6:2 - Camp One Clap 2024: Day 2
For notes and details about the episode, check out the website here:
https://www.oneclapspeechanddebate.com/post/camp-one-clap-season-2-episode-2-chilling-thrills-and-coaching-skills-with-ashley-schulz-2024-ns
The Clapocalypse is upon us, but Ashley is here to help! Prepare for spine-chilling thrills and heartwarming moments as we welcome 2024 NSDA Assistant Coach of the Year and Wyoming Hall of Fame coach Ashley Schulz to the One Clap Speech and Debate podcast! Ashley discusses her favorite Stephen King novels and the eerie impact of "The Blair Witch Project," while also contemplating her survival odds in an apocalyptic scenario. Ashley also discusses the many different challenges and joys of coaching, from the fun of traveling with a big team to the profound pride of witnessing students transform into confident competitors.
If you’d like to join the discussion here at One Clap Speech and Debate, shoot me an email at lylewiley@gmail.com or reach out here on the website.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Lyle Wiley (00:09):
Greetings survivors.
You have awakened to a new day,a new dawn in the wake of the
clapocalypse.
Camp One Clap 2 on the One ClapSpeech and Debate podcast has
finally arrived, and today we'regoing to dive into a
frightening interview with CampOne Clap staff member and NSDA
assistant coach of the year,ashley Schultz.
I'm your camp director and hostof the One Clap Speech and
Debate podcast, lyle Wiley.
(00:30):
I hope everyone is ready toface their fears and unleash
their voices to make the world abetter place this year.
Quick reminder check the OneClap socials for today's social
media challenge.
Let's learn more about ourguest on today's show, who, by
the way, is already a goodfriend of the podcast and a
former guest.
Ashley Scholes has been anassistant coach at Cheyenne East
High School for the past 23years.
(00:51):
This year she received theAssistant Coach of the Year
Award from the National Speechand Debate Association.
She attended nationals duringher high school years at
Cheyenne East, where she was aquarterfinalist in drama and
also broke at nationals as acollegiate competitor.
She has one husband who is thebest speech dad, doug, three
amazingly artistic children,danny, david and Andrew, two
(01:13):
dogs who sleep through thespeech practices and two cats
one who loves screaming dramapieces.
All right, let's jump rightinto my interview with Wyoming
Hall of Fame coach AshleyScholes.
Welcome to Camp One Clap to theClapocalypse.
Today I have Ashley Scholeswith me from Cheyenne East, the
(01:36):
assistant coach of the yearwhich we're going to talk about,
which is really cool.
And yeah, ashley welcome.
Thank you for being here.
Ashley Schulz (01:42):
Thank you so much , Lyle.
I'm excited to be on again.
Lyle Wiley (01:46):
Love getting a chance to talk to you, always
really nice to have you on theshow and I'm sorry, but I'm
going to be triggering somefears, some frights, some
horrors for you.
I want to hear about what youlike in the scary story genre,
like what's your very favoritescary story?
Ashley Schulz (02:05):
Well, when I saw that question, I immediately
thought of what I read, cause Iread all the time.
I always am reading, and I loveto read mystery and thrillers,
so I couldn't really pick justone, but I do love me some
Stephen King, um, quite a bit,and my favorite is probably the.
My favorite of his scary stuffis the Mr Mercedes trilogy,
(02:28):
highly recommend.
I also thought about movies,and the one that really sticks
in my mind and I actually canscare myself just by thinking of
it is the Blair Witch Project.
That movie I think it came outwhen I was in college and I
think it was like thedocumentary style with the
cinematography, really creepedme out.
(02:48):
But I'm a big fan of beingscared, so that was good.
I like to be scared.
Lyle Wiley (02:53):
Yeah, blair Witch, I remember it well.
It came out in like 99.
It was like, I think, rightbefore 2000.
So either 98 or 99.
And I was in school too.
I was at Laramie, or 99.
And I was in school too.
I was at Laramie, and there wasso much lore behind the movie
(03:13):
before it came out, so much likeoh it's real, it's not real.
There was a lot of really funmythology that built up around
the movie when it was released.
So I remember that well too.
It stuck with me a lot too.
Have you watched it since?
Ashley Schulz (03:24):
the original watch?
No, I haven't.
I probably should well.
Lyle Wiley (03:29):
I mean, I'm not sure that it holds up quite in the
same way, but it is still apretty amazing accomplishment
for what they did on such a lowbudget and stuff there's there's
interesting stories about whatthey did to the actors on that
show that are out there I shoulduh dig into it.
It's interesting.
Some good choices.
I like Stephen King a lot too.
(03:49):
He's a great writer.
Ashley Schulz (03:51):
Yeah.
Lyle Wiley (03:52):
I sort of agree with the criticism that he doesn't
always stick his landings.
I mean, he's a fabulous,fabulous writer.
I love his worlds that he makes.
Ashley Schulz (04:00):
Yes, oh my gosh, that's the correct way to
describe it.
The world building is amazing.
Lyle Wiley (04:06):
Okay.
Well, so now that we'resufficiently frightened, let's
uh, let's also talk about theapocalypse for just a minute,
like if, if there were an actualapocalypse which feels a little
bit more possible every day, um, let's, let's hope.
Not, uh, on a scale of one to10, how likely would you be to
actually survive?
What do you think?
Ashley Schulz (04:26):
well, this question is funny because we
talk about this quite a bit atmy family dinner table and my
middle son, david, and I areboth on the same page here that
we wouldn't want to survive.
So we would just, you know, bebe killed right away or
something.
So I would say a zero probably,although I am a mom.
(04:50):
So I do have some motherlyinstinct about me.
So maybe that brings me up to atwo, because I would try to
protect my kids.
The other three in my familywould totally fight it out, but
David and I nah, we don't wantto live anyway if.
Lyle Wiley (05:05):
if things are that bad, so not not very high, lyle
yeah, I mean I this feels kindof like a young person's
question in some ways.
I mean, not that, not that youand I aren't young, but uh, the
the hardships that would have tobe endured do not seem
attractive to me I like to livecomfortably I'm not I mean not
(05:25):
fancy, but just, you know, inindoors with water around and
stuff, so I don't know if I I'mnot sure how long I would last.
