Flathead debate coach Roy Antley wins annual honor

Flathead High School debate coach Roy Antley was recently chosen as the AA Anne Sullivan Debate Coach of the Year by his peers at the Montana Forensic Educators Association Conference in Bozeman.

Antley has coached debate on the Flathead team for eight years. He currently focuses on coaching Policy Debate and Public Forum Debate competitors.

Expertise gained from working as a social studies teacher, and prior to that as civil litigation attorney, has benefited him in coaching debate.

Debate is different from speech in several ways, Antley said.

“It’s less performance-based in terms of speaking,” Antley said. “Debate is almost like a courtroom-type procedure. Evidence and logical argumentation are really important.”

What also sets debate apart from speech is the lengthy process of researching a given topic.

“Debate requires a lot of research. A lot of analysis and the ability to take evidence and apply it to answer questions relating to the resolution being debated,” Antley said.

Debaters have to be able to give prepared speeches, and at the same time, think on their feet to give impromptu responses — and do so persuasively. Debaters also need to be knowledgeable about all sides to a topic. In Public Forum Debate for example, choosing to speak for or against a topic is at the mercy of the flip of a coin.

“Everybody has opinions, but debaters have to have evidence based reasons to support their conclusions,” he said.

These skills are something that Antley said is sorely needed in contemporary discourse.

“The one thing we try to teach in school is the ability to be discerning about claims — to critically evaluate them,” he said. “These are things debaters are really good at.”

Putting in the time and effort and going through the ups and downs of competition is worth it to Antley.

“I think it’s a way to work with smart, motivated kids and really share some of the things I’m passionate about and help develop their skills to make them future leaders that society really, really needs,” he said. “These are the kids that are going to be future CEOs, entrepreneurs and professionals.”

Antley said he was flattered to have been selected as the AA debate coach of the year. Other nominees were Ivanna Fritz, Glacier High School; Steve McCartney, Billings West High School; and Josh Munro, Glacier High School.

“I feel fortunate to be recognized among three other very strong nominees with very distinguished records of achievement,” Antley said. “It’s a really nice way to end a tough season.”

Flathead High School finished third at state this year.

“I’m thrilled for Roy,” Flathead Speech and Debate Head Coach Shannon O’Donnell said. “He’s a hard-working coach, devoted to both the kids and the activity. The whole team is happy for him.”

“I love debate,” Antley said. “It’s one of those life skills that transfers so well to other fields.”

Antley’s award makes a total of three “coach of the year” winners who currently coach the Flathead Speech and Debate team, including Shannon O’Donnell and assistant coach Sean O’Donnell.

Reporter Hilary Matheson can be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.