Mike Burnop: Last of the Old Guard

With all of the drama that's been circling the Virginia Tech football program over the past couple of days, I wouldn't be surprised if many of us (myself included) haven't noticed that the Hokies' own Mike Burnop was named the 2019 Virginia sportscaster of the year. My family moved to Blacksburg in 2001 when I was 14 years old, and I was lucky enough to become friends with the children of some Hokie legends. From my parents' home, I could just about throw a football and hit Beamer's, Burnop's and Hite's front door. With the coaching changes this off season, nearly all of those folks have now moved on or passed away, but the nostalgia of being so close to a community that has such a huge footprint will likely be with me for the rest of my life. No matter what, I will die a Hokie. Throughout all of the changes, Mike Burnop remains to help bridge two eras: the past success under Beamer's tenure and the championship level that the current organization is trying so hard to reach. This is a man who has spent his entire adult life supporting Virginia Tech athletics and his continued support is a great example for us all, maybe now more than ever. Congrats, Mike and thank you for everything!