Andy Bakjian (Born: August 20, 1914 to February 26, 1986) was a Hall of Fame Track and Field official and author on the subject. An alternate on the ill fated United States Olympic Wrestling team in 1940, Bakjian coached Football, Baseball and Track at Jefferson High School in Los Angeles, California.
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Andy Bakjian was born August 20, 1914 in Union City, New Jersey.[1]
Working as an official, Bakjian worked at many of the top track and field meets in Southern California. He established himself as an outsdanding official, which led to him becoming the Commissioner of Officials for the Southern California Association of the AAU in 1969. His service was recognized at the Mt. SAC Relays who established the Andy & Mary Bakjian Award For Outstanding USA Track & Field Competition Officials[2]
In 1982 he authored the book Track Management published by Track and Field News, ISBN 0911521011.[3]
He was Chairman of the National Officials Committee. He was also the Chairman of the panel that selected the Officials who would work the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He also served as Chief Referee of running events at the Games, a position that among other events, had to settle the controversial collision between Mary Decker and Zola Budd.[1]
After his death, Bakjian's wife Mary continued his legacy as both a leading official and the manager of Track and Field operations in Southern California until her retirement in 2009.[4]
USATF, now the successor to the AAU and later TAC, has named its award for outstanding officiating after Bakjian. He was elected to the Hall of Fame following his death in 1986.[5]