LARGEST GATHERING OF ARMENIAN-AMERICANS IN NORTH AMERICA TO BE HELD ON JULY 4TH WEEKEND
LOS ANGELES–Jerry Tarkanian–among the greatest NCAA College Basketball coaches of all-time will be honored on July 6–2002 at the 27th annual Navasartian Victory Ball. Tarkanian will be presented with the Armenian-American Sports Figure of the 20th Century Award for his outstanding contribution to college athletics in America and his enduring pride in his Armenian heritage. The Navasartian Victory Ball–which will draw more than 600 people–will be held at the Universal City Hilton.
"We are very pleased that Jerry Tarkanian will be honored at the Navasartian Victory Ball," explained Homenetmen Regional Chairman Manuel Marselian. "His dedication to excellence throughout his life has made him a point of pride for all Armenian-Americans involved in sports in America. I am confident that all Homenetmen members and supporters are excited that Jerry Tarkanian will be a part of the Navasartian experience this year," Marselian commented.
"The Armenian-American Sports Figure of the 20th Century Award is a singular honor that our organization is proud to present to Jerry Tarkanian. I am looking forward to being with Jerry on July 6th at the Navasartian Victory Ball," Marselian added.
Born August 8–1930–in Euclid–Ohio–Tarkanian attended Pasadena City College before transferring to Fresno State University–where he played for the Bulldog basketball team in 1954 and 1955. He later earned his master’s degree with honors in educational management from University of Redlands in Redlands–California.
After spending 38 seasons as a collegiate basketball head coach–Jerry Tarkanian retired March 15–2002–after spending the last seven years at the helm of Fresno State. In 30 seasons of Division I coaching Tarkanian finished his career with a record of 778-202 and was just the 12th coach to reach 700 career wins.
During his coaching career–Tarkanian has led his teams to four appearances in the NCAA Final Four–one national championship–and owns a 38-18 record in 18 NCAA tournament appearances. In 37 years at the major college and junior college levels he has never suffered a losing season. Forty-two of his players have been drafted by NBA teams–including 12 first-round selections.
The 27th annual Navasartian Games will bring more than 300 teams and 3,000 athletes from Homenetmen Western Region chapters–as well as guest teams from around the country and the world–for nine-weeks of sports competition. The Navasartian Games have grown into the Armenian-American community’s largest event–drawing over 20,000 spectators.
The Navasartian Games culminate on the Fourth of July Weekend with a festival and closing ceremonies.
Individuals interested in attending the 27th annual Navasartian Victory Ball during which college-coaching legend Jerry Tarkanian will be honored are encouraged to contact the Homenetmen’s Regional Office at (818) 244-3868.