Spotted at Grinnell College sporting events are two camera-ready figures that move along the sidelines of the game, ready to capture split-second moments. Ted Schultz, sports information director, and Justin Hayworth, visual media manager, capture the essence of each game with their photography, letting fans experience the energy and emotion long after the game itself is over.
Hayworth began his journey in sports photography early on and was instantly attached. “I’m one of those rare cases of, I knew in the eighth grade what I wanted to do — a photojournalist,” he said. “I’ve been shooting pictures professionally for probably 30 years now.”
His interest in photography began by watching his older brother, who was working on his high school’s yearbook and newspaper. In awe of his brother’s “big, fancy” cameras, Hayworth took a knack to the craft and developed his passion under mentors at his local newspaper. He carried on with his passion, and after earning a journalism degree from Kansas State University, he began working for daily newspapers across the Midwest before joining Grinnell.
Similarly, Schultz’s path started through his passion and lifelong connection to both sports and photography. “I’ve always enjoyed sports, but really, sports photography is one of the easier kinds of photography,” he said. “When I go to a football game, I know from the moment I get there, I’m in the right spot. I know where something’s going to happen.”
After learning about photojournalism, Schultz worked for daily newspapers across Iowa, before moving with his wife to Grinnell, where she began working as a teacher and volleyball coach at Grinnell High School, while he started as Grinnell’s sports information director. “I see myself more as a generalist in photography,” he said, “but sports was probably the thing I was always the best at.”
For both Hayworth and Schultz, sports photography goes beyond simply capturing the action on the field –– it’s more about telling a larger story within the photo. “When I worked at the newspaper, it was all about getting that critical moment — the play that decided the game,” Hayworth said. “But now, at Grinnell, I get to take a different approach. I’m really looking for pictures that help tell the story of what it’s like to be a student-athlete, what it means to play the game, and what it means to be at the game.”
Schultz shared a similar approach, saying, “It’s less about peak action and more about giving people a glimpse of what it’s like at Grinnell.”
Both photographers stressed the importance of relying heavily on instincts to capture those fleeting moments. “I’ve learned through the years to trust my instincts,” Hayworth said. “There have been times when I just get this feeling I need to move to the other side of the field, and every time I ignored it, I missed the shot. Now, if I feel I need to move, I do it.” Schultz echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of being alert to every shift in the action. “You have to be in the right spot at the right time,” he said. “It’s about being aware of where the game is going next and being ready for it.”
Aside from taking action shots, their work extends to the athletes themselves. “I enjoy photographing athletes because it’s a way to showcase their dedication and passion for their sport,” Hayworth said. “The emotion that comes with that is something I want to capture.” Schultz shares Hayworth’s sentiment, as he said he appreciates the deeper layers of the athlete’s experience. “I get to show the behind-the-scenes moments — the focus and the emotion — during games and meets,” he said, giving viewers a rare look at the intensity and determination of student-athletes.
Grinnell athletes are equally appreciative of Schultz and Hayworth’s work. Jack Ruhanen `25, forward on men’s basketball, wrote in an email to The S&B, “Ted is a fantastic person and a great representative for the Grinnell Athletic department. In small college sports, relationships are important because everyone knows and interacts with each other. Whether it’s Sports Information related or other conversations, Schultz approaches each interaction with a friendliness that is unparalleled,” Ruhanen wrote.
Sara Booher `25, center on women’s basketball, wrote in an email to The S&B, “Schultz and Hayworth are absolutely essential in showcasing the talent of Grinnell student-athletes. I know my teammates and myself are so grateful for the memories that Ted and Hayworth have captured that will allow us to remember these moments for years to come.”
For those hoping to follow in their footsteps, both Schultz and Hayworth have practical advice. “It’s important to understand the sport you’re shooting,” Hayworth said. “You need to know the rhythm of the game, where the players are likely to go, and what’s going to happen next. Being prepared is key.” Ted’s advice focuses on creativity.
“Don’t be afraid to get creative. Sports photography isn’t just about getting the action shots –– it’s about telling a story,” Schultz said.
