University Southern California Trojans
Heritage Association Spotlight: Joe Antunovich (Track & Field)
October 31, 2018 | Track & Field, Trojan Athletic Fund, Features
Humbly raised on a farm in Henderson, New Zealand, Joe Antunovich (B.A. '72, M.A. '74) hails from a family of hard-workers. Early on in grade school, he discovered his affinity for track and field. Later at Henderson High School, he quickly became a force to be reckoned with. His athleticism and passion for discus-throwing compelled him to continue his expertise at the collegiate level, where his skills were highly sought after by several schools.
The University of Southern California offered Antunovich an athletic scholarship and it didn't take long for him to realize it was an opportunity of a lifetime. While the rich history of the track and field program first appealed to him, Antunovich also leaned towards USC because of its academics. "USC was only one of two accredited schools for architecture in California at the time, which I knew I wanted to study, and they also had a great track and field program. They had the best of both worlds – the nation's best men's track and field program and a strong academic reputation," said Antunovich.
The star discus-thrower was the first in his family to attend college. He was beyond excited to start the new chapter of his life in the United States at such a world-renowned university. This would also be his first time visiting the country.
As he matured into a young man with the help of legendary track and field Coach Vern Wolfe, he realized there was much more to the USC community than he had ever imagined. "Coach Wolfe was a fabulous leader and a champion of young men," he stated. In fact, Wolfe coached a total of 7 national titles during his tenure at USC. When he wasn't training to be a champion, Antunovich focused on his architecture studies, which required five years of schooling. Once his four years of eligibility were up, he received an academic scholarship to complete his fifth year. He then continued his architecture studies at USC for two additional years through the master's architecture program.
"As a student athlete at USC, I learned a lot of similar things that I had learned growing up on a farm in the hills of New Zealand. There is no substitute for hard work, being nice, being honest, and also giving back to the community," said Antunovich.
The tremendous track and field athlete credits the many special lessons he has learned to the family camaraderie that USC fosters in its students and alumni. He also learned early on the value of giving back. "That's also one of the great things you learn in America – giving back. You receive many more times what you actually give." Today, Antunovich takes great pride in giving back to the University by being a longtime Trojan Athletic Fund member.
Antunovich is also giving back by donating his architectural services to the rebuilding of the track and field facility on Cromwell field at USC. His team at Antunovich Associates is working on the construction of a new building, the locker rooms, and lounge areas. "Being able to give back to the community after USC has done so much for me is so gratifying," Antunovich said.
The most valuable thing he has taken away from his experience at USC is his life-long friendships. "The friends that you make at USC are friends you have for the rest of your life."
This was ever apparent just a few short months ago when Antunovich received the FAIA Distinction Award in Chicago on his 70th birthday for his contributions to architecture and society. Five of his USC track and field teammates attended the ceremony from all around the country to honor him. "I can't get rid of them!" He joked. "But, truly, it's like we never left – like time hasn't moved at all."
Favorite thing to do in LA while at USC:
"I loved to go and listen to live music on the weekends. It was the late 60's after all. Los Angeles is one of the music meccas of the world. It was just fabulous."
Fondest USC Memory:
"While I was at USC, my most memorable moment was the birth of my son in 1972. I was just 23 years old, and I was so proud to say that I was the father of my son."
The University of Southern California offered Antunovich an athletic scholarship and it didn't take long for him to realize it was an opportunity of a lifetime. While the rich history of the track and field program first appealed to him, Antunovich also leaned towards USC because of its academics. "USC was only one of two accredited schools for architecture in California at the time, which I knew I wanted to study, and they also had a great track and field program. They had the best of both worlds – the nation's best men's track and field program and a strong academic reputation," said Antunovich.
The star discus-thrower was the first in his family to attend college. He was beyond excited to start the new chapter of his life in the United States at such a world-renowned university. This would also be his first time visiting the country.
As he matured into a young man with the help of legendary track and field Coach Vern Wolfe, he realized there was much more to the USC community than he had ever imagined. "Coach Wolfe was a fabulous leader and a champion of young men," he stated. In fact, Wolfe coached a total of 7 national titles during his tenure at USC. When he wasn't training to be a champion, Antunovich focused on his architecture studies, which required five years of schooling. Once his four years of eligibility were up, he received an academic scholarship to complete his fifth year. He then continued his architecture studies at USC for two additional years through the master's architecture program.
"As a student athlete at USC, I learned a lot of similar things that I had learned growing up on a farm in the hills of New Zealand. There is no substitute for hard work, being nice, being honest, and also giving back to the community," said Antunovich.
The tremendous track and field athlete credits the many special lessons he has learned to the family camaraderie that USC fosters in its students and alumni. He also learned early on the value of giving back. "That's also one of the great things you learn in America – giving back. You receive many more times what you actually give." Today, Antunovich takes great pride in giving back to the University by being a longtime Trojan Athletic Fund member.
Antunovich is also giving back by donating his architectural services to the rebuilding of the track and field facility on Cromwell field at USC. His team at Antunovich Associates is working on the construction of a new building, the locker rooms, and lounge areas. "Being able to give back to the community after USC has done so much for me is so gratifying," Antunovich said.
The most valuable thing he has taken away from his experience at USC is his life-long friendships. "The friends that you make at USC are friends you have for the rest of your life."
This was ever apparent just a few short months ago when Antunovich received the FAIA Distinction Award in Chicago on his 70th birthday for his contributions to architecture and society. Five of his USC track and field teammates attended the ceremony from all around the country to honor him. "I can't get rid of them!" He joked. "But, truly, it's like we never left – like time hasn't moved at all."
Favorite thing to do in LA while at USC:
"I loved to go and listen to live music on the weekends. It was the late 60's after all. Los Angeles is one of the music meccas of the world. It was just fabulous."
Fondest USC Memory:
"While I was at USC, my most memorable moment was the birth of my son in 1972. I was just 23 years old, and I was so proud to say that I was the father of my son."
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