Legal Eagles Honoree: Richard Chunat

Richard Chunat devoted 46 years to teaching English and 40 years to coaching debate at St. Edward, helping generations of young men find confidence in their ideas and their voices. His dedication to his students helped build a tradition of excellence in the classroom and in competition that remains an enduring part of the school’s history.

Hired by Br. Charles Krupp, C.S.C., in 1961, Richard served under nine principals—including Br. James Spooner, C.S.C. ’64, whom he had taught as a sophomore. A graduate of Saint Ignatius High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree in English from John Carroll University and a master’s degree in English from Cleveland State University.

Richard began coaching debate in 1962 as an assistant to Br. John Ryan, C.S.C., later working with Robert Behrens before becoming head coach. Under his leadership, the St. Edward speech and debate team earned hundreds of trophies, including numerous team and individual championships. His debate team earned the school’s first team state championship in any sport or extracurricular activity, and he coached Ohio’s first state champion in Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Behind those accomplishments were years of preparation, encouragement, and a teacher’s commitment to helping students do their best.

His service extended to academic quiz bowl teams, speech competitions, and elementary school spelling and math contests. He served for more than 15 years on Ohio High School Speech League and National Forensic League district committees and helped establish and sustain debate programs at Lakewood and Magnificat high schools.

Richard’s contributions earned him the Sister Virginia Coaches Award for Dedication and Service from Erie Prep High School in 1992, an honor typically reserved for Pennsylvania coaches. He was inducted into the Ohio High School Speech League Coaches Hall of Fame in 1994. The following year, the Richard F. Chunat Debate Sweepstakes Trophy was named in his honor—a lasting recognition of his contributions to the students and coaches of the speech and debate community.

Richard and his late wife, Patricia, shared a life centered on family, raising three children, Tracy, Thomas ’88, and Ted ’93. He is the proud grandfather of Melody, Hannah, Carter, Evan, and Liam.