Kean’s Sports Summit

By Josephine Carrillo | Published December 7, 2023

On Thursday, Nov. 30, Kean University’s Sports Business Club and the President’s Advisory Council, PAC, hosted the first Sports Summit at Kean University in the North Avenue Academic Building.

“We are here, this is sports, this is Kean,” said Sebastian Salazar, founder and president of the Sports Business Club. “ I want to clarify that the Kean Sports Summit is not only for business students. It’s for all Kean students interested in sports and finding a career in the sports industry.”

The opening speaker at the summit was Brad Butler II, a motivational speaker who graduated from Kean in 2014. Butler talked about his life as an athlete while in school and college and how he based his whole life on football.

“ I was watching other people around me who werestill struggling because they were holding onto that 1% of individuals who go pro,” said Butler. “ They do everything in their power to make it happen but what at what cost? They lose opportunities in the process; they lose themselves in the process because they believe there is no life outside of being an athlete, and that is not true.”

The Sports Careers-Succeeding at a High-Level segment of the summit had sports professionals talk about their personal experiences within the industry and how they discovered their passion for what they do. 

The guest speakers for the section were Richard “Big Daddy” Salgado, the CEO of Coastal Advisors, Matthew Gutknecht, Director of Sports Entertainment at APM Music, Tonilynn Taranto, Community Relations manager at New York Red Bulls, Eddie Nicastro, owner of Jersey Sports Group, Eddy Occhipinti, Associate director of marketing at Kean University and Chad Biggs, SVP Corporate partnerships activation at HBSE.

“I went to school for broadcasting, and while I was there, I interned for the New York Jets, where I got to see the behind-the-scenes on what goes into an organization, and I said to myself, this is so much better than what I thought it would be, and that led me to where I am today,” said Taranto.

Speakers talked about the pros and cons of having a career in the sports industry, they talked about connections and the importance of knowing how to pitch yourself to others because there are no second impressions.

“Without a passion, you will not get far. It can’t justbe sports. It needs to be about the business aspect of sports, relations, people, partners, their brands, sponsorships, and how this can help them,” said Biggs. “Lots of sacrifices, but lots of rewards.”

During the Networking segment of the summit, students got to talk to guest speakers and recruiters, such as Disney, the New Jersey Devils, the Brooklyn Nets, and different organizations seeking interns and allowing Kean students to be a part of their teams.

“When I transferred from Union County College over to Kean, joining a club wasn’t really a thought for me,” said Benjamin Rubens, VP of the Kean Sports Business Club. “When Sebastian founded this club nine months ago, there were only five people in that room, but we had a vision, and we made it come true.”

Kean Sports Summit had over 200 people in attendance. Students from all majors, professors of different departments, and Kean’s President, Lamont O. Repollet, Ed. D., came together to be a part of the event and learn about the sports industry, grow their networks, and connect with others.

In the last segment of the summit, Kean Alumni in Sports-transition into the industry, guest speakers were Stanley Neron, Director of Recreation for the city of Elizabeth (97′) , Francisco Reyes, Social Influencer and Marketing Specialist at the NFL (19′), Dylan Evande, Founder of Ultrafooty and pro soccer player (20′), Evan Pobuta, SR. Manager at Wasserman (18′), and lastly, Chris Halton, VP at Verizon (94′).

“We are more than just a sports club. We are a family,” said Salazar. “ I invite all of you interested in sports, to join the Kean Sports Business Club. Regardless of what your major is, we have a role for you.”

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