Last summer APSE president Gerry Ahern called on every member of APSE to recruit and sponsor one college student as a member of our organization.
For a $25 fee, students gain access to the minds and events that will shape the future of sports journalism. Ahern also asked sponsoring editors to help help mentor the student as they prepare to enter the profession.
To sponsor a student member, go to http://apsportseditors.org/registration/
Several APSE members have answered the call. To recognize them and the new members they've brought into our organization, we'll be posting bios of the first wave of student members.
Today, meet a University of Maryland senior who worked as a Baltimore Sun intern and freelance writer for the New York Times.
Name: Connor Letourneau
College status: Senior at University of Maryland in 2012-13
Sponsoring member: Ron Fritz, Baltimore Sun head of sports
Experience: Work as freelance writer for The New York Times’ Quad Blog. Worked as Sports editor/senior staff writer for The Diamondback, the University of Maryland's student newspaper. Interned at Bethesda Magazine. Worked as sports reporting intern for the Baltimore Sun. Worked as freelance writer for The Oregonian.
How did you become interested in sports journalism? I’ve enjoyed reading about sports since middle school. Originally, I just liked keeping up on my favorite teams, but once I started writing for my high school paper,I began appreciating the human element of sports. My love for sports journalism was cemented when I became a beat writer for The Diamondback.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned? The most important thing I’ve learned is to never make shortcuts — even when on a tight deadline. I go to great lengths to make sure every detail of my story is accurate and balanced.
Dream job? I would love to be a beat writer for a major sports franchise, particularly in the NBA.
Interests/hobbies/activities: Sports editor at TheDiamondback.
Connor’s work appears on: thequad.blogs.nytimes.com, diamondbackonline.com, bethesdamagazine.com, baltimoresun.com, oregonlive.com
Follow Connor on Twitter @ConnorLetournea
Compiled by Loren Nelson, Minnesota Hockey Hub and tstmedia.com