Do you have any like skills youwould bring to the table in the
event of the apocalypse, likeno, I don't have any skills,
other than I can read some goodbooks and and that's about it.
Ashley Schulz (05:43):
So, no, no, no skills.
Lyle Wiley (05:46):
I guess you could entertain all of the folks that
are, because you know presumablyelectronics would be an issue.
So, maybe they needentertainers.
I mean, you can perform, I canteach them how to speak.
Ashley Schulz (06:00):
Write a really good oratory.
I guess, I don't know.
Lyle Wiley (06:12):
Maybe do research to help rebuild.
Ashley Schulz (06:13):
Yeah, I don't know.
Same.
I'm not sure what I could bringto the table in terms of skills
.
I don't even cook like myhusband cooks.
I'm not even.
I don't know.
Lyle Wiley (06:20):
Well, I mean, hopefully we won't have to find
out.
So Fingers crossed Well.
Ashley Schulz (06:24):
I mean, hopefully we won't have to find out
Fingers crossed.
Lyle Wiley (06:26):
Let's talk about speech and debate.
We've talked about it before,but let's go over some of that
ground again.
How did you get involved?
What brought you to speech anddebate?
What's your story?
Ashley Schulz (06:37):
Well, I don't think my story is really
abnormal.
I think a lot of people justkind of fall into it and I
definitely did that.
In high school my best friendher name was Jennifer Mayer.
At the time Her brother was apolicy debater on the East High
team.
He was older and so I thinkprobably that's why we signed up
(06:59):
to be on the team.
But I remember very clearly ourfirst day in the speech room
with legendary coach MichaelStarks and everybody was talking
about pieces and breaking andDI and I had no clue what was
happening.
And I really did tell my friendJen, we should drop this, we
should get out of here right now, which is kind of funny now
(07:20):
because I started coaching rightout of college and in my early
coaching career I got marriedand started having babies.
And even though I love speechcoaching, it's a hard life when
you have kids at home and ahusband waiting for you.
So every year I try to quit andI tell Mr Starks okay, this is
(07:41):
my last year and somehow I'dalways be back the next year on
the staff working.
And I remember when Marcusfinally got hired, I told him
our first meeting.
I told him, point blank this ismy last year.
I'll stay to help you throughyour first year, but I am out.
And here I am all these yearslater.
I can't, I can't get out of it.
(08:02):
So, uh, the story was prettybland until until I'm in it for
the rest of my life.
Lyle Wiley (08:11):
We're all so glad that you're still here.
Ashley Schulz (08:13):
Well, I am too, really I am.
Lyle Wiley (08:17):
Well, what about coaching?
Like you just sort of, uh,after competing, you kind of
fell in love with the activityand got into coaching.
Just, is that something youwanted to do for a long time?
Ashley Schulz (08:30):
I honestly don't remember wanting.
I did go on and compete myfirst two years of college and
then, after I got my degree, Iwent to the Peace Corps and I
remember when I came back, mrStarks, who was my coach, called
me and took me to Chili's.
I remember the exact table wesat at at Chili's and he needed
(08:52):
an assistant coach who could dointerp, and he asked me to be
his assistant coach and at thattime I didn't know what I was
going to do.
So I was like, sure I'll dothat, that'll be a nice little
paycheck.
And so that's how it startedand I love it.
Lyle Wiley (09:12):
So did coaching kind of introduce you to teaching
then too?
Ashley Schulz (09:15):
Definitely.
I got my bachelor's degree incommunications initially, and
then, you know, when I startedcoaching and I was working in
marketing and I thought the bestpart of my life is working with
students, and so then I went onto get my teaching
certification to be in theschool.
Lyle Wiley (09:34):
That's so cool.
I mean gosh Stark's pulled thestrings in your life like behind
the scenes.
Ashley Schulz (09:42):
He is a great person.
Lyle Wiley (09:44):
Yeah, he's still the best, so okay, well, that's
cool then.
So you've been coaching forlonger than you've been teaching
.
Ashley Schulz (09:53):
Yes, a little bit longer.
Lyle Wiley (09:54):
It was a really exciting year in terms of like
honors for you.
In the last few years you'vebeen inducted into the Wyoming
Hall of Fame, the Coaching Hallof Fame.
That was a great honor.
And then this year you werechosen as the Assistant Coach of
the year by NSDA and honored atnationals, which is incredible,
really awesome accomplishment,and it was really great to see
(10:15):
your name and your informationup on all the screens all over
Des Moines during the nationaltournament.
What a great honor.
Tell us about that, thatexperience, how you found out
because I think there's a storythere and how it felt to be
recognized for that awardthere's a story there and how it
felt to be recognized for thataward.
Ashley Schulz (10:39):
Well, of course it was crazy cool, the whole
experience.
I got that award assistantcoach of the year in the hole in
the wall district, and so howit works is all the assistant
coaches from all the districtssomehow get put into a pool for
NSTA to choose.
So I didn't really think muchof it.
I mean, of course I was honoredto be the hole in the wall
assistant coach of the year, butit's pretty a small pool.
(11:01):
So we were actually driving toNight Talk, the NITOC in Omaha,
Nebraska, and we had it's reallyhard to do road trips with
multiple vehicles and try tostop at the same place.
So we needed gas and we weretrying to stop at a big truck
stop.
But I was in the lead, becauseI always have to be in the lead
(11:24):
when we're driving and I missedthe exit for the big gas station
.
We ended up at this little,teeny tiny gas station in the
middle of Nebraska and I went in.
I probably ran in because Ialways have to use the restroom
I'm the one that has to stop themost and then I came out and I
(11:44):
saw Mr Viney on the phonetalking to someone and he had a
big grin on his face and Ifigured he probably was talking
to his lovely lady Bailey, butanyway.
So he hung up the phone and hegot all the coaches together and
the kids were running aroundthe fields in Nebraska and my
(12:07):
mentor, Michael Starks, wentwith us and so we were all there
when he told us that I had beenchosen and it was really kind
of a funny experience at thiscrazy gas station in the middle
of Nebraska and so I got apicture with Michael Starks at
this dive gas station.
