Lakeville's Andy Charrier Named State Debate Coach of the Year

Editor's Note: This press release was submitted by Dylan Slinger and Amy Olson.

A long-time Lakeville debate coach has earned the state’s top recognition.

Andy Charrier was named Coach of the Year, last Saturday by the Minnesota Debate Teachers Association during the state debate tournament in Minneapolis. 

The award, established in 1982, recognizes coaches who cultivate a well-balanced debate program that serves students at all levels of competition, promote admirable qualities in their debaters and prepare their students well for competition.

The award comes one year after Lakeville nearly lost its debate teams and other activities as Lakeville Public Schools sought to cope with budget shortfalls.

Students and Charrier successfully fought to save the program. The teams at North and South high schools merged together and have had a successful 2011-2012 season. After winning the Lakeville South Invitational and winning top honors at various other tournaments, Charrier coached two students to the state tournament. 

Charrier’s debaters say the award is well deserved.

“Andy is more than just a coach. He is a friend, mentor and life changing educator,” said Dylan Slinger, a 2011 graduate of Lakeville South High School and student at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. “His passion and work ethic motivated me throughout my entire debate and speech career. As a brilliant thinker and an articulate communicator, Andy embodied as a coach what I sought to become as a debater.”

Charrier’s concern for the students’ well being made a strong impression on Leema John, a senior at Lakeville South High School.

"He’s the kind of coach that will leave in the middle of a tournament to buy saltine crackers and a soda for a sick debater,” John said. “His caring demeanor complements his competitive edge, which ultimately propels his students toward success."

Fellow coaches and debate supporters say Charrier’s made significant contributions since he started coaching students in 1984, the year after he won a Minnesota State and NFL National Championship in Policy Debate.

“Andy Charrier is more than a national champion coach,” said Steve Schappaugh, Director of Forensics at The University School in Florida. “He is a mentor to students, but also coaches. I have enjoyed learning from him over the years. He is a tremendous educator who puts education before winning. He is a class act!”