Lifelong Cleveland Browns fan now develops team's software
Josh Stipanovich NEWS EDITOR
Issue date: 10/15/09 Section: News
The thought of developing software for the team who has been the reason for waking up every Sunday with a purpose, from the end of August through hopefully February, never crossed the mind of 28-year-old Seth Hooker.
But for the 2003 Youngstown State University graduate from Uhrichsville, Ohio, this dream became reality.
"Euphoria … I'm a lifelong Browns fan. I grew up in a Browns household, [and] the job itself was a great fit for me as far as what all my favorite parts of the software industry [are]," Hooker said about his reaction when he found out he was given the job. "It's a lot of work, it's a lot of hours [and] they're looking for driven people here, but it's a very rewarding job, and so I was really beside myself when I got the job. It's a great opportunity for me, and it has been so far."
Hooker, who interviewed with the Browns for nearly two months prior to beginning on Aug. 10, is in charge of developing the applications for draft trackers, free agent lists and even game evaluation software.
Like many high school students, Hooker wasn't aware of what he was going to pursue in college. Hooker said he wasn't only a Browns fan, but also an architecture and engineering enthusiast.
After graduating from Claymont High School, Hooker had to make the decision that would shape his future, but said he wasn't able to choose a major until the last possible moment.
"I really didn't come across what I really wanted to do until I got to YSU, and I didn't decide on my major until the last possible day before I had gotten into school," Hooker said.
"I've always liked computers [and the] idea of development, but I never really had the opportunity to get into it."
After deciding that developing computer software was his passion, Hooker immediately knew he wanted to major in computer science and minor in mathematics.
Hooker, who was able to navigate through college in four years without changing his major, said he was fortunate for this because it allowed him to graduate on time. This has allowed him get to where he is today at such a young age.
But for the 2003 Youngstown State University graduate from Uhrichsville, Ohio, this dream became reality.
"Euphoria … I'm a lifelong Browns fan. I grew up in a Browns household, [and] the job itself was a great fit for me as far as what all my favorite parts of the software industry [are]," Hooker said about his reaction when he found out he was given the job. "It's a lot of work, it's a lot of hours [and] they're looking for driven people here, but it's a very rewarding job, and so I was really beside myself when I got the job. It's a great opportunity for me, and it has been so far."
Hooker, who interviewed with the Browns for nearly two months prior to beginning on Aug. 10, is in charge of developing the applications for draft trackers, free agent lists and even game evaluation software.
Like many high school students, Hooker wasn't aware of what he was going to pursue in college. Hooker said he wasn't only a Browns fan, but also an architecture and engineering enthusiast.
After graduating from Claymont High School, Hooker had to make the decision that would shape his future, but said he wasn't able to choose a major until the last possible moment.
"I really didn't come across what I really wanted to do until I got to YSU, and I didn't decide on my major until the last possible day before I had gotten into school," Hooker said.
"I've always liked computers [and the] idea of development, but I never really had the opportunity to get into it."
After deciding that developing computer software was his passion, Hooker immediately knew he wanted to major in computer science and minor in mathematics.
Hooker, who was able to navigate through college in four years without changing his major, said he was fortunate for this because it allowed him to graduate on time. This has allowed him get to where he is today at such a young age.
Be the first to comment on this story