So that's the story of how wefound out and it was really cool
(12:31):
and fun and it just continuedto be cool all the way through.
Nationals.
Lyle Wiley (12:36):
Yeah, it's really awesome that you get the
opportunity to take a lot ofkids to these really incredible
tournaments, but traveling withgroups in multiple vehicles, I
mean gosh, I know that's reallystressful.
It feels appropriate for you tofind out in a setting like that
because it is such a realcoaching kind of moment and
(12:58):
situation.
Ashley Schulz (13:00):
Yes, I thought that same way is the life of an
assistant speech coach.
Lyle Wiley (13:05):
Yeah, I mean, is there anything from Nationals
that you remember about theexperience receiving the award,
anything that stands out?
Ashley Schulz (13:12):
I really enjoyed going to Iowa.
I wasn't really sure that thatwould be a great place, but I
really liked that and the kidswere just awesome that we took
this year Really easy to travelwith, up for anything, so it
made the experience really good.
Having my oldest, dani, with me, she came to help the team and
(13:34):
then my youngest, andrew, wascompeting, and then my husband
and my middle son, david, droveout and they were able to watch
rounds and hang out with us andthen watch me get the award.
So all in all it was just agreat, great week in Iowa.
We had a blast, all of us did.
Lyle Wiley (13:55):
Yeah, I'm not gonna not gonna lie, I wasn't excited
about Des Moines either as anexotic locale for nationals, but
, uh, but I thought it waslovely, it was easy to get to,
which was nice.
It wasn't a terribly like longtrip.
Um, it was actually prettyaccessible, like, for the most
part, the the way they laid itout, and I thought that they did
(14:17):
a nice job with the awards and,uh, there was a lot of space in
there for the area where theydid finals and awards and
everything, and so that was nice.
Ashley Schulz (14:26):
I've been to many nationals and it was a really
good, smooth nationals.
The other cool thing is my veryfirst year of coaching in 2001,
.
That team was awarded theSchool of Excellence the
sweepstakes at nationals and wehaven't been able to do it since
, and then this year, finally,23 years later, we got it again.
(14:50):
So that was cool.
Lyle Wiley (14:52):
So I know that this is a time when, hopefully,
you're feeling very validated asa coach and a member of your
team, but, like you know, whathave you really enjoyed about
coaching over the years?
What's the best part ofcoaching?
Speech and debate.
Ashley Schulz (15:05):
Well, once again I'm going to give a cliche
answer, I think, but it is true.
I mean watching students comein as shy, quiet freshmen and
then watching their developmentover four years is just mind
boggling, and I love it.
I love it so much.
(15:27):
Our team is kind of like onebig family no-transcript man.
I've got to see it in my ownhousehold too, which has been
(15:50):
really crazy, and maybe one ofmy favorite parts is getting to
coach.
Amazing students actually thenbecome my colleagues.
So Alan Pino and CatalinaPedrosa were my little students
and now they're doing greatthings in the coaching world and
it just warms the heart and itmakes me tear up a little bit,
(16:11):
even.
Lyle Wiley (16:12):
So you've been coaching for a long time and
it's a wonderful job.
We love coaching, but it's alsovery difficult, especially if
you're an educator and a coach,and we're seeing some difficulty
in keeping teachers, of course,in the teaching community and
then also coaches keepingcoaches in the coaching
community.
So one of the things I've beenreally concerned about is like
(16:34):
how we can figure out ways toretain our teaching colleagues
and our coaching colleagues, andso I was going to ask you if
you had any advice for newcoaches, for young coaches, for
coaches who have been doing itfor a few years and they're
maybe on the fence about whetheror not they can continue to do
this.
Do you have any advice for themto figure out ways to stick it
out?
Ashley Schulz (16:54):
Well, first find someone in your life that won't
let you quit, because that'swhat happened to me, but also
take advantage of resourcesavailable.
I mean, lyle, you're doing suchgreat things with OneClap that
you don't have to start fromscratch, or you know, or even I
(17:17):
even use them, and I've beencoaching for 23 years to try to
find ways to make life easierusing resources out there from
NSDA or from places like OneClapor from fellow coaches In
Cheyenne.
We're really lucky that we nowhave three really strong
(17:40):
programs with coaches that canshare resources and help each
other out.
It doesn't have to be allcompetition, because we're in it
for the good of the students,so to help each other out and to
make things easier is soimportant.
Also, you should learn how totake naps on Sunday afternoons,
(18:01):
because that is what gets youthrough coaching.
Those Sunday afternoon naps arekey.
Afternoon naps are key.
Lyle Wiley (18:07):
I mean that's pretty legit.
It might not be naps foreverybody, but it's like you've
got to find the thing that'sgoing to help you, kind of
recharge recenter.
Ashley Schulz (18:18):
Yeah, Um yeah.
Lyle Wiley (18:19):
Every week Cause the season's long and you need.
You need some time.
That's yours.
Ashley Schulz (18:24):
You definitely Summer.
Summer is time to take a breath.
Lyle Wiley (18:30):
Yeah Well, and I appreciate the shout out, but I
will say like when we startedworking on content for one clap
which is because of all of youcoaches and all the competitors
that get out here and shareresources and ideas you know it
felt like NSDA was starting todo more, but I'll tell you like
right now, they have a lot moreresources than they have in the
past.
(18:50):
They continue to build on thoseresources.
So I would say, I agree, Ithink there's a lot of great
stuff through NSTA and that inWyoming, I know it's true that
there's always folks that arewilling to help each other.
I think, though, at thenational level, like if you get
outside of Wyoming and otherplaces, like if you're a coach
and you're listening to this andyou feel isolated, there are
(19:11):
ways to find people.
You have to make it a priorityto find people.
You really have to, like, thinkabout how you can use resources
so you don't get burned out.
You need to use your team, andI think that's something East
has done really well is figureout ways to help your more
experienced competitors assistyour newer novices.
Ashley Schulz (19:32):
Yeah, I mean the challenges of small teams are
great, but large teams have themtoo.
I mean just the number ofbodies you have to use, you know
, upperclassmen, because that'sthe only way you're going to get
to touch every student you knowwith some sort of advice.
