TORRINGTON – Just a few years ago, the speech and debate program at Torrington High School (THS) didn’t exist. Now, the team features a state champion, national qualifier, the 2017 Coach of the Year, a host of All-State honors, and more.
It’s been three years since THS English teacher Lyle Wiley reawakened the dormant speech and debate program, shaping it into the competitive juggernaut it is today. Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, he was honored as Coach of the Year for 2017.
“In three short years, Lyle has come to symbolize exactly what the speech and debate community needs, not only in Wyoming, but probably across the country as well,” A nomination statement from a fellow coach reads. “He is a remarkably positive, caring and hardworking new coach, which speech and debate kids everywhere desperately need.”
But Wiley largely attributes the team’s success to his students and fellow coaches.
“Humbled. Honored. Surprised,” he said of his reaction to being named Coach of the Year. “The coaching community in so many ways enabled me and the team for success by patiently answering questions and offering unwavering support. I was a true rookie when I started. I knew next to nothing about speech and debate and had to build base knowledge with a whole lot of reading and help from others. My assistant coaches Haley Lauze and Zach Bearnson, Kath Patrick (former THS speech and debate coach), the Wyoming/district coaching community and my hardworking students all set me up for success. I am honored to be recognized – but I stand on the shoulders of giants … others built the foundation for my successes in many ways.”
The THS team experienced some of this success in February when it headed to the Hole-in-the-Wall District Tournament in Cheyenne. District competition is comprised of multiple states, including Nebraska and South Dakota.
Despite the large pool of competitors, sophomore Hope Wolfe walked away as a national qualifier, with the opportunity to represent the district and THS in Birmingham, Ala. in June.
Wolfe’s winning piece was in the Program Oral Interpretation (POI) category and considers the terror of school shootings.
“I knew it would be impactful,” Wolfe said.
She is currently raising money for her trip to nationals, which is expected to cost approximately $4,000.
“We’re planning to have a garage sale, car wash, and we had a coffee fundraiser,” Wiley said.
This year, Wolfe competed in POI and Poetic Interpretation, and next year she hopes to add a duo and drama piece, as well. She said her passion for speech and debate stems from a desire to express herself.
“I just like the fact it’s an outlet – similar to theater,” Wolfe said. “It’s a way to express yourself in a competitive setting … and gives you life skills that are hard to obtain in other ways.”
Firminhac, who earned a state champion title earlier this month in Green River, agrees.
“Along those same lines, I enjoy the ability to interact with like-minded individuals and see both sides of an issue,” she said. “It’s also an opportunity to talk about important issues that, essentially, impact society.”
Out of 33 schools and more than 400 students at state, Firminhac received first place in Original Oratory for her speech “The Pain Paradox” which explores the benefits of pain.
She’s been a part of the speech and debate team for two years and will graduate this May. Her plans are to attend college in Seward, Neb. for dance.
“I’ve made a lot of friends across the state, and I’m definitely going to miss talking, debating and seeing them and hearing their incredible pieces,” Firminhac said. “I’m going to miss talking about things I’m passionate about, and I’m going to miss Mr. Wiley like crazy. He’s the best coach ever.”
With 13 tournaments and a season stretching from fall to spring, it is little wonder the team is so tight-knit.
“(Speech and debate) provides community and family for students of many different backgrounds,” Wiley said. “The speech and debate team becomes so very close. The season is brutally long … we spend time practicing every week. The team gets very tight – and we all pull for each other and help each other improve.”
Several speech and debate team members performed well throughout the season, specifically at state and district competition. Additional results are as follows:
District
• Firminhac finished in the top 10 in Oratory; top eight in Lincoln-Douglas Debate.
• Kaylynn Clapper and Aaron Loya made it to the third round of Extemporaneous Speaking.
• Emi Glass and Alex Krueger made it to the third round of Public Forum Debate.
• Chase Bergeson and Natasha Reeves finished strong in Student Congress State
• THS finished fourth overall in 3A Sweepstakes.
• Firminhac, Clapper, Wolfe and Bergeson received All-State honors.
• Bergeson finished second in Extemporaneous Speaking.
• Wolfe earned third in Poetic Interpretation.
• Bergeson and Clapper received third in Policy Debate.
• Allison Gross made it to the semifinals in Original Oratory.
• Madelyn Burks made it to the quarterfinals in Poetic Interpretation.
“Our students fought hard to the end, and I am so proud of how much these young people have grown as speakers, thinkers, competitors and caring teammates,” Wiley said. “I’m so very humbled and proud to have had the opportunity to coach these amazing students.”
