From AYF Olympics 2012 Special Issue
BOSTON, Mass.—It all began with Harry Derderian, a young tennis upstart in the 1960’s bent on putting his Springfield-IQ AYF team on the scoreboard.
When his star-studded career finally ended, he had collected an unprecedented 10 consecutive titles. No doubt, Derderian helped elevate the tennis component of these Olympics, as people began taking notice and following the game with avid interest.
It came to a halt in 1971 right here in Boston. Derderian had moved to the area and had transferred to the “Siamantos.” It was his finale as an athlete and he was facing a little-known 16-year-old surprise in John Saryan from Racine. Saryan overcame triple match point against Derderian, defeated Boston’s Alan Telian for the gold, and unveiled an impressive championship streak of his own.
If anything, Derderian launched a generational run that extended 50 years. He was named an Olympic King in 1980 and later became a catalyst for ANCA activity throughout the region.
“Growing up inside a small community like Indian Orchard was really super,” said Derderian. “We did okay with four Olympic Kings. We’ve overcome some adversity in our lives but cherish these good times with our kids.”
Next to crash the scene were the three children, led by son Armen, who plummeted his way to 74 points. He was part of seven winning Detroit teams, which retired the Olympic Cup in 1995 and 2002 (which he captained).
Armen was known for his versatility, winning the pentathlon, dashes, and distances. A pulled hamstring in one Olympics and a Mediterranean disease in another kept him from achieving even greater heights.
In 2007, he entered the Eastern HMEM Olympics and emerged with three gold medals. He has officiated for 19 years in the Mid-West Junior Olympics as well as the Junior and Senior AYF, joined by colleagues Alex Sarafian and Mike Kazarian.
Sisters Kristen and Kara also made an impression during their outings. Kristen won medals for Junior and Senior distance running events, while Kara participated in the only tennis doubles tournament in Olympic history, earning a silver medal.
Also in the picture is Derderian’s sons-in-law Alec Sarafian and David Shahrigian, both of whom were mammoth contributors to Detroit’s success. Sarafian was a member of the University of Michigan track team, scored 90 points in the Olympics, served on Governing Body, and for many years coached the Juniors and Senior.
As for Shahrigian, he tallied 82 points, captured 3 pentathlon titles, and also coached many years.
Now, along come his children Taleen and Armen to carry the torch, with Aram and Tamar waiting in the wings. Taleen eclipsed two records the minute she stepped onto the track this year, giving notice of her capabilities. (A separate story on her is included elsewhere in this edition.)
A bout with cancer refuses to take its toll on Harry’s wife Margo. If anything, her granddaughter’s two records and a silver medal in her debut was an instant remedy. Another four-month-old granddaughter has also had corrective surgery over the summer.
“We have much to celebrate with regard to our family,” said Derderian. “And it’s only going to get better. The golden years will become even better when we watch the grandchildren reach the medal stand. The AYF Olympics is all about generations and we’re proud to be associated with that.”
Tom Vartabedian
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