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Charles Baggarly Co-Editor Mr. B's Debate Legacy
Debate is, and forever will be, extremely valuable to the community of Damien High School. For as long as us Spartans can remember, Damien Debate has flourished. One might wonder how Damien Debate managed to stay on top and remain competitive for so many years. The answer is obvious; Chuck Ballingall was one of the greatest coaches in high school debate history.
Mr. Ballingall has achieved various significant accomplishments throughout his years of coaching at Damien. He has coached 5 teams to state championships, and had a team place second at nationals in 2015. In 2009, he guided the team of Reid Ehrlich Quin and Sean Hernandez, winning the Unger Cup, a trophy awarded to the best high school policy debate team in the nation.
Many thought of Mr. Ballingall as the Bill Belichick or Phil Jackson of debate. His ability to produce champions earned him a stellar reputation in the debate community. Mr. B suggested the resolution, “The Federal Government Should Substantially Increase Social Services to People Living in Poverty” for the 2010 debate season. The resolution was accepted nationwide. Policy debaters throughout the nation argued this single topic for the length of the school year. Due to Mr. Ballingall’s immense contribution to the debate society, he was inducted into the National Speech and Debate Hall of Fame in 2008.
On August 9th, news of Mr. Ballingall’s passing broke the hearts of members of the debate community. Many took this time of sadness to look back on the impact Mr. B had on their lives. “Mr. Ballingall was a major reason why I am where I am today. He was also a driving influence for the success of hundreds of other students. He wasn't just a coach, mentor, or a teacher. He was family and will be dearly missed. The memories of his legacy will never be forgotten," stated past Damien debater Alex Jeong. Mr. Ballingall’s influence on the lives that knew him most expanded further than a professional relationship. He strived to help change the lives of all people he encountered throughout his life. “Chuck Ballingall was a good friend. In a complicated world, that is a statement that will always mean a lot to me. Chuck taught me to coach debate, how to care for the students, and the importance of putting people above all else," stated past Damien Debate assistant coach Josh Clark.
The current Damien Varsity Debate team is working hard to have another successful year. They will undoubtedly miss the guidance and expertise of Mr. Ballingall. However, Mr. Peters, the new head coach, is planning on maintaining Damien’s history of a successful debate program. “Mr. B spent 35 years shaping the debate program. We will continue to follow his direction. I am certain our competitive success, reputation, and work ethic that Mr. B instilled in his debaters and coaches will continue for years to come," stated Mr. Peters. The team's goals include qualifying for the State Tournament, the National Speech and Debate Association Tournament, and the Tournament of Champions, the most prestigious tournament in high school debate.
Damien Debate will carry on the legacy of Mr. B by continuing their success. The team is planning on renaming the Damien High School Invitational Tournament the Chuck Ballingall Memorial Invitational to honor his life and extraordinary career. Mr. Ballingall led Damien Debate through all its years of success. Due to his guidance our Debate Program will flourish for years to come. Mr. Ballingall will never be forgotten.
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