Ty Hoover (Trine University, ‘22) enrolled at Trine University, energetic and excited to get involved on campus. He joined the track team and began meeting brothers from the Fraternity who also ran. He later discovered that many of the men he met on the team were a part of the Fraternity and seemed to have a strong bond.

Between his initial involvement with the track team and the Fraternity at Trine University, Ty Hoover faced a period of introspection and self-discovery. The camaraderie and bonds he witnessed among his peers were inspiring, but he also felt an internal pull towards a different path. Ty realized that while college provided many opportunities, he desired an opportunity to discover the best version of himself and prepare for a structured lifestyle before fully committing to college. This realization led him to make a significant decision in his life.

Ty decided to withdraw from college and join the Air Force. He began his service working in the aerospace medical field. He traveled to several medical clinics nationwide, putting his college education on hold. He later transitioned to the Air Force, doing blood draws, medical records, and physicals. While in the Air Force, he returned to college full-time. He dedicated one weekend a month to the Air Force and focused on college life during the remainder of his time.

Although he was excited to return to school, he felt like he was starting over. Phi Kappa Theta was filled with familiar faces from his first year, and his brothers welcomed him with open arms. They encouraged him to be the best he could be and reach his goals.

After returning to track and field, it quickly became more than just a sport. He was always curious about the purpose behind the workouts and how he could reach his fullest potential. His coach, Seth Ware (Trine University, ‘13), who serves on the Fraternity's Board of Trustees, became a big brother figure to Ty. He was a mentor, always offering advice in practice or life. Seth says he enjoys mentoring students on his team and in the Fraternity. It seems to happen naturally, and it’s part of why he loves coaching track and field and staying involved with the Fraternity.

When Ty decided he was interested in coaching track and field, Seth was the one who guided him through applying for jobs, preparing for interviews, and building his confidence as an aspiring coach. The most memorable experience was when Seth encouraged Ty to apply for a job opening that felt out of reach. Shortly after applying for the job, he received a call inviting him in for an interview.

The interview went well, and he received a job offer shortly after. Ty explains that if it weren’t for Seth and his brothers in the Fraternity, he might not have the same love for coaching. He may not have been confident applying for a job outside his comfort zone. He claims that the Fraternity shaped him into the person and coach he is today.

Ty is now the head track and field coach at Adrian College. He is now able to share advice with his students. He finds joy in the fact that the Fraternity taught him leadership skills and how to share knowledge with others. He enjoys mentoring his students and is thankful for the opportunity to pay it forward, as Seth had done for him.

Seth agrees that although Ty is coaching at a school that competes against his team, he will always be a resource to him. That is what makes the Fraternity so unique. Even when you graduate, you have a nationwide network of brothers with common interests who want to support each other.

If Seth had one piece of advice to give regarding our brotherhood, he would say, “A brotherhood can exist in chapters and across the country. The whole point of the Fraternity is the network and the common interests we share across the country. Use the network, and don’t be afraid to reach out to other members even if they aren’t from your chapter.”

Ty and Seth's story reminds us that those around you often play a significant role in who you become.

Ty's journey as a college student to a military serviceman and back to academia, culminating in his track and field coach role, underscores the profound impact of mentorship. Seth (who now serves on the National Fraternity Board of Trustees) exemplifies the strength and depth of mentorship that can be forged within the Fraternity.

It's not just about the bonds formed during college years but the lifelong relationships that continue to guide, support, and inspire a fellow brother.

Whether you're a current student or an alumnus, the opportunities to cross paths with brothers, share experiences, and grow together are endless. To further foster these connections, consider attending the upcoming Phi Kap Konnect forum online hosted by National Fraternity President Dan Bureau, Ph.D. As a member, there are countless ways to make your mark and continue the legacy of brotherhood that has shaped so many lives, just as it did for Ty and Seth.