Coaches of the Year 2022: Nierman, Kuhlman, Rutherford and Holt

Above: John W. Rutherford, Theatre Coach of the Year.

Debate: Ryan Nierman

Ryan Nierman, pictured with Birmingham Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Roberson and fellow debate coach John Lawson.

Ryan Nierman has been coaching Groves Debate since he graduated from the program in 2007. Though it has required balancing it with attending college, earning a PhD, becoming a father, and full time work outside of education, Ryan has always been committed to Groves Debate and believed in the educational value of competitive debate. Ryan commented, “I have coached huge teams and small teams, and regardless of how many students are on the team, it’s always a thrill to see who rises to the challenge at the State tournament. This opportunity to work as a full team, not just a two-person crew, makes successfully taking the state title a collaborative victory. This was our sixth varsity state title of my coaching career, and seeing the novices finish second bodes well for the future of this program.” Ryan was flattered to receive the award and to be recognized by the district Board of Education as well, “The more attention I can bring to these students, this competitive program, this worthwhile activity, the better. I am happy to spend my time prepping, coaching, traveling and supporting debate because I believe all students are well served by competing in debate regardless of their level of success, but winning is always more fun.”

IE: Chris Kuhlman

Chris Kuhlman, Utica Academy for International Studies

Chris Kuhlman, forensic coach at the Gene L. Klida Utica Academy for International Studies, coached the team to a Class C/D second place finish, a huge success for UAIS. Mr. Kuhlman has been coaching for thirteen years: this year marks nineteen years of teaching for Mr. Kuhlman. He stated, “I am honored to be recognized by a committed group of educators who help students find their voices and encourage them to use it in advocacy of their truths and their passions. We need more speech activity recognition, support, and advocacy in all levels of education. It should be every district’s goal to empower student voices and actively find ways to provide educational opportunities to use them. I would also like to add that this recognition is as much about the students as it is about anything else. They are a tenacious group of open-minded individuals who are willing to accept critique, correction, and revise to make their pieces grow. From the start of the season to the end, they never stopped working and looking for avenues to improve. It is a privilege to work with such an inspiring group of individuals.”

Theatre: John W. Rutherford

John W. Rutherford has been a theatre teacher for over 30 years, spending the last 22 at Groves High School. This past year he coached his students to be Studio-Division 1 champions with their production of Bystander 9/11. Mr. Rutherford said, “theatre became an integral part of my life when I was in 7th grade. These past 40 years I have not gone a year without having theatre take up part of my time and energy. I simply cannot stop!” He went on to say, “I am so inspired by my fellow colleagues. The teachers, coaches, and directors I encounter at festivals and competitions amaze me. Each of us is doing what I feel is the most important thing, giving back to others. When we share our love and passion for what we do, whether it be theatre, forensic or debate, we are providing lifelong memories that can inspire the next gen to work to their fullest. In the end, theatre is all about storytelling, and I love to tell stories.”

Assistant Coach: Wendy Holt

Wendy Holt, Birch Run High School

Wendy Holt has been an assistant forensic coach of the Birch Run High School Forensic team for 17 years. Ms. Holt said, “This year, as a coaching team, we are very proud of our successful season - placing 2nd for Class B schools, and ending with three state champions. It is always nice to see the payoff at the end for those students that have worked hard all season.” After receiving the award Ms. Holt stated, “Working with a variety of coaches provides our students a lot of valuable feedback. As coaches, we all have different strengths - I love coaching speaking events like broadcasting, sales, and info - so we all offer different feedback to help our students grow.” Holt went on to say, “As a coach, I am also proud of the fact that so many of our former students want to return and help coach our current students.”

Originally published in the MSCI Year in Review, August 2022.