Allison attended Warren County High School in Front Royal, Virginia. After high school, Allison enrolled at James Madison University where he played baseball with the school\'s team. Allison attended James Madison from 1986 to 1989. During the 14th round of the 1988 Major League Baseball Draft, the Los Angeles Dodgers selected Allison, but he was not signed by the club and instead returned to school. In the 1989 Major League Baseball Draft, Allison was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 21st round and later signed a professional contract with them.\n', '

During his time at James Madison, Allison was named the Colonial Athletic Association (CCA) Player of the Year and All-American in 1988; was a two-time All-CCA selection; and is in the top-five for career wins (25), complete games (23) and strikeouts in James Madison Dukes history. As a part of the 25th anniversary of the CCA, they released a "Silver Anniversary Team" for baseball featuring Allison and other players who have had a significant contribution to CCA baseball over its history. In 1991, after making his major league debut, Allison became the second attendee of James Madison University to do so (behind Billy Sample in 1978).\n', '

After being selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 1989 Major League Baseball Draft, Allison was assigned to the Class-A Short Season Southern Oregon A\'s. With Southern Oregon, Allison pitched in 11 games and went 0–2 with a 1.84 earned run average (ERA). Later during the 1989 season, Allison was called up to the Class-A Madison Muskies, where he went 2–3 with a 1.12 ERA in 13 games, all in relief. In 1990, Allison played for their team; the Class-A Advanced Modesto A\'s, the Double-A Huntsville Stars and the Triple-A Tacoma Tigers. With Modesto, Allison went without a decision while compiling a 2.33 ERA and four saves in 10 games, all in relief. Allison played 35 games at the Double-A level that season and went 7–1 with a 2.39 ERA and two saves. Finally, at the Triple-A level that season, Allison pitched in two games giving-up no runs.\n', '

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