Born August 20, 1914, Union City, N.J. Died February 26, 1986.

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, Bakjian was knowledgable 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 top official. In 1969, he was named commisioner of track officials for the Southern Pacific Association of the old AAU. He later chaired the national officials committee for The Athletics Congress (as USA Track & Field was then known) from 1980-84. 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. USATF's award that goes to an outstanding official each year is named in his honor.