Speaking of speech
Head speech coaches Mrs. Winget and Mr. Vandehoef were recognized as speech coaches of the year.
In the IMC, on a Monday night, I remember sitting on the ground in between two bookshelves, being terrified as an incoming seventh grader to the Cannon Falls Speech Team. At the time I didn’t really understand why so many scary high schoolers were talking to walls, using silly voices, and warming up their voices just to wake up early on Saturday’s to put on suits and speak in front of others. At the time I didn’t really understand why so many people idolized Mrs. Winget and Mr. Vandehoef because they were terrifying. At the time I really didn’t understand how much speech was going impact me. Starting my 5th speech season a week ago, I am now beginning to appreciate speech, the people, and the coaches more than I ever could have imagined as a little seventh grader.
The Cannon Falls Speech Program is known for excellence. Winning the state title in 2016, 2017, and 2018 is only one achievement the team has earned, which wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing coaches that fearlessly lead the large group of around 70 speakers. Due to their dedication to the speech program, Holly Winget and Cal Vande Hoef have recently received recognition from fellow Minnesota speech leaders as the Minnesota Speech Coaches of the year. By examining the amount of time the duo has been coaching, their favorite aspects of coaching, and their overall favorite speech memory, it is easy to see why these two deserved this award.
Until someone sweetly suggested the idea, neither Winget nor Vande ever pictured themselves as speech coaches. Both of them have dedicated many years to the team (Winget 20 years and Vande 12 years), revealing how much the program has consumed their lives. Continuing to come back every year showcases their passion for helping young people. When I asked both of them what their favorite part about coaching was, each responded along the same lines. Winget stated that “It’s the relationship that you build with students”, while Vande concluded his was in March “When pieces are done, mostly memorized, and when we can dig deep into that nitty gritty part, that’s fun.” That isn’t the only thing the coaches concur upon: they agree on their favorite memories.
Being coaches for as long as these two have, both of them had a huge smile grow across their faces while they took some time before responding to the daunting question “what is your favorite speech memory?” For each of them pinpointing a specific moment in their coaching careers were extremely difficult, but eventually they both responded, Winget shared that “I personally was not very successful in speech and I have worked very hard to develop a system were other people can be successful,” as her biggest takeaway, while Vande decided that “It’s not really one memory. I like that first recruiting meeting because how often do you get to have a meeting at a set time where you are going to meet people that are going to be a part of your life for the rest of your life?” After getting to know both of them over the past five years, I really do understand why people consider these two their role models.
Together Vande and Winget are an unstoppable pair who are phenomenal at what they do. Humility is one of the most beautiful traits that these two share. When describing the team’s victories, the pair does not acknowledge themselves, rather, they recognize the captains and speakers involved. By doing selflessly so, I can’t think of a better duo to be honored with this award. As a seventh grader I really didn’t understand that two coaches would drastically impact my life by challenging me, teaching me, laughing with me, and helping me strive to become more like them each and everyday. It is people like them that not only impact my life, but every person they come in contact with.
Emma Conway is a senior Editor-in-Chief for The Lantern. As a Yearbook Editor, Speech Captain, Student School Board Representative, MHS Historian, and...