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, theyre still arguing over picks.
Its 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 someones 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 leagues 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.
