Stony Brook University students pursuing careers in sports journalism will soon have new opportunities to connect with industry leaders, gain professional feedback and expand their networks following the approval of a new student chapter of the Associated Press Sports Editors(APSE).

The APSE executive committee recently approved Stony Brook's application, joining a select group of institutions nationwide with recognized student chapters. The organization promotes excellence in sports journalism and helps prepare student journalists to break into the profession of sports journalism.

"The approval of our APSE student chapter is a proud moment for the School of Communication and Journalism," said Stephanie Kelton, interim dean of the School of Communication and Journalism.

The chapter will be advised by Rick Ricioppo, assistant professor of practice in the School of Communication and Journalism, with application efforts led by Kevin Broderick, a senior majoring in journalism who serves as chapter president.

Although the organization is newly recognized, interest among students is strong. The chapter launched with 12 members, many involved in campus sports media through WUSB radio and The Sideline, a student-run website covering Stony Brook athletics.

"Being welcomed into an organization dedicated to elevating the next generation of sports journalists speaks volumes about the talent and determination of our students here at Stony Brook," Kelton said.

Broderick, a teaching assistant in Ricioppo's sports reporting course, played a key role in organizing the effort.

"He took over signing people up and getting the ball rolling," Ricioppo said. "He filled out all the paperwork and really drove the process."

The idea for a Stony Brook chapter originated with John Quinn '77, a Stony Brook alumnus, former student-athlete and retired sports editor whose career included leadership roles at Newsday, the Asbury Park Press and The Philadelphia Inquirer. During a campus visit during homecoming, Quinn raised the possibility of creating a student chapter.

"When I was back on campus, I suggested that Stony Brook should have a student chapter," Quinn said. "Given the strength of the journalism program and the interest in sports media, it just made sense."

"It was all his idea," Ricioppo said. "He spoke to my sports reporting class on a Zoom call and really helped inspire the students."

Quinn said he hopes that students gain access earlier than he did with the resources of APSE.

"This is a relationship business," Quinn said. "The earlier students can start meeting editors and working journalists, the better positioned they'll be when it's time to look for that first job."

Student chapters are designed to connect student journalists with professional mentors and editors. Members can receive feedback on their work, attend regional meetings and participate in a national convention each summer.

For students navigating a competitive industry that can be difficult to break into, that access can be critical.

"A lot of my students want to work in sports journalism," Ricioppo said. "What they're really looking for is the ability to network because that's often the most intimidating part when they graduate. How do they find that first job?"

Through APSE, students can build relationships with editors who may offer guidance, critiques and insight into entry-level opportunities.

"APSE gives students exposure to the people who are making decisions in newsrooms," Quinn said. "That kind of access and feedback can be invaluable when you're trying to break into a competitive field."

"It's not necessarily that someone hands them a job," Ricioppo said. "But they can say, 'I know a place that's hiring entry-level reporters.' That kind of connection makes a huge difference."

Students are already looking forward to attending APSE's national conference in Washington, D.C., where they can participate in panels and networking events.

Broderick said the chapter will strengthen the campus sports journalism community while expanding professional horizons.

"I am most excited for the younger sports journalists who will get to spend years networking with top industry professionals," Broderick said. "Our Stony Brook APSE chapter already has a great group of sports journalists who work for The Sideline. Our staff at WUSB sports has over 15 students and almost all of them have an interest in joining the student chapter."

Ricioppo said the focus of the meetings will be on helping students take their first steps into the professional sports media world.

"For students who are serious about sports journalism," he said, "this gives them a direct line to the people already doing the job. That's incredibly valuable as they begin their careers."

- Beth Squire