‘We will always be grateful’ – Allegretti Family Reflects on Illinois Experience
December 17, 2018 | Football
By Carl Allegretti, father of Illini senior offensive lineman Nick Allegretti
Dear Illini Nation,
On behalf of my wife, Tammy, and myself, we would like to thank the University of Illinois for an unbelievable 6 years during which both of our boys, Joe and Nick, graduated from the business school and additionally, obtained masters degrees.
They came in as boys and left as men – filled with happy memories and wonderful experiences – and for that, we will always be grateful.
As a parent, I enjoyed so many of their experiences – and one of my favorite was my first and last Dad's Day. My first dad's day was with my older son, Joe. I recall the tailgate before the Miami of Ohio game where, after only a short time, Joe was so proud to introduce me to his new friends in PGN. Joe ultimately became the President of PGN and that experience gave him life skills that he uses every day in his profession. Fast forward to recently where I enjoyed my last Dad's day with Nick – and especially enjoyed celebrating the football team's win over Minnesota.
I recall the time when Nick earned a starting spot on the offensive line – he worked for two years to earn that spot. In doing so – he learned a great life lesson about hard work and perseverance – lessons taught best by experience. We are grateful to the original Illini football staff for giving Nick the opportunity to live out his dream and play for a Big Ten football program.
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We would also like to thank Lovie Smith for supporting and encouraging Nick as he played in 48 straight games, starting the last 36 games. It is clear that the relationship Nick developed with Coach Smith will be a lifelong friendship and for that we are truly appreciative.
I still recall the day that Coach Butkus called to offer Nick the opportunity to play at Illinois. It was a special day for our family. We thank Coach Butkus for pushing Nick to his limits. In life, if you are lucky, your son or daughter gets to be coached by people like Coach Smith and Coach Butkus and we feel fortunate that Nick had that opportunity.
Going to Illinois football games has been an "every weekend during the fall tradition" for our entire family. I have loved sitting with my oldest son and daughter-in-law and arguing with Joe the entire game. I think people around us enjoyed it too! We both always had an opinion!
All of the reasons above are why our family made the decision to make a commitment to the Football Stadium Campaign and the I FUND. We are huge believers in Josh Whitman and his vision – and we deeply support Lovie Smith and the future of this football team.
Illinois has made an everlasting impact on our lives and our sons' lives, and if you let it, it will make an everlasting impression on your family as well.
Please give and support any way you can because even though our sons have left to move on with their lives, WE WILL BE BACK … and WE WILL WIN!!!
Illini for Life,
Nicky Allegretti, '18
Joe Allegretti, '16
Eugenia Allegretti '16
Tammy Allegretti, '83
Carl Allegretti, Adopted Illini
