Andy Bakjian began his early track experience as a high school coach in Southern California after World War II. An alternate on the U.S. wrestling team selected for the 1940 Olympic Games (which were cancelled following the outbreak of war), Bakjian was knowledgeable in several sports. He coached football, baseball and track at Jefferson High School in Los Angeles. Serving at many of the top track and field meets in Southern California, Bakjian established himself as a leading official. In 1969, he was named commissioner of track officials for the Southern Pacific Association of the former AAU. He later chaired the national officials committee for The Athletics Congress (as USATF was then known) from 1980 to 1984. In 1984, he headed the panel that selected the slate of officials for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He also served as chief referee of running events at the Games. Bakjian received many awards during his career, including a President's Award in 1981.
Official Coach