John Lowry was widely regarded as the premier high school track starter in the state of iowa. A resident of Marion, john officiated high school athletics for 33 years, during which he officiated 40 state championships in football, basketball, volleyball and track. He started 23 state boy’s track meets.

John was a member of the iowa high school athletic association officials’ hall of fame and the Iowa association of track officials hall of fame. He, along with Cornie Wassink, were the founding members of the Iowa association of track officials in 2000. The founding principle of the organization was, and continues to be, improving the quality and consistency of officiating for the sport of track and field.

Cornie Wassink first became involved with track and field serving as a timer at Northwestern College track meets. Ultimately, his expertise was recognized with his selection to numerous hall of fame groups, including the IHSSA and IATO. In addition, Cornie worked numerous college meets in the NAIA, NCAA D-1, D-11 and D-111. He started many state track meets over his career.

The Lowry-Wassink distinguished service award is given by the IATO in John’s & Cornie’s memory to individuals who have made significant contributions to the betterment of iowa high school track and field officiating.

This is a once-in-a lifetime award and represents the highest recognition extended by the iowa association of track officials.

List of Recipients

2023 Randy Baker – Le Grand

2022-Terry Thompson – Ames

2021 Denny White – Mount Pleasant

2020 None

2019 Mike Jay – Tiffin

2018 Fran Long – Ft. Dodge

2017 Al Neumann – Earlham

2016 John Overton – Des Moines

2015 Tim Sanderson – Keystone & Chuck Liston – Marion

2014 None

2013 Mike Stanley –Avoca

2012 David Suntken – Clear Lake

2011 Ira Dunsworth –Davenport

2010 Gerald Kuiper – Indianola

2009 None

2008 Marty Pillers – West Des Moines

2007 Cornie Wassink – Alton

2006 Mark Kostek – West Des Moines

2005 Mike Dick – Urbandale

2004 None

2003 David Anderson – Boone

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