The mock trial team traveled to Ypsilanti last weekend to test out their rearranged teams and to get experience for the first year Mock Trial members.
The team brought home no awards, but given the relatively inexperienced members and that they recently restructured their teams, they maintain high hopes for Regionals in South Bend, Ind. on Feb. 25.
“While it was disappointing to not place, we learned a lot and came back focused and ready to make the necessary improvements,” sophomore Kelly Scott said.
They combined their three “X” “Y” and “Z” teams from last semester down into two teams — “Liberty” and “Responsibility” — following Christmas break. The teams were divided more or less as first and second teams.
Team Liberty, comprised of more experienced members, went against Michigan State University, University of Chicago-Illinois, Northwood University, and Carnegie Mellon University and went 4-4 for the weekend. The team went 1-3 the first day, but regrouped to win three of their four ballots the final day of competition.
“I think we struggled at first because last semester we had good chemistry and now we had to transition, but the night after we didn’t do so well, we really worked on our case and it made a big difference,” sophomore Abby Loxton said. “It was like night and day.”
Team Responsibility, comprised mainly of freshmen new to Mock Trial, actually outpaced Team Liberty with a 5-3 record for the tournament.
“Once all the upperclassmen and team captains were put on team Liberty, Team Responsibility had to figure out how to organize the team,” freshman Isabel Kane said. “We learned how to do everything from the sophomores first semester, and we had to put it into practice to lead our team this semester.”
Regardless of record, all teams had to suffer through the dreaded “fire alarm incident.” Their hotel, the Hampton Inn & Suites had a fire alarm malfunction multiple times throughout the night that made sleeping almost impossible and drove them into the hallways to investigate.
“It sounded like a bat from hell,” freshman Gregg Coughlin said. “But Mock Trial competitors are less intimidating in their pajamas.”
Senior Brendan Karl started Mock Trial this semester and competed on Team Responsibility, receiving a witness rank with only a week and a half to prepare. He’s been offered a full ride to Ave Maria Law School in Naples, Fla.
“It was uncomfortable at first because everyone already knew the case and the freshman taught me what was going on,” Karl said. “But we really are a team when we’re there and at the end of the day we’ve got each other’s backs which is really what makes it worthwhile.”
