Ara was born in Akron in 1923 to an Armenian Father and a French mother, both immigrants. He was an intense kid, a fine student, and a dominant playground athlete, though his mom initially discouraged his interest in football.
Prep Phenom
Once he hit the gridiron, he immediately became a star halfback and after graduation from Akron South High School, he matriculated at hometown Akron University, the Zips, but stayed only one year.
Answering Duty’s Call
WWII called to young Ara both as a young patriot and on Dad’s behalf as Dad had educated him on the Armenian genocide by the Ottoman Turks.