"You have to be willing to give everything you have because it doesn't leave you," he said. "And for those guys that are married, they need to make sure their wives are on board because there is too much involved. My wife isn't a big sports fan but she's always been very supportive."

The Vikings face a huge test on Friday when they square off against Region 4 rival and defending 5A state champion Lone Peak. McAllister said his goal is to keep his kids focused but also help them appreciate the experience.

"I know that they're thinking about Lone Peak but they better not say anything about it," he said. "I try to step in and make sure they understand the task at hand. Then you want them to go out there and give it their best shot. This is a game they'll remember for the rest of their lives and you want them to play with no regrets."

• Jared Lloyd can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it