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
