Coaches

The Chicago Debate League’s coaches are exceptional advocates for the organization’s mission and incredible mentors for hundreds of debaters who participate in the League.  These dedicated teachers and community leaders have helped to make the Chicago Debate League one of the largest and most successful urban debate leagues in the country.

On behalf of the Phi Beta Kappa Association of the Chicago Area, the Chicago Debate League is pleased to announce that the 2007 Golden Gavel Award for Excellence in Debate Education goes to Robert Pincham (Harlan).  Bob will receive (a) a plaque, (b) the travelling trophy for one year, and (c) a check from PBKACA for $300.  Bob is a two-time winner of the Excellence in Coaching Award while coaching debate at Corliss (2002, 2003).  He has brought the Harlan debate team along in its first year to become one of the "AA" Conference's largest and most competitive JV programs. 

The Golden Gavel Award is selected each year by PBKACA from among the six winners of the Excellence in Coaching Award.  These winners are selected by their peers, two per Conference, during the year.  This year's five other Excellence in Coaching Award winners were:

Sarah Bury (Juarez)
Devon Morales (South Shore)
Jenn Nolan (Kelly)
Richard Sullivan (Payton)
Jenny Vaughn (Dunbar)

These winners will receive their certificates and $100 checks. 

Previous winners of the Golden Gavel Award, something like a Hall of Fame of Chicago Debate League Coaches, are:

2001  Paul Whitsitt (DuSable)
2002  Peter Bavis (Steinmetz)
2003  Mark Mouck (Kelvyn Park)
2004  Sandy Kaplan (Hope)
2005  Curt Maslanka (Lane Tech)
2006  Bill Colson (Morgan Park)

We will announce the 2008 Excellence in Coaching and Golden Gavel Award Winner in May 2008.

 

Information for Current CDL Coaches

If you are interested in coaching or working with the Chicago Debate League as a coach or in any other capacity, please contact the League’s Director, Les Lynn at leslynn@urbandebate.org