So, yeah, sometimes I think it.
(19:52):
It seems like it's going totake more time to reach out, to
find those resources to get onthe NST web, nsta website.
But man, it pays dividends inthe end.
It really does.
Lyle Wiley (20:05):
Yeah, I agree.
That said, if you're listeningand you you feel alone, feel
free to reach out to me andashley, maybe we could at least,
like, point you in thedirection of some help, if we
can help you, so for sure.
And with that, I think it'stime for a little ghostly
interlude.
I want to ask everyone on campone, cloud two, this year if
they believe in ghosts, uh, ifthey believe in the paranormal,
if they maybe have a story aboutthat, are you, you a believer?
(20:28):
Do you believe in ghosts,ashley?
Ashley Schulz (20:30):
Of course I am a believer, for sure.
I believe in ghosts.
I just, you know, I have afeeling there's something else
out there living amongst us,whether that be, you know, the
angel on my shoulder, but I seethings you know, like
butterflies those are mygrandma's when I see them.
(20:52):
But also there is a historictheater here in Cheyenne't think
I would do that now, but I wasbraver then and we experienced
(21:13):
some crazy things like footstepsand just some really weird
noises and whisperings.
We did those recordings whereyou ask questions and you listen
back to see if there's answers,and I definitely heard
something.
So, yes, I believe in ghosts.
Lyle Wiley (21:34):
Ooh, I think something's out there.
I think you're right.
But yeah, I wonder if thoserecordings like still exist
somewhere.
That's interesting.
Ashley Schulz (21:40):
I don't know.
No, I don't know, but I swear Iheard answers on those
questions.
Lyle Wiley (21:46):
Is that old theater where you did a show last year,
or was that a different location?
Ashley Schulz (21:50):
Yeah, every summer the old-fashioned
melodrama is there in Cheyenne.
So yeah, Danny and I did thatlast year there.
Lyle Wiley (21:58):
All right, cool.
Well, let's go back to somecoaching discussion.
So, in terms of East, of courseyou've had a really awesome
long run at East with successand a lot of individual success,
a lot of team success and a lotof that has to do with your
coaching staff and, of course,the kids.
But like what's it been like towork with this group like this,
especially this specific groupof coaches, and then the kids
(22:21):
you've worked with over theyears at East?
Ashley Schulz (22:23):
I tell you it is just a dream.
I remember my daughter tellingme mom used to be sad to go on
speech trips, but now I knowthat you really have fun when
you're there and that's the case.
This coaching crew is the mostfun group of individuals, the
(22:44):
kindest in it for the rightreasons, people that I have ever
met.
So the reason why I haven'tbeen able to quit all these
years is because I enjoytraveling and working with these
people.
I mean, we laugh, we strategize, we cry, we're just friends and
(23:05):
we have such a good timetogether.
So it's just awesome.
I love being a part of the EastHigh Speech and Debate
community.
Lyle Wiley (23:15):
It's really a special situation.
Ashley Schulz (23:17):
It is.
We're the luckiest people inthe world and, I have to say,
our students are amazing,amazing human beings.
So that's nice too.
Lyle Wiley (23:28):
So we talked about the best part of coaching and so
maybe we've kind of coveredthis.
But and I think we've, we'vekind of I mean, we, we, we can
get a pretty good idea of whatyou love about speech and debate
.
But what do you think is, likejust in general, the best part
of speech and debate, like forkids, for coaches, for all of us
, this activity, what's the bestpart of it you think?
Ashley Schulz (23:48):
Well, for sure I think it's the community.
I mean, when you go to anytournament, you feel it.
You feel that these are allpeople that are working towards
the same goal.
At nationals, you just feellike these are your people and I
definitely do, as speech anddebate people.
(24:11):
We're often misunderstood,sometimes not supported very
well, but when you go totournaments, everybody knows the
world that we live in everyweekend and I love that feeling,
I love that community and Idon't know where I would be if I
hadn't found speech and debateback in high school in Michael
(24:32):
Starks' classroom, becausethat's where I fit in this world
.
It might be odd, but that'swhere I fit.
Lyle Wiley (24:42):
It's very beautiful.
Is there anything you'd like toshare about the speech and
debate community right now?
Ashley Schulz (24:48):
Well, you touched on it a little bit.
It's just, it's a hard timefinding coaches, keeping coaches
and teachers, but I just, youknow, have been in a high school
for so long and I think speechand debate is the best activity
for students.
So, as a mom, as you know, asmaybe someday a grandparent, I
(25:12):
just hope it continues.
So I would say, just keep upthe good fight, keep going, keep
advocating for this activity,because it is so important,
especially in today's day andage, for the next generation to
be able to think and to expressthemselves and to know what they
(25:35):
believe in.
Lyle Wiley (25:37):
Absolutely.
I think you're so right.
It's lovely to get the chanceto talk to you about this.
I kind of want to close most ofour interviews with a little
bit of like back to our largertheme of overcoming fears and no
fear, forensics.
Like you know, public speaking,debating, performing it's kind
of scary.
I mean, it's like not it's whatthe general public might
(25:59):
consider the most scary thing intheir entire world.
For some people, like somepeople, the public speaking is
like their largest fear.
So why?
Why is speech and debate worthit?
What makes it worth the terror?
Ashley Schulz (26:11):
Well, I guess I would say that there isn't any
fun available unless there'ssome fear involved.
That's what makes it fun, andyou can't have success unless
you conquer some sort of fear.
Have success unless you conquersome sort of fear.
(26:36):
So feeling that worthwhile,I've done something, means means
conquering a fear.
So I think that's why speechand debate is so important scary
but really enjoyable, just likea good Stephen King book.
Lyle Wiley (26:47):
Lovely, that takes us full circle.
Thank you so much, ashley, fordoing the interview.
I really appreciate it and,yeah, I'm sure I'll have you
back again.
Ashley Schulz (26:56):
Yep Anytime.
Lyle, I appreciate you takingthe time.
Lyle Wiley (27:00):
Thank you so much to Ashley Schultz for joining us
here at Camp One Cloud.
