Like most journalism school students in this nation, Kevin Minogue is probably most focused on locating his first job after graduation.
So being some kind of APSE pioneer probably doesn't cross his mind. It should be on the minds of those he can now call his peers.
Minogue, a rising junior at the University of North Carolina, sent his $50 in earlier this summer and is now the first college-age journalist to join APSE.
Minogue got to know more about APSE from his summer boss, Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer sports editor Todd M. Adams, who hired Minogue's the Observer's summer intern.
"I think it's a good organization," Minogue said. "There's a lot of possible connections there that might help me in the future."
As an intern, the opportunities for Minogue in Fayetteville are clear cut. He's there to write. While Adams has a reputation of giving interns some rather inglorious assignments, Minogue has made the most of his situation.
Minogue found a great subject in Campbell University hurdler Adoniss Jones, who reached the NCAA track and field championships last spring despite attending a school that did not have a track. He was also in charge of coverage of the local Coastal Plains League team, the Fayetteville SwampDogs.
The question now is what can APSE provide to potential members with backgrounds similar to Minogue's.
In his first official speech as president of APSE, the Knoxville (Tenn.) News Sentinel's Phil Kaplan acknowledged to those in attendance in Salt Lake City that declining membership in the organization is an issue that needs to be taken seriously.
Kaplan, who credits former APSE president Lynn Hoppes as the man who first suggested recruiting college-age journalists, referred to the group as "an untapped source of membership" in his June address.
So now that APSE has decided to mine that source, what can we do to help nurture that group?
There are already pieces in place. The Sports Journalism Institute has now provided valuable experience to 18 classes. So far, the partnership APSE has formed with Indiana University's National Sports Journalism Center, has been a benefit.
Minogue will be returning to campus soon. The Reston, Va., native will be writing for the Daily Tar Heel and is hoping for some engaging assignments.
Adams said The Daily Tar Heel will be getting back a solid reporter.
"Kevin has done a great job this summer," Adams said. "His writing and reporting skills are already well advanced past his age, and with two years left in school I'm confident he's got a bright future in this business."
Minogue also plans on sharing the word about APSE and why his co-workers in the sports department should follow his lead and join.
"I think there are some great opportunities for us," he said. "And I think they'll find the same."
