The Sports Journalism Institute is set to welcome its 20th anniversary class this summer in Columbia, Mo. A group of six men and six women (four African-Americans, four Latinos, three white females and one Asian-American) make up the Class of 2013, which will be in residence at the University of Missouri School of Journalism from May 31-June 8, after which students will move on to internships around the country.

The work experience that awaits the Class of 2013 is as diverse as the class, with interns placed at APSE-member newspapers as well as ESPN.com and MLB.com. This year, the Washington Times and Richmond Times Dispatch will each host an intern chosen through APSE’s partnership with Scripps Howard, which provides students with a stipend that pays their summer expenses.

Last year, SJI and Missouri began a partnership in which SJI students will work out of the Missouri print and digital newsroom for their boot camp, and the university will nominate a Missouri Scholar to the institute each year. This year Missouri has two students, Missouri Scholar Martenzie Johnson and Caitlin Swieca, who was chosen the Association for Women in Sports Media Scholar.

“The Association for Women in Sports Media is thrilled to continue our partnership with SJI and our shared mission of promoting newsroom diversity,” said Lindsay Jones, AWSM intern coordinator. ”Our past SJI interns have arrived at their internships with a head start on their summers through SJI’s invaluable training program.”

“We had a great time last summer with the SJI class in the newsroom,” said Greg Bowers, associate professor and sports editor, Columbia Missourian. “We’re definitely looking forward to doing it again.”

Once again, SJI thanks its partners at the Asian-American Journalists Association (which select one member of the class each year), the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (which promotes our program in email newsletters to student members educators nationwide), the National Association of Black Journalists (whose President is Gregory Lee Jr. a 1994 SJI alum, and which faithfully promotes and works with SJI) and founding partner APSE.

As SJI prepares to turn 20, we thank our funders and partners (old and new), including APSE, the Chicago Tribune Foundation, ESPN, MLB.com, the National Football League, Investors Savings and the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism. With their help, we’ve added roughly 250 women and minorities to the staffs of the nation’s sports media.

The Class of 2013

(picture above in alphabetical order from top left to right)

Brandon Theo Dorsey, Hampton University, sophomore

Washington Times

Rebecca Fitzgerald, State University of New York at Geneseo, junior

Kansas City Star

Erica A. Hernandez, University of Florida, sophomore

Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale)

Martenzie Johnson, University of Missouri-Columbia, graduate student

MLB.com

Isabelle Khurshudyan, University of South Carolina, junior

ESPN.com

Alvaro Ignacio Montaño, University of Houston, senior.

Los Angeles Daily News

Kelly Parsons, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, senior

Star-Tribune (Minneapolis)

Alex Riggins, San Diego State University, senior

Salt Lake Tribune

Caitlin Swieca, University of Missouri at Columbia, junior

Denver Post

Christian Trevino, University of Maryland, College Park, senior

MLB.com

Rhiannon Walker, University of Maryland, College Park, sophomore

Oklahoman

Kristian Winfield, Hampton University, junior

Richmond Times-Dispatch

Still, the report released every two years by the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports again gave the members of APSE a failing grade for their gender hiring practices. This is the fourth report that’s been done on APSE since 2006. Overall, it said, sports departments continued to still be led mostly by white men.

In 2012 there were 90.9 percent of sports editors, 86.6 percent of assistant sports editors, 83.9 percent of columnists, 86.3 percent of reporters and 86 percent of copy editors/designers that were white. Those numbers were 96.9, 85.4, 85.6, 85.6 and 90.1, respectively, in 2010.

Mariah Baylor, Hampton University, Class of 2013 — “I am striving to become a complete multimedia journalist. I     am taking steps toward this goal through writing for the sports section of my school’s newspaper, The Hampton            Script, and hosting my school’s television show, The View from Hampton U. I intend to make the most of my  opportunities at   the Virginian-Pilot to build a strong foundation for a successful career in journalism.”

Nick Creegan, University at Albany, Class of 2013 — “I’m what you would call a “sports junkie.” If two  people I  know  are having a debate about a sports topic, they know who to approach: me. I watch and analyze games, but  most   importantly I try to create stories that can bring these games to life. As a digital  journalist, I have executed that with  my blogs and at my college TV and radio stations. My dream has always  been to showcase my talents. My placement  at ESPN will allow me to do that.  I’m excited about this opportunity to grow as a journalist and to become great.”

