Photo by: Chesterfield Observer
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. - The VA Showcase executive committee is proud to announce our 2023 class of Honorary Meet Referees. Each year the meet honors individuals who have been a part of the VA Showcase and its success. These individuals are also chosen and voted on based on their positive impact they have had on track and field in Virginia.
There are three categories from which individuals are honored. Annually the committee chooses one coach, one official, and one at -large individual who are awarded this honor.
The 2023 class includes Coach Gene Bowen of Manchester High School, Official Virginia Davis, and announcer Charlie Briscoe.
Coach Bowen is awarded this honor for years of support of this meet and always being a stalwart meet promoter in the former Central Region. His meets, including the former Manchester Relays, inspired athletes from all reaches of the state to chase new goals and find their love for the sport.
Virginia Davis is awarded this honor for her tireless work at meet after meet and always being the one official you could go to put a smile on your face. There are certain officials who you will always want to work with and are willing to officiate where you need, Virginia exemplifies both. Virginia is one of the preeminent USATF officials in the Virginia Association and the VA Showcase is happy to have her at our event each year.
Charlie Briscoe is awarded this honor for his voice and love of our sport. Charlie is the original voice of the VA Showcase and served as the meet's first announcer back in 2017. The meet that year was a different beast and faced many logistical issues. The reason it survived though was because of the atmosphere that meet had and a meet cannot have a great atmosphere without a great announcer at the helm.
Meet Management is excited to formally honor them January 14th at the VA Showcase, the home of national and state records.