Justin Allegri Named Cal Play-By-Play Announcer

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.

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