Gary Cotton, Missouri School of Journalism, Class of 2012–”Multimedia journalists have been called jacks of all  trades and masters of none. I hope to prove that wrong. I love thinking about what the best way to tell a story is, and  mixing mediums seamlessly. College is over for me now and I’m more inspired than ever. I can’t wait to put my skills  to the test again, mixing my new career skills with my passion for sports.”

Ros Dumlao, University of Illinois, Class of 2012 –– “I once dreamed of being an Olympic snowboarder. Deep down, I   knew that was impossible without the support of my parents – and the fact that I’ve never touched a snowboard. I was     just a kid who loved sports and wanted her own story. Little did I know, years later, I’d be telling numerous stories of    other athletes and teams, which is better than what I’d dreamed.”

Maya A. Jones, Xavier University of Louisiana, Class of 2012—“Through my years of writing, I’ve tried to make it my  mission to be the voice for those who don’t have one. I’m attracted to sports stories of personal victories, redemption  and triumph because, in my opinion, everyone deserves to be heard.”

Olivia Lewis, Hampton, Class of 2013 – ” ‘Go hard or go home’. That’s what my coaches always told me and I’ve  learned to use the same tactic in journalism. I played four varsity sports in high school and decided to focus on  journalism in college. I work hard every day whether it’s for The Hampton Script, CollegeGloss.com, or any other  endeavor. I’m extremely excited to be a part of SJI.”

Craig Malveaux, Loyola University of New Orleans, Class of 2012

“Any reporter can regurgitate stats and  numbers in play-by-play game analysis stories filled with sports jargon. I prefer telling stories. That’s what I’ve done  for three years at my school’s newspaper, The Maroon. I hope in my second tour with SJI I continue to build upon the  things I learned last summer.”

Antonio Morales, San Diego State University, Class of 2012 – I’m a 22-year-senior, where I’m the  sports editor for  The Daily Aztec. I love sports and writing about sports is a passion of mine. I look forward to this  opportunity at SJI. I  have no doubt it will help me grow as a journalist. I’m extremely grateful for the chance to spend  some time in New  York this summer with mlb.com and I’m excited about the possibilities.

Tony Olivero, Syracuse University, Class of 2012 — “What makes a great journalist is the thought process they  have cultivated while plying their distinctive trade, and how the reporter utilizes that thought process to execute an  original journalistic idea for their reader. As a sport management major and a member of The Daily Orange’s Board of  Directors, I feel I am developing a thought process unique to any other prospective journalist in the country. I hope  to improve upon that aptitude to report through an atypical, yet necessary lens at The Wall Street Journal.”

Jack Wang, UC Berkeley, Class of 2012 — “Writing makes me feel good inside, the way bacon or a pint of India pale ale  also makes me feel good inside. Finding the right words to tell a story fills a personal yearning, and faithfully  conveying the truth balances style with substance. I try to remember that athletes and coaches are not heroes or  gods, their triumphs not the stuff of myth and legend. That they are human is more interesting.”

RJ Young, University of Oklahoma, graduate student — “At day’s end, I will diligently and accurately report sports,  acknowledging those men and women who personify Citius, Altius, Foritius, and I will usher into public light those  who would corrupt such glorious ideals. I will tell their stories. I will make plain their truths. Many thanks to The  Oklahoman for allowing me that coveted honor.”

Editing and online candidates are urged to apply and may receive priority.

Find the applications below:

• 2013 Sports Journalism Institute application (.doc)

Gregory H. Lee Jr.

By Zuri Berry
Class of 2007

BOSTON — For Gregory H. Lee Jr., becoming a sports editor has been a dream he has been chasing since 1996, when he was just getting his start at the New Orleans Times-Picayune, his hometown newspaper.

Tim Ellerbee, the sports editor at the time in New Orleans, offered Lee two choices: Come on staff as a reporter, or become a copy editor on his desk.

“I told him, I want your job,” Lee said. “So I became a copy editor.”

In September, that dream will become a reality when Lee starts at the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Lee, 38, will take over as the newspaper’s executive sports editor after serving the last eight years as a senior assistant sports editor at the Boston Globe. He’ll be just the third black sports editor at a major daily newspaper in the country. The others are Lisa Bell Wilson of the Buffalo News and Larry Graham of the San Diego Union- Tribune.

