Chuck Silvey was born in Bethany, Missouri but lived out his love for track in field in Iowa.
After receiving his degree from Iowa States Teachers College (UNI), Silvey began his long time coaching career at United Community Schools, coaching boys and girls basketball. His next stops were at Prairie City and Calmar before accepting the position as Head Boy’s Cross Country and Track and Field coach at Tech High School in Des Moines. Silvey made his mark as an excellent cross country coach as his Engineers won six state titles and two state mile team race crowns. Seven more times Tech’s cross country teams finished as state runner-ups. Three of Tech’s individuals won state cross country titles during Silvey’s tenure.
In Track and Field Tech won 6 state titles indoors and one outdoors. Chuck Silvey’s track and field teams were very successful at the Drake Relays winning 15 relay championships and 5 individual gold medals. At the State track meet, Silvey led squads won 14 relay golds and crowned 10 individual champions. In 1982 Chuck Silvey accepted the position as Head Cross Country and Track and Field coach at Des Moines North High School. He retired from North in 1984, closing out a 32 year career at the two schools. He served as Director of Athletic Facilities for Urbandale Public Schools from 1984 to 1998. Coach Chuck Silvey was widely known for conducting all-comers track and field and cross country meets for many years in the greater Des Moines area. Silvey gave countless hours to the sports that he loved so dearly. Chuck Silvey passed away on November 21, 1998. He is survived by his wife Betty and children Charlotte, Gary and Steve.
