WJPA duo have seen it all in 40 years
From Ashland, Va. to Pella, Iowa; Williamsport, Glassboro, N.J., Bradenton, Fla., Ithaca, N.Y., snowbound Meadville and yes, they even have a Bronx tale, Bob Gregg and Mark Uriah have generally seen it all.
That is all of Washington and Jefferson College football the last 40 years.
In that span, the WJPA radio football broadcasting tandem has never experienced a losing season.
They have been to a pair of Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowls – 1992 and 1994 – and a bevy of NCAA Division III playoff games. They have forged their careers and W&J football legacies working with three different coaches John Luckhardt, John Banaszak and Mike Sirianni.
Going into Saturday’s regular-season finale against rival Waynesburg at Cameron Stadium, the combination has broadcast 407 games. W&J’s record in that span is 330-76-1 (.812).
The Waynesburg game will be Uriah’s last regular-season game as a W&J broadcaster, as he is retiring in March from the booth. He hasn’t decided if he will fill in on occasion for a W&J football game.
Earlier this year, the duo was honored with the PAC’s Dow Carnahan Media Award, signifying media excellence in covering the conference.
Gregg has no intention of retiring as a broadcaster and will seek a partner for W&J games or maybe a few different partners.
Uriah will work as a broadcaster of wrestling and basketball through the PIAA wrestling championships in March and will continue as an employee of the station. He will certainly find more time to chase the little white ball around finely manicured golf courses.
“It is starting to hit me,” said Uriah. “College football is something I have loved. To be able to cover it, broadcasting W&J football games and being associated with the program has been a great experience.
“In 40 years, we’ve dealt with just three head coaches. The access all of them have given us is just amazing and appreciated. They all made us part of the program. That means a lot.”
Gregg and Uriah have enjoyed many monumental moments and some difficult ones along the way in 40 years.
They broadcast both the Presidents’ appearances in the two Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowls (1992 and 1994). They were there when W&J won its first NCAA Division III playoff game in 1984, the Presidents blocked a punt and scored the winning touchdown late to defeat Randolph-Macon.
The list is long. The memories are lasting.
“Bob and Mark, as a tandem, have been one of the most consistent aspects of our program,” said Scott McGuinness, W&J’s director of athletics. “Their work ethic and voices are synonymous with our success.
“I would say that WJPA, Bob and Mark have produced professional broadcasts for 40 years of W&J football. People always know if you want to listen to two men who are as good as any duo at any level of sports and listen to a high-level, fair and accurate broadcast, you turn on Bob and Mark.
“They have brought great value to our programs – it’s been more than football. Not only have they brought it to W&J but to all who have listened to them and follow them. They have linked the college community to alumni, and they have linked the local community. They have played such a large role in all the success.”
Distinct personalities
Gregg, 63, is an excellent play-by-play announcer. He tends to fall to the side of the big picture – explaining the meaning of victories and losses to the post-season picture. Uriah, 65, is an “in the moment” type of color analyst and play-by-play man.
Gregg is quick to offer an opinion and does not hesitate to raise a question – or two or three – for a coach, game official or league official.
Uriah, mostly, will keep opinions to himself and stick to the call.
Both men are immensely fair, strive for 100 percent accuracy and they exhibit their passion on a broadcast basis.
“This is unique, 40 years as a tandem,” said George Lammay, who has broadcast with both men through the years and is currently the W&J public address announcer at football home games. “They have provided a consistent level of radio coverage of the program. They do whatever it takes: broadcast from the stands, pass an (old-style) phone back and forth, work in any environment.
“Any of us who have filled in and sat beside either one of them know what who we are sitting next to mean in their profession and sports in this region. Those of us who have also travelled with them to games, playoff games, have had a lot of laughs, great conversation and memories. Bob and Mark are consummate professionals.”
Gregg admits he’s speculated in the second week of the season what it might take or what will have to happen for W&J to qualify or have a chance for the playoffs.
“Mark is about right now,” Gregg said. He doesn’t get tied up over win margins or how a victory was attained. To him, a win is a win, That’s the molding of our partnership. We both have had other men sit beside in the booth, but I have had only one partner in doing W&J.
“Our style could play at other levels but we have always loved doing W&J football and being part of it all. This all just didn’t happen in the booth. Obviously, I’ve done some thinking about him not being here next year. I’m not sure how we replace him. This is an ending for him. I have no end date (in mind). It’s not a thought.
“For two guys who didn’t play football, hard work, passion and a love of broadcasting, sports and W&J, we have made it work.”
Signing off
John Luckhardt credits Gregg and Uriah for being an integral part of W&J building a national program.
“They were here when we were just starting to try and build a winning program,” Luckhardt said. “They talked about us from the beginning to the point we became a national program. They were everywhere we were. We wanted them and needed them there.
“Bob and Mark are guys you love, marvel at their work ethic and appreciate how good they are at their craft. I’ve been a lot of places, worked with many and listened to a lot of announcers. They are as good as any and better than most. I can never accurately describe how respected Bob and Mark are from so many players, coaches and peers. They are not only two of the greatest announcers of my lifetime but they are great men. They are beloved.”
Sirianni said he’ll miss seeing Uriah on a weekly basis. For the last several years, Uriah has handled the W&J football pregame show. It’s a venue where Uriah interviews, Sirianni, players and coaches. It has developed a tight rapport.
“It’s not going to be the same,” Sirianni said. “They, in tandem, have meant so much to this program. They bring a big-time approach and performance to our campus and Division III football. They are so fair. They want us to win. But they call the game straight. They are total professionals.”
Gregg and Uriah also are influencers and teachers by example.
“They have been so valuable to me,” said W&J sports information director Aaron Thompson. “You watch them work, not just gameday but through the week and through the years. You listen to and understand their questions. They strive for excellence in preparation, accuracy and professionalism. I’ve learned a lot from them and about this business.”
With the end of his W&J football partnership near, Uriah admits the end is now in focus and it has led to a variety of thoughts. It is stirring his emotions and he’s paused for reflection.
Said Uriah: “I started at 25-years-old ready to set the world on fire. Now (in the past year), I found myself navigating Medicare part B and trying to get a hip replacement.
“It’s about the relationships I formed over 40 years, so many great ones. It’s been a great ride and a lot of fun. When you love something, you don’t think about the number of years. I’ve loved it and I love college football. That’s made it easy.
“We’ve had some great moments.”