You're an absolute inspiration,like always.
What's new at camp tomorrow?
Well, south Dakota Speech andDebate superstar Brianna Wollman
, a NSDA student of the year,finalist this year, will be back
to help us navigate theclapocalypse.
Remember, social mediachallenges are live for every
day of camp this August, socheck those daily.
(27:22):
Stay safe out there, campers,and oh, don't bother asking
werewolves the time.
After all, they are werewolves,not when wolves For Camp One
Clap.
This is Camp Director Wileysigning off.
Greetings survivors.
You have awakened to a new day,a new dawn in the wake of the
clapocalypse.
Camp One Clap 2 on the One ClapSpeech and Debate podcast has
finally arrived, and today we'regoing to dive into a
frightening interview with CampOne Clap staff member and NSDA
assistant coach of the year,ashley Schultz.
I'm your camp director and hostof the One Clap Speech and
Debate podcast, lyle Wiley.
(00:30):
I hope everyone is ready toface their fears and unleash
their voices to make the world abetter place this year.
Quick reminder check the OneClap socials for today's social
media challenge.
Let's learn more about ourguest on today's show, who, by
the way, is already a goodfriend of the podcast and a
former guest.
Ashley Scholes has been anassistant coach at Cheyenne East
High School for the past 23years.
(00:51):
This year she received theAssistant Coach of the Year
Award from the National Speechand Debate Association.
She attended nationals duringher high school years at
Cheyenne East, where she was aquarterfinalist in drama and
also broke at nationals as acollegiate competitor.
She has one husband who is thebest speech dad, doug, three
amazingly artistic children,danny, david and Andrew, two
(01:13):
dogs who sleep through thespeech practices and two cats
one who loves screaming dramapieces.
All right, let's jump rightinto my interview with Wyoming
Hall of Fame coach AshleyScholes.
Welcome to Camp One Clap to theClapocalypse.
Today I have Ashley Scholeswith me from Cheyenne East, the
(01:36):
assistant coach of the yearwhich we're going to talk about,
which is really cool.
And yeah, ashley welcome.
Thank you for being here.
Ashley Schulz (01:42):
Thank you so much , Lyle.
I'm excited to be on again.
Lyle Wiley (01:46):
Love getting a chance to talk to you, always
really nice to have you on theshow and I'm sorry, but I'm
going to be triggering somefears, some frights, some
horrors for you.
I want to hear about what youlike in the scary story genre,
like what's your very favoritescary story?
Ashley Schulz (02:05):
Well, when I saw that question, I immediately
thought of what I read, cause Iread all the time.
I always am reading, and I loveto read mystery and thrillers,
so I couldn't really pick justone, but I do love me some
Stephen King, um, quite a bit,and my favorite is probably the.
My favorite of his scary stuffis the Mr Mercedes trilogy,
(02:28):
highly recommend.
I also thought about movies,and the one that really sticks
in my mind and I actually canscare myself just by thinking of
it is the Blair Witch Project.
That movie I think it came outwhen I was in college and I
think it was like thedocumentary style with the
cinematography, really creepedme out.
(02:48):
But I'm a big fan of beingscared, so that was good.
I like to be scared.
Lyle Wiley (02:53):
Yeah, blair Witch, I remember it well.
It came out in like 99.
It was like, I think, rightbefore 2000.
So either 98 or 99.
And I was in school too.
I was at Laramie, or 99.
And I was in school too.
I was at Laramie, and there wasso much lore behind the movie
(03:13):
before it came out, so much likeoh it's real, it's not real.
There was a lot of really funmythology that built up around
the movie when it was released.
So I remember that well too.
It stuck with me a lot too.
Have you watched it since?
Ashley Schulz (03:24):
the original watch?
No, I haven't.
I probably should well.
Lyle Wiley (03:29):
I mean, I'm not sure that it holds up quite in the
same way, but it is still apretty amazing accomplishment
for what they did on such a lowbudget and stuff there's there's
interesting stories about whatthey did to the actors on that
show that are out there I shoulduh dig into it.
It's interesting.
Some good choices.
I like Stephen King a lot too.
(03:49):
He's a great writer.
Ashley Schulz (03:51):
Yeah.
Lyle Wiley (03:52):
I sort of agree with the criticism that he doesn't
always stick his landings.
I mean, he's a fabulous,fabulous writer.
I love his worlds that he makes.
Ashley Schulz (04:00):
Yes, oh my gosh, that's the correct way to
describe it.
The world building is amazing.
Lyle Wiley (04:06):
Okay.
Well, so now that we'resufficiently frightened, let's
uh, let's also talk about theapocalypse for just a minute,
like if, if there were an actualapocalypse which feels a little
bit more possible every day, um, let's, let's hope.
Not, uh, on a scale of one to10, how likely would you be to
actually survive?
What do you think?
Ashley Schulz (04:26):
well, this question is funny because we
talk about this quite a bit atmy family dinner table and my
middle son, david, and I areboth on the same page here that
we wouldn't want to survive.
So we would just, you know, bebe killed right away or
something.
So I would say a zero probably,although I am a mom.
(04:50):
So I do have some motherlyinstinct about me.
So maybe that brings me up to atwo, because I would try to
protect my kids.
The other three in my familywould totally fight it out, but
David and I nah, we don't wantto live anyway if.
Lyle Wiley (05:05):
if things are that bad, so not not very high, lyle
yeah, I mean I this feels kindof like a young person's
question in some ways.
I mean, not that, not that youand I aren't young, but uh, the
the hardships that would have tobe endured do not seem
attractive to me I like to livecomfortably I'm not I mean not
(05:25):
fancy, but just, you know, inindoors with water around and
stuff, so I don't know if I I'mnot sure how long I would last.
Do you have any like skills youwould bring to the table in the
event of the apocalypse, likeno, I don't have any skills,
other than I can read some goodbooks and and that's about it.
Ashley Schulz (05:43):
So, no, no, no skills.
Lyle Wiley (05:46):
I guess you could entertain all of the folks that
are, because you know presumablyelectronics would be an issue.
So, maybe they needentertainers.
I mean, you can perform, I canteach them how to speak.
