George Voskerchian

George Voskerchian

Class of 1950

Sport(s):

Year Inducted: 2008

George Voskerchian, class of 1950, is an inductee into Bennett’s 2008 Sports Hall of Fame in the category of Special Achievement. Voskerchian spent more than 35 years as a football official, including appearances at many Thanksgiving Day Harvard Cup Championship games. He officiated gridiron college games, as well as high school games, during his long tenure. Included in his list of awards is a Referee Of the Decade Award by WNY High School Sports in 1 991 , the John D. Burns Memorial Award, Section 6 Football Federation Award, NY State Association of Certified Football Officials Merit Award, and numerous citations recognizing his commitment to high school sports. During his athletic career at Bennett, Voskerchian lettered in football and track. In the fall, he displayed his churning scatback speed at running back. Legendary coach Fred Braun recognized Voskerchian’s versatility by using him on the interior line as well, depending on specific situations. Voskerchian played in the most famous high school football game in Buffalo High School annals. A record crowd of 51 ,988 fans jammed Civic Stadium on a chilly October 21 evening in 1 948 to witness the epic battle between Bennett and arch rival Kensington. Voskerchian’s speed transferred well to the track during the spring as he gained first team All-High honors as a member of the championship Bennett 880 relay team, which included Jack Scherer, Pat Dunford, and Jerry Schweibel. Voskerchian enrolled at UB upon graduation from Bennett, where a knee injury prematurely ended his football career. George ran track at UB in the 1 00 and 220 yard sprints. Voskerchian is also a member of the Harvard Cup Hall of Fame and was inducted into the UB Hall of Fame as the Russell J. Gugino Award winner. The Gugino Award honors alumni who, through time and resources, have made significant contributions to UB’s athletic program. Voskerchian currently lives in Amherst.