Mike Burnop, the Virginia Tech football and men’s basketball color analyst on the Virginia Tech Sports Network radio broadcasts, was named Tuesday as the 2023 Virginia Sportscaster of the Year in a vote held among the statewide members in the National Sports Media Association.
The award marked the second NSMA award for the former Virginia Tech football player and longtime color analyst, following him earning the honor in 2019. 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 Roth handle radio broadcasts of Tech football games, while he joins Zach Mackey for men’s basketball games for the Hokies.
“I am honored to be the recipient of this award,” Burnop said. “We have some of the best writers and broadcasters in the country residing in Virginia, so to be recognized among them is truly humbling.
“I also appreciate our team at Learfield IMG College whom I’ve worked with over the years – Zach [Mackey], Laze [Jon 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.
Burnop and other state and national winners will be honored at an awards weekend held in the summer in North Carolina.
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