Bernard Rucker, a 54-year veteran of Virginia Union University’s football program, will receive the 2024 Ray Tate Memorial Award from the Touchdown Club of Richmond.

Rucker, a 1978 Thomas Jefferson High School graduate, has served as the Panthers’ equipment manager during their back-to-back CIAA football championships. His involvement with the team spans more than five decades, beginning when he first visited Hovey Field as a youth.

Beyond equipment management, Rucker has worked as an athletic trainer for VUU’s football and other athletic teams. He also has coached the bowling and softball teams.

The award, established in 2013, honors Ray Tate, a longtime football advocate who played and coached at the University of Richmond. The Touchdown Club selects recipients through member nominations and voting.

The Ray Tate Memorial Award presentation will be broadcast Friday, Dec. 13, at 7:45 p.m. on WTVR-TV6, hosted by Lane Casadonte. Past recipients include Marty Favret (2023), John Shuman (2022), and Jeff Hanson (2021).