Deb Eaton
Deb Eaton is an English and language arts teacher at Springfield High School. She is currently the head coach of the scholastic bowl team.
Following the abrupt resignation of Christine Craddock in 2019, Eaton volunteered to take over the team. With the help of captain Aidan Fein, Eaton's first year consisted of multiple podium finishes, as well as a first place in the Central State 8 Conference. Springfield often came short of first-place finishes that year due to the rigorous competition from Nathan Clack's Williamsville, John Paul Taylor's Carbondale, and Stan Melkumian's Macomb. However, the team made a sharp campaign where they stood 5th at the 2020 NAQT Illinois State Tournament. Eaton's last tournament of that year consisted of a regional win, after which the COVID-19 pandemic halted the rest of the season.
Given the obstacles faced with COVID-19, Eaton's second year with Springfield proved to be a challenge. Upon the graduation of Aidan Fein and Drew Borland, Eaton focused on rebuilding the team around junior Jack Casey (who took over captainship), senior Maggie Sturm, and freshmen Srihari Gurugubelli and Faizaan Shaikh. Eaton competently developed the team by enrolling them in several competitive tournaments from around the country. Springfield competed in an all-Illinois IHSSBCA Kickoff, where they stood top fifteen. After losing the Conference title to Glenwood, Eaton's Springfield narrowly defeated them in the Regional finals. Eaton then went on to earn her first sectional title after Springfield narrowly defeated senior Stan Melkumian's Macomb. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there was no state series. The team then went on to compete at the online-held 2021 ONCT, where they finished 22nd.
Eaton's third year with Springfield was historic. With senior Jack Casey in his prime, the team also centered on senior Olivia Baima, junior Arnav Nagrecha, sophomore Aliyah Hashmi, and freshman Ethan Baima. Eaton reclaimed the conference trophy and led the team to multiple first-place finishes at tournaments throughout the year. After sweeping regionals, Springfield struggled in sectionals as they lost to local rivals Rochester by 10 points. However, as a result of a three-way tie for first, Springfield claimed the sectional title due to having the most points scored. Eaton led Springfield to their first-ever podium finish at the 2022 IHSA State Championship Tournament. The team lost in the state finals to IMSA. Eaton coached her first in-person nationals at the 2022 PACE NSC, where Springfield ended up placing 49th. Eaton's Springfield finished the season with an overall 89-17 record.