Cal's first game is on Sept 2.
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Cal Football Radio PBP Gig Down to Justin Allegri and Rich Cellini; Allegri, Industry Favorite
It appears the Cal Football play-by-play broadcasting gig on radio, (810 AM locally) is down to two choices: Justin Allegri and Rich Cellini.
AS I PREDICTED back in December of last year, Allegri is the odds-on favorite.
On sheer talent, Allegri, (top photo) should get the job. He's local; San Jose State Football broadcaster, he's got solid broadcasting chops and he's also a dynamic voice at 35. It also helps he's got the backinhg of Mike Pawlawski, the Bears color analyst on radio who isn't particularly fond of Cellini.
Learfield, the college football radio syndicator holds the rights for Cal and will make the final decision any day now.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Why wasn't Roxy Bernstein (Cal graduate and Golden Bear Super Honk) considered or in the running, Rich? Did his dad not have enough influence with the powers-that-be to get him the job?
ReplyDeleteRoxy isn't interested in Cal job as he's now busy on ESPN duties, he told many Insiders.
DeleteWhat influence does his dad have? Care to elaborate?
DeleteWould have loved it if Kate Scott would come back to the Bay Area to do Cal games. Her current gig with the 76ers seems to be far more prestigious though.
ReplyDeleteKate Scott has a terriable voice and not missed. Wonder what the reaction to her in Philadelphia is?
DeleteTed Robinson would be the best choice.
ReplyDeleteSorry Ted. You put people to sleep during your football broadcasts. I think you are better off calling tennis and golf. At least there the hypnotic swings lend you a hand at putting folks to sleep. Nice Try, TR👍
Delete@2:34 Ted and Gary Plummer!
DeletePlus she is doing Seahawk preseason games this year.
ReplyDeleteCellini is a local guy as well, a professor at USF, a Cal State U grad, and from what I have seen of him, pretty solid behind the mic.
ReplyDeleteProfessor or Confessor at USF? Big difference.
DeleteCellini is dreadful on the air.
DeleteRich Cellini is a weasel to those of us who know him in the industry. I hope Justin gets the job
ReplyDeleteEither or it doesn't matter. Cal is so bad that they can't help the program.
ReplyDeleteThey need to give the termites a shot. They've been listening to Joe Starkey do the games for years and are probably pretty familiar with the team.
ReplyDeleteYikes
ReplyDeleteCal would be VERY fortunate to hire Joe Fonzi as Cal’s new play by play announcer. In addition to having very deep rooted experience and perspective on Bay Area Sports for the last 30+ years as both a TV Sports Anchor, and Network play by play announcer for the 49ers and Cal (Joe and Matt Bouza ) back in the Gilby days, Joe would be a terrific ambassador for all things Cal. He has had a natural affinity for Cal ‘s Academic and Athletic achievements without being a graduate of the University, which is a critical advantage so as to avoid subjective commentary on questionable plays with 2 potential Cal grads in the booth, which was part of the great chemistry shared between Joe Starkey and Mike Pawlaski. Who is actually making the decision between Learfield and Cal? It would be a HUGE mistake and great disservice to Joe Starkey’s great legacy to make the WRONG hiring decision ….with all due respect, the two rumored finalists mentioned in your column have ZERO legacy experience, affiliation or historical knowledge about the unique ecosystem called the University of California and its rich football history such as the fact that the last time Cal took the field in the Rosebowl on January 1st, 1959 with recent Cal fallen hero Joe Kapp over Center taking the snaps just happened to be the same day that Fidel Castro assumed power of Cuba! I’ll bet your two finalists didn’t know that…..but that’s the type of editorial comment that us Old Blues like hearing about on the radio ! I strongly recommend that Joe Fonzi gets invited to interview for this critically important play by play position.
ReplyDeleteGo Bears!
Fonzi went to Chico State, not Cal. He's a terrible play-by-play broadcaster. He's more than capable as an anchor but play-by-play is outside his abilities, especially on radio.
DeleteNo radio experience doing PxP thats a disaster waiting to happen.
Delete