Coaches Conference Kicks Off Speech and Debate Season

AURORA – With the annual gathering of coaches, the 2023-2024 Speech and Debate season is officially underway. For the next two days, Speech and Debate coaches will talk about the rules of competition, program ethics and equity, how to host a tournament, and the best ways to grow speaking, debating, and leadership skills of the student participants.

The first day of the conference is geared specifically towards new coaches. Coaches will learn about the basic rules of competition, the importance of coaching in the areas of Public Speaking, Debate, and Interpretation of Literature events. There are over 30 coaches signed up for the first day, with many in their very first year.

Day two of the conference brings together the new and veteran coaches for a full day of idea-sharing, networking, continuing education, and collaborative decision-making as coaches talk through the future of Speech and Debate during the “State of the State” portion of the agenda.

Session presenters included an “all star” lineup of Colorado Speech and Debate coaches- CHSAA Speech Activities Committee Chairperson Ashley McCulloch (Eaglecrest), Renee Motter (Air Academy), Marti Benham (Cherry Creek), Jim Dornan (Longmont), Maryrose Kohan (George Washington), Devin Sarno (George Washington), Josh Kascak (Frontier Academy), Grant Thomas (Rocky Mountain Prep), Diane Wagener (Battle Mountain), Louis Uribe (University), Jason Wu (Cherokee Trail), Stephanie Owen (Widefield), Jeremy Beckman (Discovery Canyon), Liz Koop Cheyenne Mountain), Brett Elhoffer (Widefield), and many others.

Cherry Creek High School is the host site for the two-day conference. CHSAA Hall of Fame inductee and CCHS Speech and Debate Coach, Marti Benham (Class of 2021), is the host of this event. Bringing her 30+ years of expertise, her love of Speech and Debate, along with her desire to help grow programs in other schools, Marti is a true champion of this highly competitive activity.

“There is nothing more valuable than empowering educators and coaches to empower our students to develop their voices to share with the world. Building community, the power of divergent voices, and highlighting Speech and Debate continue to fuel my own,” says Benham, when asked about her commitment to hosting this event for more than a decade.