Dancin' to Durham - Developing In A Role

We continue our six-part Dancin' to Durham series by focusing on a Mustangs' student-athlete that understands his and his unit's role which is a key part of the collegiate athletics' dance/journey. He's part of a group that's continued to grow and succeed in 2021 to the point of ranking among the national top 50 in interceptions, tackles, and sacks as part of allowing 20-points-or-less from the opposition in nine of 13 contests.

On the outside, any correlation between the gridiron and being a buyer in the agricultural market might be met with skepticism.

However, as you begin to see the path senior linebacker Weston Schultz is taking to work in the family business, it becomes more apparent. A pair of good examples include days traveling with cattle-buying professionals mirror bus trips to road games by getting to know teammates better and forming bonds much like he has done with his dad and others on business trips while advancing through knowledge of the cattle market and the agriculture industry itself can be typified by the constant work in the classroom and on the practice field to hone his skills in both areas.

Weston's zest for solid relationships on and off the field comes naturally. His father, Royce, had similar experiences in athletics and agriculture as has his brother Landon. 

"Dad was a great resource when I was trying to decide on where to transfer to," Schultz reflected. "I did enjoy the University of Northern Iowa, but I wasn't playing as much as I wanted, mainly being on special teams. There were several others in front of me for linebacker starting slots.

"We talked about a couple of options, but then Dad said, 'why not Morningside?'" he added. "He had a great time there as a baseball student-athlete, and I had heard their ag program was tremendous. It just took one visit for me to be sold."

While he did step on the field as a linebacker last season, Schultz has been poised for a chance along the defensive line this year. Although it's a change, he does have a "cheat sheet" in the family as his brother played the same position. He's made the most of it, earning first team all-Great Plains Athletic Conference honors and ranking among the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' top 30 in sacks (seven).

"It's a little different, as I've played linebacker all my life," he said. "I've never had my hand in the dirt. It's been a lot of work on hand placement, feet driving, and being faster off the snap. Along the defensive line, you have to get on your blocks right away compared to seeing everything as a linebacker."

"Having watched and learned from my brother somewhat when I was younger, we were able to get into the field this summer and work out together," he added. "He told me it comes down to staying in my gap to support run defense and then get to the quarterback as fast as you can if a pass play is in progress. Regardless of the position, I love defense and tackling – it's a lot of fun."

Similar to feelings he has about farming and pretty much anything outdoors. 

"Being in a farm family has you playing and working outside in a lot of instances," Schultz said. "From hunting trips to the old family farm in Schleswig to playing golf, I enjoy all of the possibilities the outdoor life offers."