It’s been a whirlwind year for the New Orleans native. Not only is he the co-director of the Sports Journalism Institute, he’s also the president of the National Association of Black Journalists, in addition to his duties at the Globe. In the spring, he helped guide SJI’s latest class in Missouri during the institute’s boot camp before turning his attention to overseeing NABJ’s yearly convention in June.

“I’m accustomed to a hectic lifestyle,” Lee said. “I know that being NABJ president, and being an editor at the Globe with those duties, and then changing jobs, it can be hectic. But it’s a responsibility. I also know that what I do down in Fort Lauderdale, that I’m being a role model for those coming behind me. Ultimately, how I perform will determine whether there will be more people like me placed in these positions. And I understand that people look up to me for that.”

Lee spent the past eight years with the Globe, spearheading the sports section’s special coverage of the 2008 NBA Finals and Olympics in Beijing, as well as managing the section’s reporters. Before his time at the Globe, he was a copy editor and high school sports editor at the Washington Post.

The culmination of his career has been gratifying for those who have been with Lee from the beginning.

“This is a very proud moment for me. I have known Greg since his college days at Xavier University in New Orleans,” said mentor and SJI co-founder Leon H. Carter, the vice president and executive editor of ESPNNewYork.com to NABJ in a press release. “I have watched him grow from a writer, to a copy editor, to an editor and now an executive sports editor — a position that only a few African-Americans have reached. I have also seen him grow from a young journalist to NABJ president. Along the way, he has done terrific work at the Sports Journalism Institute, which prepares college students for sports writing, editing and digital internships. Throughout all this, Greg always has wanted to be a sports editor and to run his own show. Now is his time. He will do well in South Florida.”

2012 Sports Journalism Institute Bulletin

In an attempt to increase the membership base and revenues, APSE has decided to reach out to college students through a program called the University Outreach Initiative.

APSE members have been asked to select a student sports journalist to sponsor and mentor from their alma mater (though they have the option to choose students from nearby colleges if it is more convenient). Members are expected to pay the students’ APSE membership fee ($25) and develop a relationship in which seasoned professionals can help college students network.

The program was developed during the APSE Winter Meetings in Orlando with the help of Baltimore Sun Sports Editor Ron Fritz.

“We were planning some conventions and workshops for academic interns at the Sun when the idea came up. The Outreach program is just a little something extra for them,” Fritz said. “The program is designed to start young reporters and future employees off on the right foot.”

The program was announced by APSE President Michael Anastasi on the organization’s website in March. Later, Anastasi has jumped into the program by sponsoring Salt Lake City native Sam Strong, a rising senior at UCLA majoring in sociology.

“He’s involved in a lot and is doing all the right things,” Anastasi said of Strong.

Said Strong: “Mike is a contact I’ve had for a while. I have no expectations as a new member. I’m just excited for whatever opportunities are made available. I’m honored.”

Strong already considers his sponsor to be a mentor. Their relationship has developed through Twitter and Facebook, as well as through the freelance work Strong has done for Anastasi.

“He’s a great guy to have in your corner.” Strong said.

Students should be able to expect more than just a free membership. In return for their participation, the young journalists will receive a special connection with a professional in their field. Students will be asked to submit their resumes, cover letters, and any clips to their APSE sponsor for personalized editing.

Student members’ portfolios will be available to editors as they are posted on the APSE website.

The student members will also be asked to write a single story about an aspect or person involved with the journalism business, which will be posted on the APSE website. This experience offers an excellent source of practice through the process of writing and interviewing sources.

Though the initiative is in its early stages, it is a promising development for both aspiring journalists and the APSE members who are willing to participate.

“Everyone wants to help young journalists,” Fritz said. “It reminds us why we’re in the business and helps reporters and young journalists grow. It excites everyone.”

When coming up in the business as a young journalist, Jeff Passan knew getting recognition from the Associated Press Sports was a big deal.

So being recognized twice for his writing by the organization was something that was unexpected.

The Yahoo! Sports Major League Baseball columnist won two first-place APSE awards, one for beat writing and features.

“It felt great. It’s always good to be recognized by peers,” Passan said. “It was awfully flattering. APSE awards are a huge thing, one is great but two is unimaginable.”

Passan realized the significance of his accomplishments when he saw the names of writers who have been honored by APSE before him.

