2007 USATF Pacific Hall of Fame Inductee Ferrell Sonny Maynard
Born 8/11/1928
Years Officiating 30+
Years in Pacific Association 30+
First Certified Jan.,1986
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
- Meets Worked: Olympic Trials _3_1988,1992,2000
- USATF Open National Championships 7 1987,1993, 1995, 1999, 2001, 2002,2003
- USATF Youth National Championships 1995 JO
- NCAA National Championships (List Div.) 1 2005
- 6 Bruce Jenner Invitational
- 3 Modesto Relays
OFFICES HELD (OLYMPIC, USOC, AAU, TAC, USATF, NCAA, ETC.)
- Vice President Pacific Association
- Vice Chair PA Officials Committee
AWARDS RECEIVED
- Pacific Associations Meritorious Service Award, Dick Barbour Award in 2003 and the first Horace Crow Award for 1995
- Recognized by Stanford for 25 years of service as Head Field Judge and Field Officials Coordinator in 2007
OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Sonny began his relationship with Track & Field while competing in the Pole Vault in High School on the old bamboo pole. He jumped around 12 feet which was very good in those days for high school and Junior College. He attended meets at Berkeley in the 60’s and 70’s as a spectator. In the 70’s he did some coaching with the “Woodside Striders”. As a career Sonny taught 7th & 8th grade Science in the local public schools. Since he was an accomplished swimmer he taught swimming to kids during his summer breaks. He got re-involved in local track meets when his wife began to compete as a Master race walker in the 70s.
Sonny has worked mostly local meets. He has had opportunities to work others but true to his nature, he supported others rather than doing them himself. He worked as a race official and volunteer. He first became nationally certified in 1987 although he had already been officiating for a number years at what is now the association level. Sonny can and does work all the field events but most often the throws. He fills in where needed and is always present when there is a nearby combined events competition. His low key and friendly spirit has endeared him to all the officials. Sonny has been the long time field officials’ coordinator for Stanford meets since the early 80’s where he was mentored by the then Stanford head coach, Brooks Johnson. Sonny was also the Officials Coordinator for the National JOs in 1995 in San Jose.
Sonny has worked mostly local meets. He has had opportunities to work others but true to his nature, he supported others rather than doing them himself. He worked as a race official and volunteer. He first became nationally certified in 1987 although he had already been officiating for a number years at what is now the association level. Sonny can and does work all the field events but most often the throws. He fills in where needed and is always present when there is a nearby combined events competition. His low key and friendly spirit has endeared him to all the officials. Sonny has been the long time field officials’ coordinator for Stanford meets since the early 80’s where he was mentored by the then Stanford head coach, Brooks Johnson. Sonny was also the Officials Coordinator for the National JOs in 1995 in San Jose.
Sonny’s commitment to track and field is not limited to Stanford. He also officiates at meets throughout the bay area and up to Sacramento, and at all levels of competition.
After years as a certified official, Sonny volunteered his time at the 1984 Olympics. As the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta approached, Sonny withheld applying for an officiating assignment so that Lori would be assured selection as an official. (He later learned that he would have been selected along with her as an official).
Sonny has given countless hours to the Stanford Track and Field program as the field officials’ coordinator. Sonny’s work ethic has been a vital part of the Stanford Track and Field home meets success. His ongoing contributions for the past 25 years have been solely from the goodness of his heart, expecting nothing in return. He embodies the meaning of a true volunteer.
Sonny is an inspiration to us all. He has been a mainstay of the Stanford Track and Field meets and the Stanford Cross Country meets. There is never a cross word on the field when he has been in charge, but as he would say, “don’t go there.”
Sonny is a remarkable man and we have all been blessed by his dedication and commitment to our sport.