Patrick Waldinger was an outstanding intercollegiate debater at the Catholic University of America. Among his many accomplishments, he won the varsity championship at the American Debate Association's Championship Tournament and he qualified twice to attend the National Debate Tournament.

After graduating from Catholic, Mr. Waldinger earned an M.A. in Communication from Wake Forest University. While in graduate school, Mr. Waldinger served as as assistant debate coach. Mr. Waldinger became debate coach at Boston College in 2005.