ALLEGRI DOCUMENTS SJ’S HISTORIC RUN
SC resident endured some lean years on the mic, but was rewarded with unbeaten season
Santa Cruz’s Justin Allegri, San Jose State’s broadcast & digital media coordinator, hasn’t had many Spartan football highlights to call in his previous six seasons on the radio. He’s making up for lost time during SJSU’s banner season.
The bowl- bound Spartans have opened the season with seven straight wins for the first time since 1939, claimed their first Mountain West Conference championship, and own a No. 22 national ranking. They’ve persevered through COVID-19 restrictions in Santa Clara County that have forced them from their home field and survived injuries and unrelenting travel and scheduling changes.
From every sack by Cade Hall, touchdown pass from Nick Starkel, big run from Tyler Nevin, and jaw-dropping reception from Bailey Gaither, Tre Walker and Derrick Deese Jr., Allegri and radio partner Kevin Richardson have their listening radio audience covered. They’ll do so again Thursday when the Spartans face Ball State (6-1) in the Arizona Bowl at 11 a.m.
“It’s so much fun to be able to talk good football,” said Allegri, a Santa Cruz High and San Jose State alumnus. “There are so many storylines, it’s easy to put a good product on the air.”
COVID-19 has not only handcuffed the Spartans, at times, but its radio announcers. Allegri and Richardson have been unable to travel with the team for three contests: Hawaii, Nevada and the conference championship against Boise State.
During those games, the tandem watched the game on a pair of monitors in Richardson’s garage in Monterey County, while pulling audio and video from TV and the stadium. Allegri made the call as the Spartans toppled the Broncos for the first time in program history Dec. 19.
“And that will do it,” Allegri said as the final seconds ticked from the game clock. “San Jose State has finished their climb and firmly planted the Spartan flag on top of the Mountain West Conference. They have completed the season 7- 0 and for the first time in program history are Mountain West Conference champion.”
A l leg r i’s voice wa s cheery, but clear and composed as he informed listeners throughout the contest.
“I don’t like to script,” Allegri said. “I just like to let the moment happen. The climb was the big story, the mantra of the team. I didn’t want to disservice to the listeners to scream into the microphone. I think it came off pretty well.”
A proud Allegri compiled a two-minute highlight reel from the Boise State contest and posted it on his Twitter account, @JustinAllegri. He’s had a season full of highlights and material to reference. He also moderates SJSU’s weekly press conferences and does sitdown interviews with Brennan and players to use during games.
“Justin needs all kinds of props,” Brennan said. “Him and K-Rich do an awesome job. I’m always excited about the people who care about San Jose State as much as I do and that’s where Justin falls. And, obviously, he’s got the golden voice. That’s why he’s killing the radio the way he does.”
COVID-19 has also prevented Allegri and his partner from attending practice. Allegri credits Brennan for being accessible on a moment’s notice.
“They’re there in the drop of a hat,” Allegri said, noting Brennan gets on the phone or Zoom immediately following games and will gather players for interviews, too. “And they’re infectiously positive. What you see is what they are.”
SJSU opened the season with wins over Air Force and New Mexico, but it wasn’t until Game 3, a road win over San Diego State, that Allegri realized something special was in the making. Starkel, a transfer from Arkansas, was sidelined by injury early and backup Nick Nash took over at quarterback to lead the offense. He shined. Special teams and the defense also shined. It was a complete team effort and win.
Ever yone had a role and stuck to it. Allegri is also part of the puzzle and team’s success, Brennan said.
“He’s a great teammate,” he said. “That’s one thing that I know I’ve said a lot during this run, but this is an incredible collaboration in San Jose to get us back on track, from Dr. ( Mary) Papazian to the athletic director to Lawrence Fan to Justin Allegri. Everybody has incredible alignment and willingness to work and find a way to keep us moving forward. We’re lucky to have people like that.”
Allegri said calling the games helps keep him sane. And the Spartans, the feel good story of the year in the Bay Area, have brightened the spirits of many alumni and fans as the world battles through the pandemic.
“I say it’s therapy being on the air,” Allegri said. “It’s given a year of so many negatives a positive.”