Ashley Schulz (06:00):
Write a really good oratory.
I guess, I don't know.
Lyle Wiley (06:12):
Maybe do research to help rebuild.
Ashley Schulz (06:13):
Yeah, I don't know.
Same.
I'm not sure what I could bringto the table in terms of skills
.
I don't even cook like myhusband cooks.
I'm not even.
I don't know.
Lyle Wiley (06:20):
Well, I mean, hopefully we won't have to find
out.
So Fingers crossed Well.
Ashley Schulz (06:24):
I mean, hopefully we won't have to find out
Fingers crossed.
Lyle Wiley (06:26):
Let's talk about speech and debate.
We've talked about it before,but let's go over some of that
ground again.
How did you get involved?
What brought you to speech anddebate?
What's your story?
Ashley Schulz (06:37):
Well, I don't think my story is really
abnormal.
I think a lot of people justkind of fall into it and I
definitely did that.
In high school my best friendher name was Jennifer Mayer.
At the time Her brother was apolicy debater on the East High
team.
He was older and so I thinkprobably that's why we signed up
(06:59):
to be on the team.
But I remember very clearly ourfirst day in the speech room
with legendary coach MichaelStarks and everybody was talking
about pieces and breaking andDI and I had no clue what was
happening.
And I really did tell my friendJen, we should drop this, we
should get out of here right now, which is kind of funny now
(07:20):
because I started coaching rightout of college and in my early
coaching career I got marriedand started having babies.
And even though I love speechcoaching, it's a hard life when
you have kids at home and ahusband waiting for you.
So every year I try to quit andI tell Mr Starks okay, this is
(07:41):
my last year and somehow I'dalways be back the next year on
the staff working.
And I remember when Marcusfinally got hired, I told him
our first meeting.
I told him, point blank this ismy last year.
I'll stay to help you throughyour first year, but I am out.
And here I am all these yearslater.
I can't, I can't get out of it.
(08:02):
So, uh, the story was prettybland until until I'm in it for
the rest of my life.
Lyle Wiley (08:11):
We're all so glad that you're still here.
Ashley Schulz (08:13):
Well, I am too, really I am.
Lyle Wiley (08:17):
Well, what about coaching?
Like you just sort of, uh,after competing, you kind of
fell in love with the activityand got into coaching.
Just, is that something youwanted to do for a long time?
Ashley Schulz (08:30):
I honestly don't remember wanting.
I did go on and compete myfirst two years of college and
then, after I got my degree, Iwent to the Peace Corps and I
remember when I came back, mrStarks, who was my coach, called
me and took me to Chili's.
I remember the exact table wesat at at Chili's and he needed
(08:52):
an assistant coach who could dointerp, and he asked me to be
his assistant coach and at thattime I didn't know what I was
going to do.
So I was like, sure I'll dothat, that'll be a nice little
paycheck.
And so that's how it startedand I love it.
Lyle Wiley (09:12):
So did coaching kind of introduce you to teaching
then too?
Ashley Schulz (09:15):
Definitely.
I got my bachelor's degree incommunications initially, and
then, you know, when I startedcoaching and I was working in
marketing and I thought the bestpart of my life is working with
students, and so then I went onto get my teaching
certification to be in theschool.
Lyle Wiley (09:34):
That's so cool.
I mean gosh Stark's pulled thestrings in your life like behind
the scenes.
Ashley Schulz (09:42):
He is a great person.
Lyle Wiley (09:44):
Yeah, he's still the best, so okay, well, that's
cool then.
So you've been coaching forlonger than you've been teaching
.
Ashley Schulz (09:53):
Yes, a little bit longer.
Lyle Wiley (09:54):
It was a really exciting year in terms of like
honors for you.
In the last few years you'vebeen inducted into the Wyoming
Hall of Fame, the Coaching Hallof Fame.
That was a great honor.
And then this year you werechosen as the Assistant Coach of
the year by NSDA and honored atnationals, which is incredible,
really awesome accomplishment,and it was really great to see
(10:15):
your name and your informationup on all the screens all over
Des Moines during the nationaltournament.
What a great honor.
Tell us about that, thatexperience, how you found out
because I think there's a storythere and how it felt to be
recognized for that awardthere's a story there and how it
felt to be recognized for thataward.
Ashley Schulz (10:39):
Well, of course it was crazy cool, the whole
experience.
I got that award assistantcoach of the year in the hole in
the wall district, and so howit works is all the assistant
coaches from all the districtssomehow get put into a pool for
NSTA to choose.
So I didn't really think muchof it.
I mean, of course I was honoredto be the hole in the wall
assistant coach of the year, butit's pretty a small pool.
(11:01):
So we were actually driving toNight Talk, the NITOC in Omaha,
Nebraska, and we had it's reallyhard to do road trips with
multiple vehicles and try tostop at the same place.
So we needed gas and we weretrying to stop at a big truck
stop.
But I was in the lead, becauseI always have to be in the lead
(11:24):
when we're driving and I missedthe exit for the big gas station
.
We ended up at this little,teeny tiny gas station in the
middle of Nebraska and I went in.
I probably ran in because Ialways have to use the restroom
I'm the one that has to stop themost and then I came out and I
(11:44):
saw Mr Viney on the phonetalking to someone and he had a
big grin on his face and Ifigured he probably was talking
to his lovely lady Bailey, butanyway.
So he hung up the phone and hegot all the coaches together and
the kids were running aroundthe fields in Nebraska and my
(12:07):
mentor, Michael Starks, wentwith us and so we were all there
when he told us that I had beenchosen and it was really kind
of a funny experience at thiscrazy gas station in the middle
of Nebraska and so I got apicture with Michael Starks at
this dive gas station.
So that's the story of how wefound out and it was really cool
(12:31):
and fun and it just continuedto be cool all the way through.
Nationals.
Lyle Wiley (12:36):
Yeah, it's really awesome that you get the
opportunity to take a lot ofkids to these really incredible
tournaments, but traveling withgroups in multiple vehicles, I
mean gosh, I know that's reallystressful.
It feels appropriate for you tofind out in a setting like that
because it is such a realcoaching kind of moment and
(12:58):
situation.
