Inducted into the Weightlifting Hall of Fame: November 15, 2024
Jabian “Jay* Trahan, from Perry, LA, developed an interest in strength training at an early age. While in grade school, he and a neighbor put together a workout area in a tin building behind this neighbor’s home. The workouts in that tin building during those formative years would pay dividends throughout his life.
While attending Abbeville High School, Jay was a member of the 1963 state championship baseball team. He graduated in 1968 with a BS in mechanical engineering and later earned a master’s degree in business administration. (continued below photos)
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In his early days at USL, Jay learned of the weightlifting team from a friend and met Warren Perrin, who encouraged Jay to try out for the team. After becoming a team member, Jay credits his achievements in Olympic weightlifting to the USL teammates who taught him the necessary workouts required to improve each lift. Jay was a member of the 1967 and 1968 National Championship Teams lifting in the 146 lb. class, finishing in third place in both competitions.
Jay married his high school sweetheart, Rebecca “Becky” Broussard in 1968. Becky is also a graduate of USL. He and Becky have two sons (Kevin and David), three grandchildren, and one great grandson. While serving four years on active duty in the Air Force during the Vietnam era, Jay entered the Alaska State Powerlifting Championship in 1972 and won first place in the 165 lb. weight class as well as outstanding lifter in the competition. Outside of his four years in the military. Jay worked for 50 years in the oil and gas industry. He held management positions at Baker Hughes and Oil States International which required extensive international travel. Since 2005, Jay and his sons have operated a family business providing products to the oil and gas industry. Jay’s grandson. Corey, also worked in the family business. Jay attributes much of his lifetime successes to his supportive wife and best friend, Becky. He enjoys playing golf, working in his vegetable garden, and the occasional fishing trip.