I interviewed Jerry Allen also know as “The Voice of the Oregon Ducks”. He has been the University of Oregon sports play by play broadcaster for 28 years. He started in broadcasting his junior year of high school as an intern and fell in love with it. His first broadcasting job was in 1965, then his first full time job was in 1966. Jerry started from the bottom and worked his way up. His first 12 years of broadcasting was being a disc jockey in Medford. They his station decided to sports play by play and they asked if anyone could do it and he volunteered for it. He was mentored by Cliff Wayne and Martin Dorfler. Cliff was the local play by play sports guy that he helped out with the broadcast. They were the two guys that gave him a shot.

In all his years he still kept in touch with some players, followed them as they advanced their careers. He has always been a duck fan his whole life. He always keeps his broadcasts professional but always wanted an Oregon win. Jerry doesn’t really root for any other teams but rather he roots for the athletes. He always appreciated the work all the athletes and coaches put into there craft. I asked Jerry what his most memorable play by play call was, as well as his personal favorite. In his opinion nothing tops the Kenny Wheaton Pick its by far the most memorable call he’s ever done. That particular call is known nationally not just in Oregon. His personal favorite call was also his most emotional. When he got to count down the final seconds in the 2010 civil war and announcing that the Ducks had made there first national tittle game. Jerry has had a lot of fun doing this job over the years and never wanted to leave to go pro. I asked if he ever thought about going pro, and his good friend Bill Schonely, a long time blazer play by play voice, told him, “If you enjoy what your doing don’t ever leave”, and Jerry believes that still do this day.

The riggers of this job as a broadcaster can be tough. You spend a lot of time on the road away from your family. You have to be a people person and really be dedicated to what you do. The job takes a lot of your time and can drain you. In order to be a play by play guy you have to know your stuff and be will to do the time.

I grew up idolizing Jerry Allen my whole life. I always preferred to listen to him on the radio over watching on TV. This interview has allowed me to sit down and talk to one of the best play by play guys out there. I learned a lot from him in just that short period of time. I asked for advice on getting into this field and his response was, “Want it, really want it and be patient.” As well as be dedicated to always getting better. This interview has given me a new energy and I plan on taking this to the next level.