The Syracuse graduate started his career at The Fresno Bee, where he covered Fresno State men’s basketball..
“His name first came up on my radar when he was in Fresno,” said Dan Wetzel, Yahoo! Sports national columnist. “(Jerry Tarkanian) told me Jeff Passan was a great writer. Tark really knows his writers, most coaches don’t, so that stood out to me.”

Passan left Fresno for the Kansas City Star, where he began writing about baseball.

He worked alongside of Jason Whitlock, now Foxsports.com national sports columnist, and Wright Thompson, who is now a senior writer for ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine.

In Fresno, Passan worked with Adrian Wojnorowski, Yahoo! Sports NBA columnist. Passan credits working on a staff with talented writers for helping him develop his skills.

“There were so many people on the staff when I was in Fresno and Kansas City,” Passan said. “It was an environment that pushed me and when you’re in an environment like that you try to make the people around you proud.”

Passan said his work ethic is also something that has made him so successful. Passen grew up in journalism because his father, Rich, worked in the profession.

“My dad worked at The Cleveland Plain Dealer for 40 years, so I knew what I wanted to do when I was 12 years old,” Passan said. “I was very lucky. My dad has been editing my stuff for 20 years now and I can say he’s the best editor I’ve ever had.”

Passen grew up in the ways of old media when his professional career, but made the transition to new media in 2006.

“I like to say I knew the web would be preeminent, but I’m not that smart” Passan said when describing why he left the newspaper business. “It was just a really good opportunity. I was lucky Dan Wetzel asked me to come on board, and I was lucky Tim Brown turned down the job.”

Wetzel and Passan worked together on a major project, publishing a book entitled, “Death to the BCS”.

The book argues against the BCS and why it should be overturned in favor of a playoff. “I knew I could give material to him and he would be able to write it really well,” Wetzel said. “Jeff is a really smart guy and fun to work with.”

Writing a book may be difficult for some as the styles may change when writing a novel than when writing a story. But Passan said his writing for the book didn’t differ much from a normal column.

He said it was just a much longer argument but he approached it with facts like a regular story.

“He’s pretty mature, he understands what readers want and isn’t afraid of going after that,” Wetzel said. “He’s coming into his own and realizing when to push the button.”

This year’s Chicago convention is foremost on the minds of the delegates attending the event this month, but they can keep a close eye on next year’s event because of its geographical location.

Next year the organization returns to the Midwest, as the event drives into the Motor City of Detroit.

The city will be hosting the APSE convention for the first time on June 26-29 at the Marriott at Renaissance Center.

“Let’s just say we are going to call it APSE in the ‘D,’” said Gene Myers, Detroit Free Press sports editor. “We expect everyone to be there and it will be a great time.”

Official planning for the conference won’t begin until incoming APSE President Gerry Ahern, meets with the convention committee in February.

According to outgoing APSE President Michael Anastasi, the Free Press has already agreed to be the major sponsor for the conference. Former APSE president Paul Anger is the editor and publisher of the Detroit Free Press.

“The Detroit Free Press made a pitch to us in February 2011 to host next year’s APSE conference,” Anastasi said, “The Freep has made the financial commitment to be its major sponsor.”

Despite the city’s economic problems, Detroit was an intriguing possibility as a convention site for the organization.

“It still has a lot to offer,” APSE Executive Director Jack Berninger said.

I am not a Cuban exile. I am the son of Cuban exiles, born in Spain, raised in the United States since I was eight months old. Ozzie Guillen’s statements to Time magazine didn’t infuriate me. They didn’t sting or give me pause about the time I have to spend covering this man the next six months and beyond.

Tuesday, Individuals will protest Guillen’s Time magazine remarks about first loving and later respecting tyrant Fidel Castro. Miami-Dade County Chairman Joe A. Martinez and others called for Guillen’s ouster, a sentiment that no doubt will be echoed through Little Havana streets.

I don’t profess to feel an ounce of the aguish others did upon reading Guillen’s baffling insensibility. What I found even more troubling were some of the reactions to it. Someone sent a tweet to Guillen’s son, Ozney, that in part read: “I hope the people of Miami run u back to Venezuela and u all get kidnapped.”

No, Guillen didn’t wound me because my pain is vicarious. What he did was re-kindle memories of the heartache I’ve often witnessed in others.

Read the full story on the Sun-Sentinel’s webstie.