The 35th Annual Armenian Summer Games sponsored by the Western Armenian Athletic Association (WAAA) were held June 17-19, 2005 on the campus of Buchanan High School in Clovis, California. Armenian athletes came from all over California to participate in this unique sports event for Armenians of all ages. This year’s competition featured track and field, tennis, women’s volleyball and men’s basketball. Fun, fellowship, and good sportsmanship were evident everywhere around the beautiful and spacious facilities.
The late Dr. Ara Hairabedian, a long time participant of the Armenian Summer Games, was honored at this year’s event. Gayle Holman, from the office of State Senator Charles Poochigian, presented Dr. Hairabedian’s family with a proclamation from the State of California in recognition of his enthusiastic support of the Summer Games. A special trophy was awarded by the WAAA in recognition of his contributions to this event where Armenians, regardless of religious or political affiliation, can come together in sports.
Blue skies and warm sunshine greeted track and field participants as they prepared for competition on the all-weather track. The opening ceremony featured the beautiful rendition of both the American and Armenian national anthems by Rosa Pashayan. Harold and Marie Olson who have been the voice of this meet for twenty five years were honored for their dedication and service. The meet officials, included Red Estes, former head track coach at Fresno State University, who served as the starter; and Bob Kayajanian who was the clerk of the course. Lance Hairabedian and his nephew Phillip Koligian ran the field events. Assisted by many volunteers, the track and field competition was exciting and two new Armenian Summer Games records were set and one was tied.
Record setting sprinters included Anna Bohigian , who broke the mark for the 100 meter dash – girls 7-9 division- with a time of 17.57; and Austin Arakelian in the 100 meter dash – boys 7-9 division- who was timed in 16.22. Zar Der Mugrdechian tied the 100 meter dash record in the Masters Women division with a time of 19.11.
an the 50 meter dash in 8.71 seconds. Multiple winners on the track included Audrey Kachadourian, Matthew Mugrdechian, Anna Bohigian, Austin Arakelian, Christine Regan, Simone Darakjian, Joey Bohigian, George Kamian , Raffi Koroghlian, Zar Der Mugrdechian and Mickey Kaitangian.
The field events also had their share of spirited competition, especially in the younger age divisions. Matthew Mugrdechian, Anna Bohigan and Joey Bohigian added two more first place medals to their track totals to finish with four first place awards, joined by Simone Darakjian who added another first place finish to the three she won in track. Not to be outdone, Armen Phelps won two events in Masters Men events and Masters Women competitor Zar Der Mugrdechian won two field events to finish with five first place awards. And long time participant Senior Men’s runner Mickey Kaitangian, a young at heart 70 year old, won four first place medals including both the 1600 meter and 3200 meter runs.
The tennis competition was held at the tennis courts at the Buchanan complex. This year there were two divisions of play. In the Boys 10-15 age group, a round robin was help. Phillip Der Mugrdechian won two matches with no losses and took first place in this division. Christopher Hokokian came in second and Lucas Der Mugrdechian was third. In mixed doubles Paul Markarian and Zar Der Mugrdechian defeated Richard and Lucy Mastoian 6-2, 61. Thanks to all this who participated, we look forward to more tennis players participating next year.
Not to be outdone in competitive spirit, the basketball teams for this years Summer Games put on a great show. In the boys division, Chris Thompson scored 15 points and pulled down 9 rebounds to lead St. Vartan Oakland to a 39-22 victory over Fresno Sassoon. The 6’ 4” center received support from Nick Magarian who chipped in with 11 points and 9 rebounds as St. Vartan held Sassoon to 8 second half points.
In the men’s division, Fresno Sassoon #3 raced to a 14 point halftime lead and went on to defeat Pasadena Homenmen 60-47 in the championship game. Coach Ara Karkazian’s Sassoon team was paced by Arthur Adjemians 20 points. George Markarian and Arakel Arisian added 17 and 12 points respectively in the win. Pasadena Homenmen received a game high 21 points from Joe Djaghalian.
Everyone enjoyed the delicious Summer Games picnic meal and later danced to the music of Tom Bozigian at the Summer Games After Party. Please check out our website at armeniansummergames.com for pictures and meet results. We look forward to seeing more great competition and fellowship in 2006.