KU CONNECTION

Scott Harris national debate Coach of the Year

Now in his 16th year, KU debate coach Scott Harris was named national Coach of the Year during the Franklin R. Shirley Classic Debate Tournament at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C. Harris has led his team of students in two consecutive No. 1 seasons.

The Coach of the Year is selected by a national panel. Two former KU debaters and four former assistant coaches who worked with Harris took part in roasting him during the awards banquet.

Harris is not the first KU debate coach to earn Coach of the Year honors. Donn Parson, professor and graduate director of communication studies who coached KU debate for 24 years beginning in 1964, was named national Coach of the Year in 1971, 1980 and 1981 and Coach of the Decade for the 1970s.