Hall of Fame
While the true multi-sport athlete has become not only a recent novelty, but a dying breed, John Ayrassian proved during his tenure as a student athlete at SUNY Potsdam that it was possible to excel at more than one sport.
Ayrassian played both basketball and baseball for the Bears, lettering in baseball for four years and basketball for three. A back injury sidelined him for one hoops season. He excelled on both fields of competition, helping bring glory to Potsdam.
Ayrassian’s love of all sports continued after college as he became a teacher in Canton. While many former college athletes turn to coaching after their playing days are over, Ayrassian decided to serve in other areas.
He has been an official in basketball, football, baseball and softball at both the collegiate and high school levels for over 20 years. Ayrassian has served as president and vice president of the New York State Association of Certified Football Officials, and has acted as local assignor for basketball for five years.
The dean of local officials, Ayrassian has officiated at several state high school competitions and is known as a resource of vast knowledge of the rules of the sports he officiates.
Ayrassian has also served the town of Canton in a number of capacities, including the recreation department’s swimming instructor.
For the past 40 years, he has touched the lives of countless local high school and college students and student-athletes through his work as a mathematics teacher at Canton and his various duties as an official and instructor within the world of athletics and recreation.
