Hashley honored
Former coach inducted into Montana
Speech hall of fame

By Larissa Marceau

Even though David Hashley’s 16-year-long speech and debate coaching career ended in 1986, many still remember the work he did — and many more will soon be reminded. Hashley was inducted into the Montana speech coaching Hall of Fame April 17.

“He definitely deserved it — he influenced and inspired countless people in his years of speech,” said senior Mette Romain.

Coaching is hard work, requiring  long hours and patience. Students believe Hashley was able to see beyond winning to help each student individually.

“He really brought people together,” said senior George Nelson. “He accepted anyone, regardless.”

The award was not a surprise for Hashley after the Montana Forensics Educators Association, which is made up of speech and drama teachers across Montana, notified him of the nomination last spring. However, the ceremony held on April 17 in Lewistown included speeches from both former speech coach Sue Brown and current speech coach Greg Adkins. It was a very emotional time for many people.

“I felt very humbled to get it, because there were so many deserving coaches,” said Hashley. “But, it was a wonderful experience — very emotional, lots of tears.”

Adkins recalls that Hashley’s kids were always very competitive, but there was more to it than that. Hashley really cared about the kids and gave them the time they deserved. Each student was important.

“Giving that speech was one of the hardest speeches I have ever given,” said Adkins. “I have so much respect for him.”

Brown recalls that the hall of fame tends to honor coaches who have left a legacy. Hashley was able to help students in more ways than just speech. Hashley also thought of the speech team as his family and treated everyone fairly. And as so many people have found out, Hashley gives great hugs.

“To know Dave Hashley is to know he wears his heart out in the open,” said Brown. “He has always given big bear hugs.”

According to those who know him, Hashley’s coaching changed many parts of speech forever. Events that were once lacking, such as expository or interpretive speaking, will never be the same.

“(He) was able to be successful because of the way he taught students to touch emotions,” said Brown.

FHS currently has one of the top speech teams in the state, competitively as well as emotionally, and for the man who started it all, such a tribute seems fitting.

“Hashley put in so much time and gave so much,” said Adkins. “And even after his coaching career ended he has continued to be a part of our program.”

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