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 historic 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.

Upon 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.