L. Scott Deatherage

Dr. L. Scott Deatherage, 47, native of Friendswood, died Christmas day in Chicago. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Chapel of Sagemont Church, 11300 S. Sam Houston Parkway E., in Houston. Born Jan. 2, 1962, Scott was the fifth son of Robert and Evelyn (Spanihel) Deatherage. He graduated from Friendswood in 1980, and went on to recieve his BBA and MA from Baylor. He found a home at Northwestern University where he received his PHD in 1994 and was Director of the Debate Society for 18 years. During this time, Dr. Deatherage headed the Debate Divisions as well as was a senior lecturer in the Department of Communication Studies. Scott's name is synonymous with debate. The "winningest" coach in the history of national collegiate debate, he led the Northwestern University team to an unprecendented seven national championships in 14 years. During his tenure, he coached four individuals to Top Speaker awards at the National Debate Tournament and directed four winners of the NDT Copeland Award. In 2003, he was named the Pelham National Coach of the Year. In 2007, he received the George W. Ziegelmueller National Debate Tournament Coach of the Year Award. Scott became a legend in his own time. Known as "The Duck", he was voted the "Coach of the Decade" for the 1990s by his peers. Over the years he learned and taught in the ability of debate, using the power of sharp thinking, persuasive communication, and argumentation, to transform the lives of students. He wielded his passion for debate like an artist's brush, creating one masterpiece after another, teaching and guiding his students to find their own. He combined his photographic memory with an almost unerring logic, mixed in the determination of a Deatherage and with a liberal dose of quick thinking, sculpted winning minds in a way that Michaelangelo could only paint. It was his destiny to join NAUDL - the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues. His one goal in life, what little he knew he had left, was "to build debate programs in the many thousands of high schools across the United States where that opportunity has not existed for a long, long time." As executive director, in just the last two years, Scott led the NAUDL to bring urban debate to eight new cities and 150 new schools, serving over 1,500 students per year. He is survived by his sister, Diana Baldwin of Columbia, Mo.; brothers, Donald Deatherage and wife, Rita, of Waco, Patrick Deatherage and wife, Sheila, and Michael and wife, Emma, of Houston, and William Lechner and wife, Virgina; and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations go to the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues or the Northwestern University Debate Society. January 2, 1962 - December 25, 2009 Sign the Guest Book at www.wacotrib.com