Last year’s USU alumnus of the year also a three-time Olympian for discus
Students need to decide on their careers early, stay close to the Lord and work hard to succeed, according to Utah State University alumnus and Olympic medallist L. Jay Silvester.
Silvester came to USU on a football scholarship in 1955 as a freshman tackler, but when he participated in track and field the next semester, they offered him a full-ride for throwing the discus. He said it wasn’t a hard choice.
“I didn’t play football anymore,” Silvester said.
Now retired, Silvester said he spends a lot of time doing temple work for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He said he would like to serve a mission.
During his athletic career, Silvester broke six world records for the discus throw. The first was in 1961 and the last was in 1971.
He participated in four Olympic games and took the silver medal for discus in Munich in 1972. He took fourth in 1964, fifth in 1968 and eighth in 1976. He participated in the trials in 1980.
“In a way, I’m very grateful I had the experience of athletic fitness. I believe in being fit and healthy,” Silvester said.
He said he worked the whole time he was training and trained in his spare time.
“More athletes now think they need to train full-time,” Silvester said. “In a way, it’s been my avocation.”
Silvester graduated in 1959 with his bachelor’s degree in physical education, which he taught at Brigham Young University until 1999.
In addition to teaching, he also coached track and field and did research in strength, fitness and steroids.
He has published two books, “Weight Training for Strength and Fitness” and one on drills for throwing. He plans to publish another called “The Complete Book of Throws” this year or the next.
“I’ve done a great deal of coaching in track and field,” Silvester said.
Currently he’s working with Nikolas Arrhenius, the best high school discus thrower in the United States.
“I expect him to break the national high school record this year,” Silvester said.
Silvester is the president of the Utah Valley USU Alumni Chapter and was alumnus of the year last year.
He and his wife, Geniel, dated in high school and married during his sophomore year at USU. They had two of their three children before they graduated.
Silvester said former LDS president Spencer W. Kimball advised LDS church members to not delay their families for education, so they didn’t.
They now have nine grandchildren.
Silvester said he enjoys training with his 14-year-old grandson. They train 1 1/2 to 2 hours five times a week.
“It’s amazing how important family always is. It’s wonderful to have them close,” Silvester said.
Many of his memories of USU involve the athletics programs. He said it was a struggle as a freshman, but he got to know a lot of people that way.
He particularly remembers teachers and coaches including Dale Nelson, Louis Downs, Hyrum Hunsacre, coach Ralph Maughan and his wife Bernice.
“[Ralph Maughan] always had an encouraging word and helpful comment,” Silvester said.
Silvester is a native of Box Elder, and after the first year of college, commuted to school.
He said he also remembers how cold Logan was.
“It was always difficult to get on with [track and field] because of the weather. I guess those challenges make you better,” Silvester said.
After he graduated from USU, Silvester went into the ROTC and served in the military for 2 1/2 years.
He continued his athletic training, competing on weekends.
“It’s difficult to combine more than one thing in life,” Silvester said.
He returned to USU for a master’s before teaching at Brigham Young University. He took a year sabbatical and got his doctorate from BYU in 1976.
“Thank goodness for universities that qualify you for employment. I’ll be forever grateful for that. It’s preparation that pays off. It’s allowed me to provide for my family,” Silvester said.