HURON Mitch Gaffer had his sights firmly set on becoming a lawyer when he accepted a job as an assistant debate coach at the high school level to earn extra money. At the time, he was working to earn his law degree at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.
I loved it so much that I changed my major and went into education, said Gaffer, who retired this year from 40 years as debate coach at Huron High School. Prior to coming to Huron he worked at the Vermillion High School as an assistant debate coach for two years and one year at USD.
Communication is the way you can spread your influence and ideas to the world, he said. To get the job, the promotion, the bonus, you have to be able to sell yourself to others. Debate also gives you an analytical way to understand and deal with the world.
Gaffer said he challenged students by questioning their views and asking them to defend their beliefs. I was trying to get them to see the value of the work they do beyond just getting a grade, taking personal pride in their work, he said. Plus, pushing for them to give me their best effort.
Gaffer said his goal has always been to help students express themselves, and more importantly, to see the truth on both sides of controversial issues. Some of his favorite catch-phrases to help students prepare for debates include: Better to have what you need than need what you dont have prepare yourself and Were having fun or were going home enjoy what you do.
Watching each years class grow and develop in their communication and research skills make up some of his fondest memories. Spending time with my team, laughing and hurting together, going on tournaments to test our arguments and speeches, he said. Watching students succeed which doesnt always mean making the trophy stage. There are many measures of success.
Gaffer said some of his former students are now college professors, business owners, some are working in Washington, D.C. in government, and others are successful parents.
When a coach/student relationship works well, both sides learn, he said. I am thankful for all that my students have taught me. I am a better person because of all of you.
What touches my heart the most is former students I have who have gone into teaching and coaching, he added. I feel like it allows me to think Ive replaced myself now that Im leaving the profession.
Each year, for the past 40 years, Gaffer has posed with his speech and debate students for a group picture for the schools yearbook. And in most of those pictures, Gaffer can be seen stretched out on the floor in front of his students and smiling for the camera.
Im not sure what started that, Gaffer said. I do know once I did it, the students requested it each year and then it just became a tradition.
Interesting note this year the students gave me applause when I was able to get back up off the floor after the picture, he said. Look, the old man still has it! He can still get off the floor.
As a single father, Gaffer raised three daughters (Jammie Hermans, Kelly Swearingen and Kristy Fisk), and also has seven grandchildren, Vivian, Regan, Jabe, Dex, Jaycee, Rhyan and Hailey. With his skill in debate one might think he had the upper hand in most arguments.
Maybe, but I dont want to win any argument unless Im right, he added. I want to always be humble enough to admit when Im wrong and always open to the possibility that I may be wrong.
Now that hes retiring, Gaffer has many projects planned to keep himself busy.
I plan to write a book about teaching, start writing and recording music again, visit the grandkids, play Dumbledore at Harry Potter World in Florida, work on my house, read, he said. Many are things I already do, but now I can do them slower!
I am very thankful God brought me to Huron for my teaching career, Gaffer said. I have received great support from this community in doing what I love to do. I thank all the parents who trusted me with their children in class or traveling with the Speech & Debate team. It has been my pleasure teaching here.
Gaffers daughters are requesting that former students and colleagues share special memories they have by sending cards and letters to: Mitch Gaffer, 345 Eighth St. S.E., Huron, S.D. 57350.
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