Director of Forensics – Mr. Hicks

Mr. Hicks brings over 35 years of teaching and coaching experience to forensics at Brebeuf Jesuit.  He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Purdue University.  Before teaching and coaching at Brebeuf Jesuit, Mr. Hicks taught and coached at Howe Military School.  Just a few of his many career distinctions include:

•    Distinguished Alum of Purdue University’s School of Liberal Arts
•    National and State Forensic Hall of Fame
•    Six Diamond Key NFL Coach
•    Co-Author of  the book, Basic Debate, 4th Edition
•    National Debate Topic Selection & Wording Committee
•    Indiana High School Forensic Association Executive Secretary Emeritus
•    Washington Township Lions Club

Mr. Hicks has coached numerous National Qualifiers and State Champions over the years and even some National Champions.  Brebeuf Jesuit’s forensic program has been blessed to have the benefit of his guidance, knowledge, and experience for over 25 years.

E-mail Mr. Hicks:  whicks@brebeuf.org

Speech Coach – Mrs. Witham

Mrs. Witham is a former high school speech competitor.  She is the Chair of the Visual & Performing Arts Department and has been coaching and teaching at Brebeuf Jesuit since 2000.  She is also a graduate of Brebeuf Jesuit.  Mrs. Witham earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications Education from Miami University of Ohio. She is currently working on her master’s degree at IUPUI.  Mrs. Witham teaches speech and drama courses and is the head coach for the speech team.  

E-mail Mrs. Witham:  dwitham@brebeuf.org

L-D Debate Coach – Mr. Ferries-Rowe

Mr. Ferries-Rowe is a former speech and debate competitor.  In high school, he competed in impromptu and Lincoln-Douglas debate and qualified for the national tournament twice.  As an NFL member, he reached the quadruple ruby degree of distinction.  At Bradley University, Mr. Ferries-Rowe competed in Mock Trial and was a Gold Medal Finalist twice and an All American Witness.  As a forensics coach, he has had several state champions and national qualifiers in L-D and humorous interpretation.  In addition to coaching debate, Mr. Ferries-Rowe is Coordinator for Special Projects at Brebeuf Jesuit.

E-mail Mr. Ferries-Rowe:  jdferries@brebeuf.org