10 Questions With Tony Castricone
January 30, 2018 | General, Men's Basketball
Tony Castricone was officially introduced as the "Voice of the Huskies" back on August 29, 2017, and serves as Washington's radio play-by-play host for football and men's basketball. Get to know UW's new radio voice in the latest "10 Questions" feature on GoHuskies.com.
Why did you want to work for UW?
Whenever I get asked that question, my first thought is always "who WOULDN'T want this job!?" Iconic facilities, an incredibly strong brand, a program with rich tradition in both football and men's basketball, an amazing city and an athletic department that does things the right way. That pretty much checks all the boxes right there.
What's your favorite sport to call?
I really love both college football and college basketball. So much more than NFL or NBA. There's something so pure about the college games. The authenticity of the student sections and the passion of the fans, the cheerleaders, the marching bands, the togetherness of the teams, the traditions, all of it. I love the game day experience of football, but it's tough to beat the last 30 seconds of a one-possession basketball game, too.
What made you get into broadcasting?
I usually joke and say getting cut from teams in high school made me need to find another way to be around sports. But I've really always wanted to broadcast. My mom has old home videos of me doing sportscasts as young as 7 years old.
Did you play any sports growing up?
I ran track and cross country in high school. I ran five half marathons after college and really loved the 13.1-mile distance, but I ran the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C. in 2015 and it just burned me out. Full marathons are only twice as long as halves, but I swear training for them is 20 times harder.
Do you remember your first broadcast? What was it?
We had this live, Friday night, high school football television show called Gridiron Glory on the campus TV station. I was so nervous that my hands were shaking and I looked mortified on camera. Thank goodness YouTube didn't exist back then or I would totally be the "Boom Goes the Dynamite" guy.
What's the most memorable game you've ever called?
Gosh, so many. The 2012 New Orleans Bowl at the Superdome was my first bowl game, so that was very memorable. But as far as amazing finishes, my favorites are all in basketball. Ohio at St. Bonaventure went four overtimes. I called Michigan's 16-point comeback against Florida State in Puerto Rico. I was calling games at Clemson when they beat defending national champ Duke. But I'm very confident all my most memorable games are still ahead of me.
Who are your favorite broadcasters of all time?
Vin Scully is so darn poetic and perfect. Keith Jackson's voice just sounds like the Rose Bowl to me. Brent Musburger really knew how to hype up and narrate a huge game. But Bob Rondeau is definitely on that list. Since I started working with Bob back in 2010, I've quickly learned he is truly one of the best in the business. He's so knowledgeable, paints such a clear picture and has the voice, wit, delivery and vocabulary to polish it all off. I'll really miss listening to him.
What are you most passionate about away from the microphone?
I'm becoming a podcast and book junkie. Anything about philosophy, history, current affairs or Christian apologetics has me hooked. Also, put a nice acoustic guitar in my lap and I'll be entertained for hours.
What's the best thing about Seattle?
To me, it's the views. The city and the culture and the restaurants and the diversity are all awesome. But the views take my breath away. Rainier still sneaks up on me. I'm not sure it'll ever get old.
In your opinion, what is the best TV sitcom of all time?
I think you've gotta go by era. I absolutely loved Cheers, so we'll give that to the 80s. People always talk about Friends and Seinfeld in the 90s but Frasier was so underrated (maybe the broadcaster in me is partial to it). The Office wins the 2000s, hands down. Big Bang Theory might be the front-runner for the '10s. If you disagree, tweet at me (@Castricone).
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