South Middlesex Times

Eddie Kalegi, a senior at Rutgers University–New Brunswick majoring in journalism and media studies with a specialization in sports journalism and a minor in sports management, realized early on that his future lay not on the field but behind the microphone. "I had that sort of social reckoning when I was 12 years old," said Kalegi. "Then, I realized, ‘Hey, I still want to do something in sports.’"

Kalegi has been actively involved in sports media since high school. At Rutgers, he joined WRSU 88.7 FM as a freshman and has provided play-by-play commentary for over 80 sporting events. He also hosts Motorsports Today on WRSU and Spotify, covering NASCAR, Formula One, and IndyCar news.

His experience extends beyond Rutgers. Kalegi served as a play-by-play announcer for ESPN2’s KidsCast of the Little League World Series and called high school sports on MSG Network and League Ready. Additionally, he is a fill-in studio host for Princeton University men’s basketball radio broadcasts and Major League Soccer’s New York City Football Club.

In the summer of 2023, Kalegi directed television broadcasts for the Somerset Patriots, a Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. This summer, he is interning at SiriusXM as part of their sports programming team for SiriusXM FC.

"Eddie has been, in a word, tremendous," said Tim Horsey, executive producer at SiriusXM FC. "Incredibly bright...he takes initiative...he is hands down one of the best interns we’ve ever had."

Kalegi's involvement at SiriusXM includes taking notes during shows, editing interviews, and creating promos. He has also shadowed other channels like SiriusXM NBA Radio during the NBA draft coverage.

"Soccer was never my favorite sport," Kalegi admitted. "I've learned so much over the last month and I've started to like it a lot more."

Steven Miller from Rutgers praised Kalegi's abilities: "He has demonstrated a natural ability to convey game action with maturity...He has created a foundation for what could be a long career in his chosen field."

Reflecting on his time at Metuchen High School where he founded the MHS Pawdcast during COVID-19 lockdowns to broadcast games parents couldn't attend live due to restrictions: “Our broadcasts really served an important role then because parents couldn't actually come to the games.”

Kalegi aims to secure full-time employment post-graduation in May 2024 with aspirations of becoming a play-by-play announcer for major networks or teams.

"I ended up coming here [Rutgers] and I don't have a single regret because there's so much that I have been able to accomplish already," said Kalegi.