Mike Burnop, the Virginia Tech football and men's basketball color analyst on the Virginia Tech IMG Sports Network radio broadcasts, was named Monday as the 2019 Virginia Sportscaster of the Year in a vote held among the statewide members in the National Sports Media Association.
The award marked the first NSMA award for the former Virginia Tech football player and longtime color analyst. Burnop has served as the color analyst for Tech football games since 1983 when he and former Tech play-by-play broadcaster Jeff Charles teamed for broadcasts. In 1996, Burnop started working as the color analyst for Tech men's basketball games, joining then play-by-play announcer Bill Roth. Today, Burnop and Jon Laaser handle all radio broadcasts of Tech football and men's basketball games for the Hokies.
"I couldn't be more honored and thrilled to be the recipient of this award," Burnop said. "Some of the best writers and broadcaster in the country are in this state, and I'm just humbled to be among them.
"I'd also say thanks to all the people at Learfield IMG College whom I've worked with over the years – Laze [Laaser], Billy [Roth], Andrew Allegretta, and Jeff Charles. And of course, all the great coaches, players, administrators here at Virginia Tech and the fans who listen to us every game. It's been so much fun to watch Virginia Tech Athletics grow since I played, and I'm excited to have been a small part of it."
A record-setting tight end, Burnop played at Tech from 1970-72. He was inducted into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.
This year marked the second consecutive year in which a member of the Virginia Tech IMG Sports Network won a state broadcasting honor. Allegretta was selected as the state sportscaster of the year last year.
Burnop and other state and national winners will be honored at an awards weekend held in June in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
