Jan. 27, 2006

Story by Breana Krotz | Photography by Rick Fatica

Ohio Athletics has taken competition to another level -- this time with a little sibling rivalry.

Here, meet four pairs and a threesome of Bobcats who share a love for the same sports. In all, eight families can claim more than one member involved in intercollegiate athletics on campus this year.

Whether recruited by an older brother or sister's coach, intrigued by academic or athletic offerings or enchanted by the campus, these brother-brother, brother-sister and sister-sister combos are happy to be in school with their sibs, rivals or not.

"Having multiple members of families competing or coaching for the Ohio Bobcats is nothing new. Alumni may remember the Green brothers, who were outstanding kickers on the football team throughout the 1970s," says Assistant Athletic Director Derek Scott. "But to have so many kids competing right now who have siblings competing here at the same time is pretty amazing."
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The Stetsons are sure to keep you rolling with their constant joking, laughter and brotherly banter. These two have shared a passion for swimming and a love for lighthearted fun for as long as both can remember.

"We'll do anything for a laugh," Drew says. "We have no shame."

Like many Ohio sibs, these two call their relationship competitive.

"He may be taller, but I always win in the end," boasts Brett, a senior. "The older one always wins."

Whether playing video games, cards or one-on-one basketball, the Stetsons spend as much time together outside of swimming as they do at the pool.

"OU has brought us closer to each other," Brett says.

"His friends are now my friends and vice versa," adds Drew, a sophomore.

The brothers, who hail from Barrington, Ill., agree that it's easier being away from home together.

"It's been so great to swim together. Brett is so dedicated. He works hard and is a great leader," Drew says with obvious pride. "He's the first one in the pool every morning."

Drew is always willing to help out a buddy, says Brett, but he's a joker, too.

"He's a funny kid," he says. "But man, when we fight, he has this goofy smile on his face, and it makes me even madder."

"We get along great," adds Drew, "but it drives me nuts when he tells my parents things they don't need to know. He tells them everything about me. Nothing is kept a secret."

While the Stetson brothers enjoy each other's company, they're firm in their stance that their younger sister -- also a swimmer -- won't be a Bobcat.

"You know everything about your teammates," Drew says. "And there are just some things you don't want to know about your sister."