One priceless legacy of Ohio Northern University is lifelong friendships. And for that, we’re thankful!
When a group of ONU fraternity brothers started a fantasy football league in 1989 at the Phi Kappa Theta house, they never imagined it would become the glue that held them together. But 35 years later, they’re still arguing over picks.
“It’s been the best tool for keeping this group in touch and bonded,” said Cassandra (Hicks) Mott, BA ’94, whose husband, Jamie Mott, BSME ’93, is in the league.
The Phi Kappa Theta brothers made a critical pact at graduation time to gather at least once a year for the fantasy football league draft.
“We specifically decided not to allow remote drafting because we wanted that in person connection,” said Jamie.
In the early years, the gathering was a lively get together at someone’s house. As the friends started having families, the draft evolved, moving to larger venues like state parks or water parks where the children could be entertained.
This past summer, the friends and their families ventured internationally to Roatan, Honduras, where the Motts have a home. An extended group of over 30 people, including spouses and adult children, stayed in three houses. They shared meals, a catamaran trip, swimming, fishing, golfing, sloth and monkey tours, and, of course, made their draft picks.
The league’s longevity has had a powerful ripple effect. The children of the original friendship group, now adults themselves, have grown up together and remain close friends. Some now even participate in the draft.
Beyond the draft, the fraternity brothers make time to gather for sporting events, dinners, Phi Kappa Theta reunions, weddings, graduations, and family events.
“We are so thankful to share our lives, celebrations, milestones, and adventures with our ONU group, who are now more like family,” said Shane Baumgardner, BSBA ’91.
Brothers who made the trip to Roatan: Matt Tepe, BSBA ’91; Dominic Catanzaro, BSBA ’92; Rodney Davis, BSBA ’91 (and Kimberly (Bellino) Davis, BSBA ’93); Shawn Fitzsimmons, BSBA ’92; Kirk Henline, BSBA ’93; Jamie Mott, BSME ’93 (and Cassandra Hicks Mott, BA ’94); Mike Baker, BSPh ’94; Shane Baumgardner, BSBA ’91 (and Michele (Ciampaglione) Baumgardner, BA ’91; Derek Rodstrom, BA ’93; Shane Whitacre, BSCE ’91; Stanley Mark “Clay” Mathews, BSBA ’92.
