Arnold "Arnie" Bakke has spent a lifetime supporting Grand Forks Central athletics. A native of Wheelock, North Dakota, Arnie served in the Navy during World War II as a landing craft operator. After his military service, he attended UND where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. Following graduation he taught at Wildrose, where he also coached basketball, 6 man football, and softball. He returned to Grand Forks in 1953, earned a Master's Degree, and began teaching at Roosevelt Elementary.

Arnie began his administrative career in 1955 as the assistant principal at Lewis and Clark, followed by service as principal at West, Lake Agassiz, South Junior High, and at Central from 1966-69. He then served as Grand Forks Public Schools Director of Personnel for 14 years and Supervisor of Operations for 6 years, before retiring in 1989.

Arnie spent many years as a starter and staging marshal at numerous track meets, including college and international competition. He was one of the original volunteers who helped organize and run the North Dakota State Track Meet in Grand Forks. Since his retirement Arnie has been a significant contributor and supporter of GFC athletic programs, particularly the football team. Former GFC coach Mike Berg states, "Arnie has been a special friend and mentor of the Central football team for many years. His selfless efforts and numerous contributions to the program have become part of the tradition of GFC Football."

Nowadays Arnie is a regular visitor to the main office at Central, and his unconditional support continues to contribute to the overall success of many programs. For that we congratulate Arnie on a "job well done" and enthusiastically induct him into the GFC Athletic Hall of Fame.