David Squires

Larry Young Jr.

I never knew David Squires would be so insightful during his short stay at the Sports Journalism Institute.

As an urban affairs reporter for the Daily Press in Hampton, Va., and a former deputy sports editor, there isn't much Squires hasn't seen or heard. In his last session before heading back to Hampton, Squires stressed what he calledthe nine most important facts of journalism: Read, read, read. Write, write, write. Edit, edit, edit From his editing test formulated to get students thinking (which no one passed), to his advice on reporting and building sources, it's clear he's a seasoned journalist.

Outside the newsroom the Hortonville, N.C., native is just as insightful. Just before dinner on Sunday evening, Squires told me the story of his journalism career and the stops before Hampton. He also joked about the Newport News area being known as "Bad News," which was interesting since I interned close to the area last summer. But, said Squires with a laugh, "it's not all bad," even with all the Michael and Marcus Vick news of late.

As we shook hands in the hotel elevator, I was sad to see him go. He's the kind of person I could take advice from, but also laugh with. That's what I call insightful information.