A Passion for Sports, Relationships, and Team Management

Joe Rubbelke was a player the first varsity baseball team he managed and came up with Ty’s now well-known nickname. He said, “The nickname T-Money came from him always ‘being on the money’ with his work and attention to detail as a team manager. He was always a very hard worker and would never miss a day. He never wanted to let you down and you could depend on him to assist with any tasks.”

The consistency and work ethic he showed on the court with that first team translated to football, volleyball, boys soccer, softball, boys and girls basketball, baseball, and various other sports. Besides managing, he has done some announcing and even gives motivational pre-game talks to the team. 

Relationships are a huge part of why Ty loves managing. More than once, a player has told him, “T, you are the glue that holds our team together.” Coach Karli remembers, “He loved being around the team. He loved a good fist bump or word of greeting. The players soon recognized that he came at the job of student manager with an earnestness and genuine passion for being around others. They took to that and he soon became a natural part of the flow of the team."

Whatever you do, work at it with all your Heart

Coach Wallert, who first met T-Money in his freshman physical education class, says, “He’s so passionate about managing. He has such a servant’s heart and will do everything no one else wants to do. He’ll distribute uniforms and set up equipment. He’s the first one there, the last to leave, and no job is too tedious for him. He gives 110% every day.” 

Ty says, “My goal is not just about me; it’s about the team. I care about the team. No matter if we have the worst record of the season or the best. What God’s putting me on the earth for is to get each athlete ready to face the real challenges out there in life.” He daily fulfills the words of Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men.”

Jed Helwig, North High School Athletic Director, says, “T-Money has been here for a long time, and we include him in everything he wants to be part of. He’s a great asset to our athletic teams and to our school. He has a passion for North High and a passion for athletics. He’s embraced by our student athletes, and we just continue to run with it.”  

His strong commitment and the impact he has made on so many people has earned him several awards including section manager of the year, team awards, and even the national manager of the year award.

Mentors and Friends

Many of the coaches and others who have paved the way for T-Money to serve as a sports manager have also served as mentors along the way.  Ty shared about one of them, “Mr. Wallert is a very big mentor of mine. I have had problems in the past that he knows exactly what to say and helps guide me through what to do and what things not to do. I have him as a big mentor where God has put me. I look for him for wisdom more than anyone else. He’s been there. He is there looking out for me. I know what to do and what not to do because he’s there.” 

From the time T-Money sat in Coach Wallert’s class as a freshman, if T-Money had a hole in his schedule or needed somewhere to be, he was back in that room. The two formed a strong connection that remains today, and when Ty shared how much Wallert had changed his life, this veteran coach was moved to tears. 

T-Money said, “Mr. Wallert is the biggest life mentor for me.” It was through people like Coach Wallert that T-Money could use his gifts, develop his passions, and find places to belong. One of those places was in The Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

The Impact of FCA

T-Money first started attending the FCA Huddle at North High School in 2009, and it has been a lifeline for him, especially during the pandemic due to a high health risk. When the meetings went to Zoom, he could participate safely and remains steadfast even though most students have tired of Zoom and moved on. He says, “Every Monday I look forward to FCA. Once they hit that button, I’m already plugged in.”

Ty has built many relationships with students and coaches through FCA and has learned more about how God and sports connect. He says, “Jesus means the whole world to me. During Covid, I’ve kind of stepped up to the plate in saying that God is my Savior and to think of eternity. I look forward to seeing all the athletes who know Christ in heaven one day.” 

The community at North High School and the greater community of North St. Paul is better because T-Money is there, and T-Money is exactly where God has called him to be. The impact of coaches and the ministry of FCA has changed his life. This is why our coaches serve, and this is why FCA exists, to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Christ.