Longtime Atlantic City High School boys basketball coach Gene Allen was reinstated Wednesday afternoon by Judge Michael J. Blee.

The ruling means that Allen, who is 17 wins away from the schools all-time win record, is back with the team, including yesterday's practice.

“To be honest you with you, it’s surreal,” Allen said Wednesday evening. “All that has transpired over the span of a week, but I was glad to be (at practice). It felt right.”

It's been a tumultuous week for the long-time coach. The Atlantic City Board of Education voted to not renew Allen's contract last Tuesday by a vote of 6-1.

In turn, Allen turned to the counsel of the Cooper Levinson Law firm to represent him against the school board's decision. A suit against the board’s decision states that they violated New Jersey law, board contracts, and Allen’s rights.

A special board meeting had been scheduled for Friday at 5PM to vote on reinstatement but that has since been cancelled, meaning the next board meeting will take place on December 11.

In the meantime, Allen will continue to coach the Vikings as the prepare for their December 14 season opener against St. Joe's.

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