Ashley Schulz (13:00):
Yes, I thought that same way is the life of an
assistant speech coach.
Lyle Wiley (13:05):
Yeah, I mean, is there anything from Nationals
that you remember about theexperience receiving the award,
anything that stands out?
Ashley Schulz (13:12):
I really enjoyed going to Iowa.
I wasn't really sure that thatwould be a great place, but I
really liked that and the kidswere just awesome that we took
this year Really easy to travelwith, up for anything, so it
made the experience really good.
Having my oldest, dani, with me, she came to help the team and
(13:34):
then my youngest, andrew, wascompeting, and then my husband
and my middle son, david, droveout and they were able to watch
rounds and hang out with us andthen watch me get the award.
So all in all it was just agreat, great week in Iowa.
We had a blast, all of us did.
Lyle Wiley (13:55):
Yeah, I'm not gonna not gonna lie, I wasn't excited
about Des Moines either as anexotic locale for nationals, but
, uh, but I thought it waslovely, it was easy to get to,
which was nice.
It wasn't a terribly like longtrip.
Um, it was actually prettyaccessible, like, for the most
part, the the way they laid itout, and I thought that they did
(14:17):
a nice job with the awards and,uh, there was a lot of space in
there for the area where theydid finals and awards and
everything, and so that was nice.
Ashley Schulz (14:26):
I've been to many nationals and it was a really
good, smooth nationals.
The other cool thing is my veryfirst year of coaching in 2001,
.
That team was awarded theSchool of Excellence the
sweepstakes at nationals and wehaven't been able to do it since
, and then this year, finally,23 years later, we got it again.
(14:50):
So that was cool.
Lyle Wiley (14:52):
So I know that this is a time when, hopefully,
you're feeling very validated asa coach and a member of your
team, but, like you know, whathave you really enjoyed about
coaching over the years?
What's the best part ofcoaching?
Speech and debate.
Ashley Schulz (15:05):
Well, once again I'm going to give a cliche
answer, I think, but it is true.
I mean watching students comein as shy, quiet freshmen and
then watching their developmentover four years is just mind
boggling, and I love it.
I love it so much.
(15:27):
Our team is kind of like onebig family no-transcript man.
I've got to see it in my ownhousehold too, which has been
(15:50):
really crazy, and maybe one ofmy favorite parts is getting to
coach.
Amazing students actually thenbecome my colleagues.
So Alan Pino and CatalinaPedrosa were my little students
and now they're doing greatthings in the coaching world and
it just warms the heart and itmakes me tear up a little bit,
(16:11):
even.
Lyle Wiley (16:12):
So you've been coaching for a long time and
it's a wonderful job.
We love coaching, but it's alsovery difficult, especially if
you're an educator and a coach,and we're seeing some difficulty
in keeping teachers, of course,in the teaching community and
then also coaches keepingcoaches in the coaching
community.
So one of the things I've beenreally concerned about is like
(16:34):
how we can figure out ways toretain our teaching colleagues
and our coaching colleagues, andso I was going to ask you if
you had any advice for newcoaches, for young coaches, for
coaches who have been doing itfor a few years and they're
maybe on the fence about whetheror not they can continue to do
this.
Do you have any advice for themto figure out ways to stick it
out?
Ashley Schulz (16:54):
Well, first find someone in your life that won't
let you quit, because that'swhat happened to me, but also
take advantage of resourcesavailable.
I mean, lyle, you're doing suchgreat things with OneClap that
you don't have to start fromscratch, or you know, or even I
(17:17):
even use them, and I've beencoaching for 23 years to try to
find ways to make life easierusing resources out there from
NSDA or from places like OneClapor from fellow coaches In
Cheyenne.
We're really lucky that we nowhave three really strong
(17:40):
programs with coaches that canshare resources and help each
other out.
It doesn't have to be allcompetition, because we're in it
for the good of the students,so to help each other out and to
make things easier is soimportant.
Also, you should learn how totake naps on Sunday afternoons,
(18:01):
because that is what gets youthrough coaching.
Those Sunday afternoon naps arekey.
Afternoon naps are key.
Lyle Wiley (18:07):
I mean that's pretty legit.
It might not be naps foreverybody, but it's like you've
got to find the thing that'sgoing to help you, kind of
recharge recenter.
Ashley Schulz (18:18):
Yeah, Um yeah.
Lyle Wiley (18:19):
Every week Cause the season's long and you need.
You need some time.
That's yours.
Ashley Schulz (18:24):
You definitely Summer.
Summer is time to take a breath.
Lyle Wiley (18:30):
Yeah Well, and I appreciate the shout out, but I
will say like when we startedworking on content for one clap
which is because of all of youcoaches and all the competitors
that get out here and shareresources and ideas you know it
felt like NSDA was starting todo more, but I'll tell you like
right now, they have a lot moreresources than they have in the
past.
(18:50):
They continue to build on thoseresources.
So I would say, I agree, Ithink there's a lot of great
stuff through NSTA and that inWyoming, I know it's true that
there's always folks that arewilling to help each other.
I think, though, at thenational level, like if you get
outside of Wyoming and otherplaces, like if you're a coach
and you're listening to this andyou feel isolated, there are
(19:11):
ways to find people.
You have to make it a priorityto find people.
You really have to, like, thinkabout how you can use resources
so you don't get burned out.
You need to use your team, andI think that's something East
has done really well is figureout ways to help your more
experienced competitors assistyour newer novices.
Ashley Schulz (19:32):
Yeah, I mean the challenges of small teams are
great, but large teams have themtoo.
I mean just the number ofbodies you have to use, you know
, upperclassmen, because that'sthe only way you're going to get
to touch every student you knowwith some sort of advice.
So, yeah, sometimes I think it.
(19:52):
It seems like it's going totake more time to reach out, to
find those resources to get onthe NST web, nsta website.
But man, it pays dividends inthe end.
It really does.
Lyle Wiley (20:05):
Yeah, I agree.
That said, if you're listeningand you you feel alone, feel
free to reach out to me andashley, maybe we could at least,
like, point you in thedirection of some help, if we
can help you, so for sure.
And with that, I think it'stime for a little ghostly
interlude.
