5 As decorated athletes throughout high school, both were interested in continuing their athletic careers in college. Jack remembers his many recruiting visits, but for him, West Point was the clear standout. “I visited a lot of schools for lacrosse and football. Not a single school had the sense of purpose West Point had,” he said. “It was cool to talk to seniors at the academy and hear how one was slated to be a pilot, the other a doctor, and the last an infantryman, but all were going to contribute to the same goal.” Tyler admits he had some reservations initially, but just like Jack, that sense of purpose at West Point was what ultimately had him hooked. “When I was first contacted by the coaching staff I was reluctant because I thought the military was not for me. However, once I visited campus and learned about the history of the institution and the chance to be a part of something bigger than myself, I was sold,” he said. Jack went on to play football at West Point, and Tyler, lacrosse. Even in the early days, when Jack and Tyler were adjusting to West Point and the demands of college life, they were able to lean on their Aquinas experiences to help them through. “Both schools have a longstanding tradition and emphasize a family environment,” said Tyler. “My time as part of the Aquinas family made several aspects of the transition to West Point less challenging. My time as an athlete at Aquinas on the football and lacrosse team ultimately led to this opportunity, and I am extremely thankful for Aquinas and all my coaches.” Jack also says he would not have had the opportunity without his coaches and would not have succeeded without the values that he learned on the field and in the classroom. “Aquinas teaches goodness, discipline, and knowledge and the cornerstone of academy life is discipline,” he said. “Motivation can only get you started where discipline keeps you going – and you need to learn to keep going.” Jack, who majored in International Relations and Chinese, is an infantry lieutenant posted to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii at the 1-27 Infantry Battalion. He is currently on rotation in Central Luzon in the Philippines. In a few years he will be promoted to Captain and will decide if he’d like to extend his military contract. As for Tyler, he is currently training in Fort Sills, Oklahoma and is part of the Field Artillery Basic Officers Leaders Course. Once completed, Tyler will be stationed at Fort Drum, New York. When asked to share some words of advice for our current AQ students, Jack and Tyler said be bold, and keep an open mind. Jack, who almost didn’t attend the Academy for fear of failing, said, “You will never know what you are capable of until you try.” Hidden Heroes Jack Owens ’17 & Tyler Olbrich ’17 FROM AQ TO WEST POINT Aquinas alumni Jack Owens ’17 and Tyler Olbrich ’17, both recent graduates of The United States Military Academy, West Point, are exemplars of Aquinas’ Basilian motto Teach me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge, and agree that those values were truly instrumental in helping to prepare them for their four years at West Point and life after. Jack Owens ’17 Tyler Olbrich ’17 Tyler Olbrich ’17 with parents Pat and Kelly.
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