Congratulations to Robbinsdale Cooper and Armstrong debate head coach Richard (D.J.) Brynteson for being presented the Minnesota Debate Teachers Association (MDTA) James Graupner Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award is presented to debate coaches or other distinguished individuals who have made outstanding contributions to education through debate. Not awarded on an annual basis, the Distinguished Service Award is the highest award the MDTA can bestow to an individual. In his fourteenth year of coaching debate, Brynteson is the youngest person to be awarded with the honor.
Starting his career coaching at St. Francis High School and coaching at Robbinsdale Cooper for the past eight years, Brynteson has qualified students for the state tournament 11 years with 17 different competitors. Winning the MSHSL State Tournament in 2007, runner up in 2008 and qualifying 8 students to the National Forensics League (NFL) National Debate Tournament and finishing 7th place in 2006. In 2005, Brynteson was presented the MDTA Debate Coach of the Year award.
In addition to success during the debate season, Brynteson has been committed to extending debate throughout the state. Serving on the MDTA Executive Board, MSHSL Debate Advisory Committee and the NFL Southern Minnesota District Committee.