Former HBU pitcher Craig Ackerman was named as the new radio voice of the Houston Rockets. He makes the move 14 years after beginning his association with the club, beginning as an intern while at HBU.
Ackerman will have a daunting task as he succeeds Gene Peterson and Jim Foley, who retired together after both spent over 30 years apiece with the Rockets.
Peterson, the play-by-play man for the past 33 years, and Foley, who was with the club for 36 seasons, were both pleased with word of Ackerman's appointment.
"The Rockets did the right thing," Peterson said. "I was in his corner the whole time."
Said Foley: "I think it's wonderful that the Rockets are hiring a local guy. He did a great job for Gene and me the last 14 years, and it's a well-deserved promotion. I hope he has a 30-year run with the team, too."
Ackerman, 33, was a pitcher on the HBU baseball team, tossing two shutouts in his lone season with the Huskies. He helped HBU to a 39-16 record and a runner-up finish in the NAIA District IV playoffs in 1994.
"This is something I've dreamed about from the first day I walked in the door," Ackerman said. "To have this opportunity bestowed on me is a huge honor, and I accept it with reverence and regard for the legacy of Gene and Jim. I grew up listening to them and was fortunate to work with them, and I have the honor of taking over for them. I hope I can carry on that legacy."
The Rockets are the latest NBA team to make the transition from traditional radio teams to a singular voice. Ackerman is prepared to handle the broadcast solo.
"There will be a transition for me and for the listeners. Gene and Jim have been doing it for four decades, and they're the best in the business. But I hope I'm a comfortable voice that will ease the transition."
Ackerman was born in suburban Akron, Ohio, and moved with his family at age 5 to the Houston area, where he graduated from Clements High School. After HBU, he graduated from Sam Houston State.
In addition to his work with the Rockets, Ackerman has called games for the Comets, the University of Houston, Rice and the Arena Football League's ThunderBears.
credit to David Barron (Houston Chronicle) for quotes and some information
