From AYF Olympics 2012 Special Issue
BOSTON, Mass.—Of all the athletes Rich Chebookjian has coached and competed against, few have been closer to him than Ara Krafian, who helped propel the Boston dynasty of the 1980’s.
Now, they share another role together–AYF Olympic Kings.
The two took their throne over these 79th annual games and were applauded before some 800 guests Friday during the Alumni Night gathering at the ACEC in Watertown.
Their selection came as no big surprise since both were worthy of the honor. In Chebookjian’s case, it was perhaps a bit overdue. And it came at a time when he was bereaving his mom’s death.
Rosanne Chebookjian was an AYF and Camp Haiastan icon who, together with her late husband Shant, served the community with uncompromising loyalty and conviction.
“It would have made them very proud,” said Chebookjian, who finished his AYF career as the second-leading scorer of all time. “They were very instrumental in my success, both as an athlete and as an individual.”
Krafian was cast from a similar role, scoring a bevy of points in the pool and the pentathlon. As coach to the Greater Boston team, his four daughters portray a strong future as Olympians with two currently racking up gold medals while wife Heather (Apigian) offers her unbridled support to the team.
Richard Chebookjian
Born in Waltham, Mass., Chebookjian was raised in a family with strong ties to Camp Haiastan, the AYF, and the Armenian Cause. His passion for the AYF stems from his parents, both of whom have been recognized as National Honorary members.
In 1971, at the age of 17, he participated in his first Olympics for the Boston “Siamanto” Chapter and produced one hallowed page after another in his quest toward stardom. The next decade-plus saw him accumulating points at a record pace until finally reaching 161. His 400-meter record still stands, while the 200 has since been eclipsed—by his nephew (Stephen Vosbikian).
Dominating the sprints, Chebookjian won multiple high-scoring titles by sweeping the 100, 220, and 440-yard dashes. It wasn’t until 1981 that the “Siamantos” won their first Olympic Cup.
That first championship led to a dynasty throughout the 1980’s, culminating with five straight victories.
Chebookjian’s achievements were not confined to the track. He was frequently seen at conventions and seminars while elected to the Central Executive. He pioneered the Senior Seminar and instilled leadership skills into the membership.
As an active member of the Boston community, he chaired April 24 committees and was actively involved with ANCA work.
After marrying his wife, Chebookjian moved to the Philadelphia area and coached the “Sebouhs” to the chapter’s first Olympic Trophy and four Cups in five years.
He can still be found at the Junior Athletic Games and on the sidelines during track events coaching his nieces and nephews while also keeping order in the meet.
Along with his two sisters, Susan and Sema (Arakelian), they continue to carry the legacy set forth by their parents.
Ara Krafian
Whether by competing, coaching, officiating, or parenting, Karafian has been omnipresent at the Olympics over the past quarter century. In the words of late Hairenik Editor Jimmy Tashjian, call Ara “the ubiquitous Armenian,” meaning he’s everywhere at once.
Quiet, humble, intense, spirited. Karafian qualifies in each of these superlatives. It hasn’t been easy, sharing his compassion with a wife who’s battled an illness, four active daughters, and recently moving into a new home. For that, he deserves a rack of medals.
Born in Montreal, he joined the Watertown “Gaidzags” when his family moved to the U.S., launching an impressive athletic streak that started in the Juniors. He finished in the top 15 all-time with 99 points, setting and resetting swim records—whether for Watertown or Boston.
In 1987, he entered his first pentathlon and wound up victorious with 2,632 points. Krafian was also part of record-setting relays in the pool and track, and played on title basketball teams.
Athletics aside, Krafian has served as an AYF Junior Advisor for Boston and co-chaired the AYF National Junior Seminar Committee.
Upon graduating from the AYF, he married the love of his life, co-chaired the 1989 Olympic Steering Committee, and served nine years on the AYF Governing Body. He was instrumental in proposing a seven-year term limit with transitions for all newly appointed Governing Body members while implementing the computerization of the results for the Olympic Games.
As an added note of interest, his passion and selflessness was never more evident than in 1999 when Heather had to be induced just days before the New Jersey Olympics. It was crucial he be at the games with the new computerized system.
Rest assured. He was there to welcome his new prize—then rushed to Jersey just in time for the swim meet.
In his spare time, Krafian volunteers on many construction projects for St. Stephen’s School and Camp Haiastan. With his youngest daughter just nine, it appears he’ll be around for the long haul.
Tom Vartabedian
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