| Craig Amerkhanian |
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Craig Amerkhanian begins his ninth year guiding the Golden Bear frosh program. In 1999 the Cal freshman eight finished the season with an IRA silver medal after winning its fifth Pac-10 title over the last six seasons. Since 1996, Amerkhanian-coached crews have had their share of success at the IRA winning gold in '98, silver in '99 and '96, and a fourth-place finish in 1997.
After rowing for two years at Orange Coast College, Amerkhanian raced in the Cal varsity eight in 1979 and '80. The '79 eight was Pac-10 champions as well as Opening Day victors on the Montlake Cut. The crew traveled to Henley (Cal's first trip since the '48 Olympic crew) and raced in the Grand Challenge Cup. In 1980 the crew was undefeated again throughout the dual racing season.
In the fall of 1980, Amerkhanian began a five-year stint with the Oakland Athletics Baseball Co., working with Roy Eisenhardt ('80 Cal frosh coach and A's president). He then worked in the mortgage industry while earning his master's degree in education. Amerkhanian has taught social studies and English in the Oakland and San Ramon school districts.
Amerkhanian graduated from Cal in 1980 with a B.A. in history. He and his wife, Michelle, live in Albany with sons John (9), Peter (6), and Nicolas (1).
