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Justin Allegri Named Cal Play-By-Play Announcer

August 3, 2023
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BERKELEY - Justin Allegri, a versatile and experienced broadcaster and a Northern California native, has been named the new radio play-by-play announcer for the California football and men's basketball teams, Director of Athletics Jim Knowlton and Learfield Cal Sports Properties announced Thursday.

Allegri has spent the past 11 years as the voice of San Jose State's football and men's basketball programs. He is also a part-time broadcaster for Minor League Baseball's San Jose Giants and can be heard on Sony PlayStation's "MLB The Show."

"We are absolutely thrilled to introduce Justin Allegri to our fan base and welcome him to our Cal Family," Knowlton said. "Justin is a multi-talented broadcaster and a Northern California native, and is the perfect fit to tell the story of our football and men's basketball programs. Justin will be an incredible representative of Cal, and I can't wait to hear him describe all of the memorable moments to come."

Allegri will call all Cal football and men's basketball games, as well as host the weekly "Bear In Mind" podcast that features interviews with Golden Bears coaches, student-athletes and staff. Mike Pawlawski will continue to serve as color analyst for all football broadcasts.

Allegri replaces Joe Starkey as Cal's football play-by-play announcer. Starkey retired at the end of last season after 48 years behind the microphone.

"This is a role that's highly coveted, not only because of the university and the academic integrity that it has, but the athletics it has as well," Allegri said. "This is a job that Joe Starkey held to such a high standard for a long, long time. I'm never going to use the phrase, 'filling his shoes' or 'taking his job.' I'm always going to use the phrase, 'hoping to carry the baton.' Joe is Cal football and forever will be."

Allegri grew up in Santa Cruz and received a bachelor's and master's degree from San Jose State. He will make his debut as the Voice of the Bears on Sept. 2 when the Cal football team opens the 2023 season at North Texas.

ABOUT LEARFIELD
LEARFIELD is a media, data, and technology services leader in intercollegiate athletics. The company unlocks the value of college sports for brands and fans through an omnichannel platform with innovative content and commerce solutions. LEARFIELD services include licensing and collegiate sports properties' multimedia sponsorship management; publishing, audio, digital and social media; data analytics and insights; ticketing software; and ticket sales, premium seating, and fundraising services; branding; campus-wide business and sponsorship development. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for NACDA's acclaimed LEARFIELD Directors' Cup, recognizing athletic departments across all divisions.

Discussion from...

Justin Allegri Named Cal Play-By-Play Announcer

3,238 Views | 5 Replies | Last: 1 yr ago by Grrrrah76
oskidunker
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Lets hope he does not broadcast in Allegro tempo.
Go Bears!
TomBear
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Well, I'm encouraged that a native NoCal is going to "carry the baton".

I'd love to hear an aircheck to know what to expect. But I sure hope he is not only a good play by play guy, but also embraces the traditions and history of Cal football. One of the things I enjoyed about Joe, despite his weaknesses, was that he made the game fun, was willing to laugh in enjoyment of the event, and was willing to discuss things going on within the student section/stadium/campus activities etc.

THRILLED that Pawlawski stays on for color. Mike is fantastic in that role.
smh
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https://www.justinallegri.com
TomBear
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Wish there was an audio sampling of his play by play on the site.

While I'll miss Joe (even with his shortcomings), as long as Paws is still doing color I'll be fine.

I do hope that this guy embraces the fun of college football.....especially Cal football. For all of Joe's faults, he made the game fun, was able to laugh, and was very good at pointing out traditions and colorful things about rivalries and things going on in the stadium. College football should be fun. And it's about tradition. I hope this guy is able to reflect those things, as well as do down and distance
Grrrrah76
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Mike Pawlawski is staying on as color man. I guess Cal even makes a right decision every once in a while. What a bonanza.
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