Timothy Sheaff is the Director of Forensics at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines,( IA). He served as Awards Emcee during the 2004 Beehive National Tournament Award presentations.
What was your first NFL experience?
"I went to my own school's tournament as a freshman. I competed in humorous interpretation and Dave Huston was my coach. I think that there were, like, four people entered in the category, and I won third. I still have the little trophy I won."
When did you decide to be a teacher and/or coach?
"When I was approached by Woodlands Academy by Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, IL to run their theater department. They also had one speech tournament in their schedule and I founded their affiliate program. From that point, I was hooked."
What is your team philosophy?
"It's always better to speak than not to speak. I try to get as many kids to go to as many tournaments as possible."
How many hours do you spend with this activity a week?
"On a tournament week, easily 55 hours a week, including the tournament itself. I probably do 15 hours of preparatory work for the tournament during the actual week."
What is your vision for the future of the NFL?
"To have a chapter in every school of the nation, to promote the honor society within the National Forensic League, and to have the final rounds of nationals televised."
What is exciting about being an NFL coach in the state of Iowa?
"The recent growth in desire to participate in forensic activities and the sense of community between the speech and debate programs. There's a cohesiveness."
What's unique about Dowling Catholic HS as an NFL chapter?
"The way we've grown so quickly. It's unique that we have a long history with a dead spot in the 90's and then our program comes back. As a Speech and Debate program, we also have incredible alumni support as well as unparalleled administrative support."
What qualities do you look for when recruiting students for your program?
"Heartbeat"
How has the NFL changed since your days as a competitor?
"There are more events. In Iowa, there's more of a focus on membership than just qualifying for nationals."
What is your favorite memory from a National Tournament?
"When, in 2003, we were the only school to win the Overall School of Excellence Award."
What is the greatest challenge as a coach today?
"Making sure kids have the opportunity to do this when they want to do 30 other activities."
What's your proudest moment as a coach?
"I had a student place at nationals who, before investing himself in debate, probably wouldn't have graduated from high school. This activity is partly responsible for his success."
What's the history of the bowtie?
"Well, I think it looks cool. I purchased a couple, learned how to tie them from a little book, and started wearing them to special occasions, including tournaments. Now, I've become known for them and entire teams show up at the Dowling Paradigm in bowties."
What's your favorite weekend tournament food item?
"Chocolate chip muffin."
