Charlotte, NC – In a ceremony during the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Basketball Tournament semifinals, sports journalist Brett Friedlander and sports announcer Gary Hahn were honored with the prestigious Skeeter Francis Award for their significant contributions to ACC sports coverage. Presented by the Atlantic Coast Sport Media Association (ACSMA), the award recognizes individuals whose work has enhanced the visibility and understanding of ACC sports. The award is named after the late Marvin “Skeeter” Francis, a pivotal figure in the world of Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) sports media, renowned for his multifaceted contributions as a journalist, broadcaster, and media relations expert.
The Legacy of the Skeeter Francis Award
The Skeeter Francis Award was established to honor those who have made notable contributions to the coverage of the ACC sports, reflecting the values and dedication exemplified by its namesake. Marvin Skeeter Francis was not only instrumental in shaping the ACC’s media services division but also played a vital role in promoting the conference’s sports programs. The award serves as a reminder of the importance of quality journalism in sports and the impact it has on fans, athletes, and the broader community.
The Bard of the ACC Sports: Brett Friedlander
Brett Friedlander is a veteran sports journalist with decades of experience covering the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and college sports, particularly basketball and football.
Friedlander’s career spans multiple prominent publications, reflecting his versatility and reputation in the field. He has written for Sports Illustrated, the North State Journal, and Saturday Down South, among others, and has a history of freelancing for various outlets that value his expertise. His work often focuses on ACC teams, rankings, and analysis. Friedlander’s coverage extends beyond game recaps to include broader narratives, like the impact of conference realignment and coaching transitions, showcasing his ability to contextualize sports within larger trends. Unlike some recipients tied to a single institution, his work spans the conference broadly, offering a panoramic view that resonates with fans and insiders alike.
Award-winning and respected by peers, Friedlander has been described as a key figure in ACC journalism, with a career that began in the 1980s. Friedlander’s professional footprint is substantial. He has cultivated a significant online presence, with an active X account (@BFriedACC) where he engages with followers and shares updates, amassing over 4,300 followers by March 2025. His posts often reflect his passion for the ACC, as seen in his commentary on events like NC State’s 2024 Final Four run or the 2020 ACC Football season. Colleagues like Andrew Jones, who joined him for a 2020 livestream hosted by the Chatham Journal Newspaper, have praised his knowledge and accessibility, cementing his reputation as one of the conference’s most authoritative voices.
Celebrating a Broadcasting Legend: Gary Hahn
Gary Hahn is a veteran broadcaster best known as the “Voice of the Wolfpack,” having served as the radio play-by-play announcer for NC State University’s football and men’s basketball teams for 34 years, from 1990 to 2024. His career with the Wolfpack Sports Network spanned over 400 football games and more than 1,000 basketball games, making him a beloved figure among NC State fans and a significant part of the university’s sports history. Hahn, a Butler University graduate, retired after the 2023-24 basketball season, capping his tenure with NC State’s remarkable run to the ACC Tournament championship and the NCAA Final Four in 2024—an unforgettable send-off for a broadcaster who had waited decades to call such a championship moment.
He was named North Carolina Sportscaster of the Year in 2011 and 2020, underscoring his excellence in the field.
Born in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Hahn grew up with a dream of broadcasting for the Pittsburgh Pirates, a goal sparked in high school despite what he described as a “terrible” teenage voice. Though that ambition didn’t materialize, his talent and perseverance led him to a storied career at NC State. Hahn’s tenure saw him work under multiple head coaches—five in football (Dick Sheridan, Mike O’Cain, Chuck Amato, Tom O’Brien, and Dave Doeren) and five in basketball (Les Robinson, Herb Sendek, Sidney Lowe, Mark Gottfried, and Kevin Keatts)—and he became only the fourth full-time play-by-play announcer in the Wolfpack Sports Network’s history, following Bill Jackson, Reese Edwards, and Wally Ausley.
Hahn’s retirement announcement came in October 2023, during a football post-game show after NC State’s win over Clemson. At 71 years old, he cited personal reasons, including the desire to maintain his broadcasting skills at a high level and to focus on life after caring for his mother, who passed away in February 2024 at age 94. His final season was unexpectedly extended by NC State’s Cinderella run, culminating in an emotional farewell after the team’s Final Four loss to Purdue on April 6, 2024. In his sign-off, Hahn expressed gratitude to fans, colleagues, and the NC State community, noting the standing ovation he received at his last home game on March 3, 2024, as a cherished memory he wished his mother could have witnessed.
The Future of ACC Sports Coverage
As the ACC continues to evolve, so too does the landscape of sports journalism. With the rise of social media and online platforms, the way fans consume sports news is changing. However, the essence of storytelling remains constant. The ACC’s commitment to honoring journalists through awards like the Skeeter Francis Award ensures that the legacy of quality sports reporting lives on.