On Friday August 17, 2012 over 60 Phis gathered in Bellville, Ohio for the Inaugural Ohio Mu Trautwein-Kruger Invitational. The golf outing, dinner and festivities were held on a beautiful day and evening at Deer Ridge Golf Club in southern Richland County.
The purpose of this event was to rekindle the spirit of brotherhood among all Phis and help raise additional funds for the Thad D. Trautwein Endowed Scholarship Fund at Ashland University (a scholarship that is given to an Ohio Mu Phi Delt every year). After golf, dinner, silent auction and putting contest the total amount raised for the newly named Trautwein-Kruger Endowed Scholarship Fund was $15,000. This infusion of funds increased the balance of the scholarship fund to over $62,000.
During a short dinner program Jerry Ruyan #41 provided an impactful testimonial as to why he chooses to continually support the scholarship fund he started. Originally named for his big brother Thad Trautwein #2, Jerry announced that the scholarship fund would now include the name of another Ohio Mu brother, Steve Kruger #50. Steve bravely fought cancer before passing on June 6, 2012. Brother Ruyan thought it was important to add Steve’s name to the scholarship fund because he lived up to same ideals of brotherhood and friendship that Thad had possessed. Previously known as the Thad D. Trautwein Endowed Scholarship this fund and award will now be known as the Trautwein-Kruger Endowed Scholarship.
Steve Kruger’s sons Scott and Stephen participated in the golf outing and read a touching letter from their mother Kathy. Mrs. Kruger, a friend of many of those in attendance, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the cards, letters, and acts of kindness she has received from so many of Steve’s Phi Delt brothers.
There were several special guests in attendance including: Ashland University President Fred Finks, Ashland University Men’s Basketball Coach John Ellenwood, former Ohio Mu Phi Delta Theta advisor “Coach” Chris Ford and Ohio Mu Bond #1 Ronald C. Willis.
Phis from all eras were in attendance with strong representation from the graduating classes of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. However, it was the youngest Phis in attendance, a foursome of current active members of the Ohio Mu Chapter at AU who were crowned champions of this golf outing by carding an impressive 63 (9 under) on the par 72 course. Members of the winning foursome pictured with Ron Willis #001 were 
Cory Blackburn #726, Keith Wright #727, Zach Pollen #730 and Gavin Mawhorr #751.
The winning foursome was presented with a trophy that will remain on display at the chapter house. This trophy is a genuine, full size leather football helmet with Phi Delta Theta in Greek letters and Trautwein/Kruger emblazoned across the front. The winning foursome also received four lower bowl tickets to an upcoming Cleveland Cavaliers home game. The tickets were donated by Brother Bryan Ralston #618. Bryan is a 2000 AU grad and has been working in the Cavaliers front office for nearly 10 years. In second place, winning in a tie breaker, was the team of Bill Griffith #35, Dan Smith #81 and Doug Hinklin #101. Coming in third place was the team of John Swanbeck #65, Dan Reinicke #67, Andy Doss #77 and Bill Klaus #127.
Honorable mention goes to the team of Allen Rom #401, Don Haight #413, John Bender #428 and the ringer, guest Andrew Johnson, for having the most fun on the course.
Unique prizes were also to winners on each of the following holes:
- Dave Gray #41 – Closest to the Pin on #5
- Peter Starr son of Gary Starr #175) – Longest Drive on #8
- Eric Schimmoeller #606 – Longest Putt on #9
- Ted Emack #120 – Closest to the Pin on #11
- Bill Klaus #127 – Longest Putt on #15. 
Unfortunately no one was able to win the $10,000.00 hole in one prize 
There were several items available for the silent auction with the premier item being leather, replica football helmet worn by Ohio State University from the 1930’s with PDT letters across the front.