I want to ask everyone on campone, cloud two, this year if
they believe in ghosts, uh, ifthey believe in the paranormal,
if they maybe have a story aboutthat, are you, you a believer?
(20:28):
Do you believe in ghosts,ashley?
Ashley Schulz (20:30):
Of course I am a believer, for sure.
I believe in ghosts.
I just, you know, I have afeeling there's something else
out there living amongst us,whether that be, you know, the
angel on my shoulder, but I seethings you know, like
butterflies those are mygrandma's when I see them.
(20:52):
But also there is a historictheater here in Cheyenne't think
I would do that now, but I wasbraver then and we experienced
(21:13):
some crazy things like footstepsand just some really weird
noises and whisperings.
We did those recordings whereyou ask questions and you listen
back to see if there's answers,and I definitely heard
something.
So, yes, I believe in ghosts.
Lyle Wiley (21:34):
Ooh, I think something's out there.
I think you're right.
But yeah, I wonder if thoserecordings like still exist
somewhere.
That's interesting.
Ashley Schulz (21:40):
I don't know.
No, I don't know, but I swear Iheard answers on those
questions.
Lyle Wiley (21:46):
Is that old theater where you did a show last year,
or was that a different location?
Ashley Schulz (21:50):
Yeah, every summer the old-fashioned
melodrama is there in Cheyenne.
So yeah, Danny and I did thatlast year there.
Lyle Wiley (21:58):
All right, cool.
Well, let's go back to somecoaching discussion.
So, in terms of East, of courseyou've had a really awesome
long run at East with successand a lot of individual success,
a lot of team success and a lotof that has to do with your
coaching staff and, of course,the kids.
But like what's it been like towork with this group like this,
especially this specific groupof coaches, and then the kids
(22:21):
you've worked with over theyears at East?
Ashley Schulz (22:23):
I tell you it is just a dream.
I remember my daughter tellingme mom used to be sad to go on
speech trips, but now I knowthat you really have fun when
you're there and that's the case.
This coaching crew is the mostfun group of individuals, the
(22:44):
kindest in it for the rightreasons, people that I have ever
met.
So the reason why I haven'tbeen able to quit all these
years is because I enjoytraveling and working with these
people.
I mean, we laugh, we strategize, we cry, we're just friends and
(23:05):
we have such a good timetogether.
So it's just awesome.
I love being a part of the EastHigh Speech and Debate
community.
Lyle Wiley (23:15):
It's really a special situation.
Ashley Schulz (23:17):
It is.
We're the luckiest people inthe world and, I have to say,
our students are amazing,amazing human beings.
So that's nice too.
Lyle Wiley (23:28):
So we talked about the best part of coaching and so
maybe we've kind of coveredthis.
But and I think we've, we'vekind of I mean, we, we, we can
get a pretty good idea of whatyou love about speech and debate
.
But what do you think is, likejust in general, the best part
of speech and debate, like forkids, for coaches, for all of us
, this activity, what's the bestpart of it you think?
Ashley Schulz (23:48):
Well, for sure I think it's the community.
I mean, when you go to anytournament, you feel it.
You feel that these are allpeople that are working towards
the same goal.
At nationals, you just feellike these are your people and I
definitely do, as speech anddebate people.
(24:11):
We're often misunderstood,sometimes not supported very
well, but when you go totournaments, everybody knows the
world that we live in everyweekend and I love that feeling,
I love that community and Idon't know where I would be if I
hadn't found speech and debateback in high school in Michael
(24:32):
Starks' classroom, becausethat's where I fit in this world
.
It might be odd, but that'swhere I fit.
Lyle Wiley (24:42):
It's very beautiful.
Is there anything you'd like toshare about the speech and
debate community right now?
Ashley Schulz (24:48):
Well, you touched on it a little bit.
It's just, it's a hard timefinding coaches, keeping coaches
and teachers, but I just, youknow, have been in a high school
for so long and I think speechand debate is the best activity
for students.
So, as a mom, as you know, asmaybe someday a grandparent, I
(25:12):
just hope it continues.
So I would say, just keep upthe good fight, keep going, keep
advocating for this activity,because it is so important,
especially in today's day andage, for the next generation to
be able to think and to expressthemselves and to know what they
(25:35):
believe in.
Lyle Wiley (25:37):
Absolutely.
I think you're so right.
It's lovely to get the chanceto talk to you about this.
I kind of want to close most ofour interviews with a little
bit of like back to our largertheme of overcoming fears and no
fear, forensics.
Like you know, public speaking,debating, performing it's kind
of scary.
I mean, it's like not it's whatthe general public might
(25:59):
consider the most scary thing intheir entire world.
For some people, like somepeople, the public speaking is
like their largest fear.
So why?
Why is speech and debate worthit?
What makes it worth the terror?
Ashley Schulz (26:11):
Well, I guess I would say that there isn't any
fun available unless there'ssome fear involved.
That's what makes it fun, andyou can't have success unless
you conquer some sort of fear.
Have success unless you conquersome sort of fear.
(26:36):
So feeling that worthwhile,I've done something, means means
conquering a fear.
So I think that's why speechand debate is so important scary
but really enjoyable, just likea good Stephen King book.
Lyle Wiley (26:47):
Lovely, that takes us full circle.
Thank you so much, ashley, fordoing the interview.
I really appreciate it and,yeah, I'm sure I'll have you
back again.
Ashley Schulz (26:56):
Yep Anytime.
Lyle, I appreciate you takingthe time.
Lyle Wiley (27:00):
Thank you so much to Ashley Schultz for joining us
here at Camp One Cloud.
You're an absolute inspiration,like always.
What's new at camp tomorrow?
Well, south Dakota Speech andDebate superstar Brianna Wollman
, a NSDA student of the year,finalist this year, will be back
to help us navigate theclapocalypse.
Remember, social mediachallenges are live for every
day of camp this August, socheck those daily.
(27:22):
Stay safe out there, campers,and oh, don't bother asking
werewolves the time.
After all, they are werewolves,not when wolves For Camp One
Clap.
This is Camp Director Wileysigning off.
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On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Ridiculous History
History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.