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.
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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.