Dustin Schultz didn't get to meet Jon Bon Jovi.

Then again, that wasn't in his Field Period contract with the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League (AFL).

In addition to being a famous rocker from New Jersey, Bon Jovi is a majority owner and co-chairman of the team's board of directors.  His and Schultz's paths did not cross during the Keuka sophomore's January Field Period but Bon Jovi would be please to learn that Schultz helped to bring more fans to Soul games.

Schultz worked in the sales department, selling tickets and answering questions from potential ticket holders. He also helped run special events and promotions, and did office work.

For Schultz, it was a chance to get a look at what sports management in the "real world" is like.

"I was able to get an introduction into how a team is run and I experienced first hand how a sales department is run for a sports team," said Schultz, a management major with a concentration in sports management. "Thanks to my boss, I learned how to think out-of-the-box when it comes to sales."

In addition to putting to use what he learned in the classroom, Schultz got to meet some players and coaches.

During a phonathon to gain more ticket holders, Schultz met offensive tackle Phil Bogle, who had a brief stint with the NFL's San Diego Chargers, and wide receiver/defensive back Mike Brown.  He was also introduced to Head Coach Bret Munsey.

Schultz, who is originally from Philadelphia, plans to work with the Soul again this summer.

He hopes to take a more active role the second time around, gaining experience in office operations, football operations, and accounting as well as working directly with the general manager.

And this time, maybe he'll meet Bon Jovi.

-- Anthony Affissio '08