Clara (Fr.) and John Shaw (Sr.) after a cross country dual race against Kenyon on October 14

Photo by Michelle Lawrence '10

by Flannery Cerbin '09

March 20, 2007 -- Perhaps you grew up living with a brother or sister sharing the bathroom, fighting for shotgun, or trying to outscore them on the SAT’s. Perhaps you were annoyed when teachers kept asking, “are you his sister?” Maybe you couldn’t wait to go your separate ways once it was time to leave for college. But, maybe now you wish you could toss around a football with your older brother or miss your younger sister’s shadow-like presence.

For 18 Oberlin students-athletes, their college experience is marked by having a brother or sister on campus. And for the most part, it seems that this group is happy to have a sibling to share their college experience.

Seven pairs of Oberlin student-athlete siblings were recently interviewed, and it seems like “older halves” John Hepp (’07), John Shaw (’07), Kiri Ulmschneider (’08), Sam Kyrkostas (’07), and Christine Politis (’08) were receptive to the idea that their younger sibling would be joining them at Oberlin.

Sam Kyrkostas, captain of the 2006 field hockey squad, was enthusiastic when Calvin (Cal) decided to attend Oberlin. Cal, currently a sophomore, was convinced by former athletics director, Vin Lananna, to join Oberlin’s baseball squad and play shortstop and second base for the Yeomen.

Olivia Hayden (So.) hits a backhand against Otterbein on February 24

Photo by Seth Binder '07

Sam commented on her brother’s decision, “I was so pumped when Cal decided to play at Oberlin. He was seriously considering The College of Wooster and I was not excited about the rift that rivalry was going to cause in our family.”

The Kyrkostas pair share some quirky habits — like how they use Q-tips and to what consistency they like their asparagus cooked, but Sam insists that they are pretty different people. The Oberlin community is familiar with their humorous nicknames Lanky and Tanky, which refer to their extreme differences in height.

In some cases older siblings are the best recruiters for their younger siblings. Besides knowing Oberlin, a brother or sister knows the prospective student better than any other host.

Sophomore football player James (J.J.) Hepp’s interest in Oberlin was sparked when he visited his older brother and football and track standout, John. “I was able to get a completely honest opinion of Oberlin from John,” J.J. said. “That says a lot about the school, I think, that he would encourage me to come here and that he was having a good time as well.”  

For twins Chris and Jon Pisani, their similarities are what make them such good friends. Oberlin became a place for both of them to continue to play golf. Chris also plays football in the fall.

Chris Pisani (Jr.)

Photo by Seth Binder '07

Having Jon at college certainly means a lot to Chris. Whether they are playing Halo 2 or driving some balls at the golf range, these two share a tight bond. Chris was thrilled when his brother decided Oberlin over Boston College, Marquette and The College of Holy Cross.

“Since we are twins we have always been in the same school and had the same teachers. We pretty much do everything together and not having him here would be like losing your other half,” Chris said.

A similar situation is true for the Hayden sisters. They applied to the same 13 schools, and were considering going to different colleges until Oberlin offered a nice financial aid package and the opportunity to play tennis. “We’re best friends and we spend almost all of our time together. We’ve never been apart for more than one month.” Jane explained.

Student-athletes spend a lot of time together practicing and traveling to competitions, so much so, that teammates arguably become like “family.” For five sets of siblings, they already have an actual blood relative on their team. In addition to the Pisani brothers and the Hepp brothers, John and Clara Shaw run cross country and track, and Kiri and Byrne Ulmschneider join forces on the swim team. The Hayden sisters even play on the same third doubles team, and have already compiled a 6-1 record together this season.

John and Clara Shaw also enjoy each other’s company. John, a co-captain of the men’s cross country team, is frequently seen sitting next to Clara on the bus rides to and from meets. When he found out that Clara was coming to Oberlin, John remembers being overjoyed and a little surprised. However he “knew that she would have a great time.”

And, ohhh do the sibling pairs have a good time! For the Ulmschneider sisters, their fun comes in the form of teasing. Kiri explained how her younger sister Bryne was having a terrible time keeping her swim cap on. Kiri recommended that Bryne should glue her cap on and the joke became a source of amusement throughout the entire season.

Sophomore Jane Hayden returns a a shot against Baldwin-Wallace on February 17

Photo by Seth Binder '07

The Hepp brothers have trained together over the past two summers. As they spend quality time in the gym they also know how to have a good time. Said John, “[We have] pretty broad and imaginative senses of humor. Let’s just say there’s not really much of a limit or line to cross.”    

For those siblings who aren’t in the same sport, like Sam and Cal, they still find time to attend each other’s games. Sam eagerly awaited the start of the 2007 baseball season, “I haven't seen Calvin play in a while; I left for college after his freshman year of high school and was abroad last spring.” Cal also makes an effort to attend Sam’s field hockey games, more to see the good-looking girls than anything else, he admitted.

These siblings know each other better than their teammates and coaches because they’ve grown up in the same environment. They are also extremely familiar with each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and habits. Cal realizes Sam’s greatest athletic assets — her ferocity on the field as a vocal leader who plays tenaciously and tactfully. Cal also appreciates Sam’s personal qualities, “She’s super nice. It seems that even if someone is in a bad mood Sam can get them out of their funk with her generosity and sincere kindness.”

Sibling support extends beyond the athletic field for the twenty student-athletes. Cal often goes to his older and more level-headed sister for advice. His first year at Oberlin, J.J. asked John all the typical newbie questions, such as which classes to take, and which meal plan is the best. Clara Shaw also relies on her brother for more than just support on the track or cross country course, “It’s reassuring to always have someone to count on and give you advice.”

John was also quick to divulge some warm-and-fuzzies about his sis, “I think that Clara is a perfect study of what I could be if I get my act together. She has this amazing strength and confidence in tackling anything. She really likes complaining about she’s terrible at things, but everybody knows it’s a facade.”

Junior Christine Politis and senior Sam Kyrkostas after defeating Earlham College 6-3 in the Yeowomen's season finale on October 28

Photo by Seth Binder '07

Of course, there are some perceived drawbacks to having a sibling on campus. In Clara’s case she felt that, “It [was] weird being introduced to everyone as John’s sister. I was afraid that people would expect me to be like John even though we’re really different people.”

There is also the fear of professors recognizing a familial name despite differences between siblings. Said Olivia, “[We] are constantly confused at Oberlin, especially by people in one of our classes that think the other one is in their class.”

But in the end, the differences and the proximity of having a brother or sister near do not seem bother the group. Christine Politis, a member of the field hockey team and her younger brother Luke, who plays long pole for the men’s lacrosse team, are polar opposites despite looking remarkably similar. “I’m loud, an extrovert, and strive to be the center of attention,” Christine said. “Luke has the same sense of humor as me, but is easily hidden by his quiet, shy demeanor.” In spite of these differences, Christine insists that they compliment each other nicely.

Regardless of varying personalities and traits, these brothers and sisters seem happy to have a familiar face to share their college experience with, whether in the form of teasing or asking for advice.  The pairs share their love and support on and off the playing field as they proudly call themselves Oberlin students, Yeomen and Yeowomen, and siblings.

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To view an article written for the Oberlin athletics web site last winter on the Ulmschneider sisters, please Click Here. Also, Click Here to read an "In the Locker Room Interview" with Cal and Sam Kyrkostas, conducted by Matt Kaplan '07 for the Oberlin Review. To read the new monthly feature "Get to Know Your Oberlin Student-Athletes," which includes interviews with Oberlin's outstanding scholar-athletes, please Click Here.
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