Allan Wylie was born blind. Since he was in grade school, he’s wanted to be a sports broadcaster, and today he calls games for a professional basketball team.
Despite his lack of sight, his vision of becoming a household name on fans’ radios and television screens is undeniably bright.
It all started in Cleveland, Ohio, where Allan grew up in the nearby suburb of Westlake.
“The first time I got into sports – and sports broadcasting – was listening to Tom Hamilton [radio play-by-play announcer for the Guardians]”, Allan said.
“I’d fall asleep in the kitchen listening to how passionate he was, and witnessing how passionate everyone else was about the team.”
He did the same for the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers. Allan would listen to every Cavs game he could catch.
Honing his innate abilities to listen closely and carefully, Wylie quickly picked up on the pace and rhythm of basketball. Specifically, he loved the speed of the game and how Joe Tait and John Michael would bring the listener into the heartbeat of the action.
By the age of 15, Allan was calling his first live sports games.
It took him to Westlake High School, where he called his first football game at the same school he attended.
“The sense of belonging as soon as I walked into the press box – it’s hard to put into words,” Allan exclaimed.
“It felt like this was where I was meant to be. This is home to me.”
He felt that same joyous feeling at Lake County Captains games, where he and his parents would drive out and he’d call the games from their press box.
As soon as the Captains heard his tape, they wanted him on the mic.
“I always knew I could do it,” Allan said.
“But it was always somebody, like a teacher or advisor, who would suggest something totally different as a first job. I wanted to prove [my skills] to myself and my parents.”
His accolades and sheer talent have done the talking and silenced any doubters he once had.
Now a sophomore at Rowan University, Allan has truly found his calling – not even halfway through his college years.
Through a partnership with Rowan’s Sports Communication Department – led by Senior Director Neil Hartman – Allan is a radio analyst for the Delaware Blue Coats, the G-League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers.
But how does someone spotlessly call a back-and-forth basketball contest without having any physical vision of the action on the court?
“It’s a lot of listening to the crowd reactions, play-by-play guy, the public address announcer, and how he describes plays,” Allan said.
“I also listen to nearby players on the court, can pick up on what coaches are saying near the bench, and I take all that in to put it in a way that the viewer would understand.”
Allan’s knack for this job is second to none. He’s a walking sports encyclopedia.
When Allan and I spoke, our conversation ranged from talking about [former Western Michigan head football coach] P.J. Fleck to Michigan Wolverines football to our mutual love of the Detroit Lions. Even the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” U.S. Olympic Hockey team got some recognition.
Yet despite being one of the most talented, rising young stars in the sports broadcasting industry today, he’s no stranger to doubt.
When people see Allan with his cane, they assume that he requires help.
He remembers those in his life who told him to explore other careers because broadcasting was “unrealistic”.
He’s since carved out a life perspective and ambition that is wise beyond his years.
“Keep working hard,” he said. “If you have a dream, it’s not supposed to be easy. Ask for help when you need it, but always keep grinding.”
This dream is more than just a job or hobby to Allan. If you can even call it a job, since instead of considering this all “work”, he sees it as something he genuinely enjoys and happens to get paid for.
He’ll broadcast from anywhere – Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, wherever the job takes him. Simply put, he wants to talk about sports.
But deep down, his dream expands past the games and its players.
Allan strives to be a positive role model for his family, namely his five little cousins and his older brother.
As they’ve grown up, they’ve come to Allan for sports advice or just life advice in general. This mentality is truly a testament to the kindhearted person that Allan is.
Hailing from Cleveland, Allan knows what it’s like to live somewhere people overlook. As a Lions fan, he understands the same sentiment is felt about the city of Detroit. And as a blind man, he’s empathetic to the underdog.
He’s lived his life embodying the underdog mentality. Living proof that you can do anything you set your mind to.
“I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder, knowing I’ve always had potential to be better,” he said.
“I remind myself where I’m from, because I remember people saying, ‘You can’t do this.’”
Editor’s Note: We owe a huge thanks to several people for helping us put this story together. First, a huge thank you to Allan Wylie for being so generous with your time. You’re a massive inspiration, and we wish you continued success. And to Professor Neil Hartman and Mr. Wylie, thank you both for all of your help in putting this story together. And lastly, to Hall of Fame sportswriter Ray Didinger, thank you for sending us the tip on this incredible young man.
