Marshall High School speech and debate coach Paul Gieringer received his Ninth Diamond Award at the 2025 National Speech and Debate Tournament in June 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo submitted)

Longtime Marshall High School speech and debate coach Paul Gieringer joined elite company this month when he earned his ninth Diamond Award from the National Speech and Debate Association.

Gieringer picked up the honor at the annual NSDA tournament in Des Moines. Before the trip to nationals, Gieringer reflected on the legacy of Marshall’s program, as well as the support from the district and community over the years that led to him becoming just the seventh coach in NSDA’s 100-year history to earn a ninth diamond.

Diamond Awards are accrued based on points earned by a coach’s students at tournaments throughout each season. Gieringer says he’s been privileged to work with many students during his 47 years coaching Marshall speech and debate, several of whom later became assistants.

Gieringer encourages students to consider taking part in speech and debate, saying that the program gave him an opportunity to find his voice when he was a student over 50 years ago.

Gieringer has coached 13 students that have qualified for nationals, including two competitors earlier this month, Brianna Carillo in program oral interpretation and Michelle Lin in Lincoln-Douglas Debate.