Meet the 2019 Award Winners: Virginia Sportscaster Mike Burnop.

Today’s award spotlight is on NSMA 2019 Virginia Sportscaster of the Year, Mike Burnop. Burnop is a Virginia Tech football and men's basketball color analyst on the radio network. He also co-hosts a head coaches radio show during the seasons, this being his 30th year in both. He conducts all post-game interviews in VT’s locker room as well. The Virginia Tech’s Hall of Fame network analyst also owns New River Office Supply with three locations across Virginia.

This is Burnop’s first win as Virginia's Sportscaster of the year!

Burnop briefly spoke with NSMA on his career and other thoughts regarding the industry.

NSMA: What was your career path like on the way to your current position?

Mike Burnop: I stumbled into this job. Jeff Charles was hired by Bill Dooley in 1983 to do his radio, tv, talk shows, marketing & promos, etc. Jeff called me 1 day & said he had always had an ex-player do his color on the radio broadcasts & would I be interested. I said I had no experience which he knew but after interviewing other ex-players he called back & said he would take a chance on me if I wanted to do it. So I did & we worked together for 5 years. He left to go to East Carolina where he still is today & Bill Roth came in. We worked together for 27 years & then Jon Laaser took over & it's our 6th year. I handle a lot of our pregame show & go to the locker room post-game for interviews with the head coach & several players. Over the years I have done more & more with speaking to hokie clubs & other groups & often emcee many vt functions - hall of fame banquets, lunches, dinners, etc.

NSMA: What is your favorite thing about your job?

MB: I love being around the game & the coaches & the players. You constantly learn something every day you are around them. Keeps you young & engaged. Every game is different & every year the teams are different. It's fun to watch these young kids come here & grow up & mature right before your eyes & then leave as mature men often to play at the next level or be ultra-successful in business or whatever after getting a vt degree. Very fulfilling job. The travel is also fun going to different cities & campuses & seeing their traditions & spirit.

NSMA: What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

MB: Calling the national championship game after the 1999 unbeaten season with Michael Vick at quarterback. We had the lead over FSU going to the 4th quarter & lost it. Vick was arguably the best player on the field - a phenomenal game. Legendary coach Bobby Bowden said after the game - we couldn't tackle him. We never got back to the game again & Vick left after the next season to become the #1 draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons. The lead-up to the game & the hype around it was amazing!

NSMA: What is the best piece of advice you have for people pursuing a career in sports media?

MB: Do whatever you can to get all the experience you can. Volunteer to be a gopher on whatever outlet you can or want to be in. Like, help with high school football on Friday nights - intern with the tv station or a radio crew or the newspaper to get an idea of what happens behind the scenes. The more you learn & are willing to do - the better you'll be. Keep grinding & work hard!