NNPS-TV sports announcer Greg Bicouvaris, who is also the host of NNPS-TV's monthly interview show "Sports Highlights," has been honored by the Athletic Hall of Fame of the Lower Virginia Peninsula with an Outstanding Achievement Award.

Bicouvaris received an Outstanding Achievement Award for Broadcasting at the induction banquet held August 10 at the Boo Williams Sports Complex in Hampton.

The Athletic Hall of Fame Committee "recognizes outstanding achievement or service and preserves the ideals and traditions of sports as a positive influence on our youth and a potent factor in our Virginia way of life," according to its website.

Bicouvaris has been "the voice of Newport News Public Schools sports" since 1991, and has hosted "Sports Highlights" on NNPS-TV for over 30 years. Next month will be its 360th episode.

Besides announcing NNPS high school football and basketball, over the years Bicouvaris has covered tennis, baseball, softball, soccer, wrestling, track & field, swimming, gymnastics, volleyball, rugby, and table tennis.

The George Mason University graduate has worked for CBS, Fox, ABC, ESPN and other sports media outlets, and runs his own production company, GJB Productions and Marketing, which produces sporting events and commercials.

Additionally, he co-founded the Hampton Roads Sports Media Hall of Fame.

Bicouvaris is also known for using his talents to promote his church, Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, particularly during their extremely popular event, the Newport News Greek Festival. He has done marketing for the festival for nearly 20 years.

Bicouvaris got his start during college, announcing GMU men's and women's basketball games on the college radio station, WGMU. He hosted an interview show his senior year, and also announced high school football games in Northern Virginia during his college years.

When accepting his award, Bicouvaris spoke about lessons learned from his parents, like being proactive, creating opportunities, putting in the effort, and having faith.

He expressed his appreciation for the people he's interacted with and worked with over the years, offering that teamwork is essential to success.

Bicouvaris emphasized that "we win with people," stating the we can't do anything by ourselves, but must work together.

The Athletic Hall of Fame of the Lower Virginia Peninsula was created in 1971 by the Hampton City Council to honor local achievement. Players, coaches, and others who impacted the promotion and reflection of local sports are eligible.

Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and York County are the areas covered.

New members are elected by a seven-member committee and inducted every three years. This was its 15th induction class and included: Karen Barefoot (Menchville graduate and former ODU women's basketball coach), Greg Edwards (Langley Speedway race car driver), Maurice Pierce (Hampton University track coach), Phillip Smith (former Denbigh and Phoebus head football coach), Tami Harrison (World Class Gymnastics owner/coach), and Antoine Bethea (Denbigh graduate and former college and NFL player).

A Special Achievement Award went to James "Poo" Johnson (Youth Mentor) in addition to Bicouvaris.

Over 400 people attended the event, many of whom Bicouvaris knows and many of whom he has interviewed on TV or radio. He has interviewed three of the inductees on television.

"It was a high honor," Bicouvaris said of receiving the award. "Having grown up on the Peninsula and in Hampton Roads made it even more special," he said.

"It was a wonderful event and I am grateful that so many people were in attendance who I have known for decades including family, friends, and people from my church," he added.

"I appreciate all the support from Mr. [Paul] Cummings and Mr. [Ray] Price [former and current supervisor of the NNPS Telecom Center]," Bicouvaris said. "It's always a pleasure to work with the staff and students on shows and games and other projects, and seeing it all come to fruition."

The hall of fame is located inside the Boo Williams Sportsplex at 5 Armistead Pointe Parkway in Hampton.