For the first time ever, two Mock Trial squads advance to the Opening Round Championship Series in Memphis, Tenn.
This year UP’s Mock Trial Squads competed with a case about a scuba diving incident. Here they hold up their trophy from the Pacific Northwest Regional Tournament. (Photo courtesy of Aaron Johnson)
By Lydia Laythe, Staff Writer laythe16@up.edu
On Feb. 23 and 24, the UP Mock Trial teams competed in the Pacific Northwest Regional Tournament in Corvallis and will go to Memphis, Tenn. to compete in the Opening Round Championship Series March 22 - 24. This is the first time two teams from UP are advancing to the opening round with winning records. If the UP teams place in the top six, they'll continue on to the National Championship in Washington D.C.
Senior Brenna Twohy, involved in Mock Trial since her freshman year, said the team is the strongest she's seen.
"People have been so willing to just jump right in," Twohy said. "It's definitely the most talented team I've seen."
Junior Amanda Danforth said the talented members create an exciting but overwhelming environment.
"It's an interesting dynamic," Danforth said. "We have a lot of really quick thinkers on the team, a lot of really driven people, a lot of strong personalities in the same room."
In August, each team was assigned their case and given witness statements, evidence and expert witness reports, everything needed to try a real case. Students take on attorney and witness roles. For example, a current case is one of wrongful death that occurred in a scuba diving incident. As the Mock Trial teams prepare for the next round, they will focus on refining their skills.
Head coach Aaron Johnson said the tournament atmosphere is tense.
"Competition is really stiff," Johnson said. "Everyone has a lot of time to prepare, and they've been practicing over and over to perfection."
After every major round, the National Mock Trial Association releases case changes that each team must adapt to, such as adding new witnesses or witnesses changing sides.
Twohy, who won all-regional outstanding attorney at the tournament, said the changes are appreciated.
"I think the changes are a fun part of Mock Trial," Twohy said. "Because we've been working on this case since August, we're all kind of sick of it. So it's fun to see how it changes what we're used to. On the other hand, it is a lot more work."
Danforth, who joined the team in January and won all-regional outstanding witness at last week's competition, is confident her team can adapt to the changes.
"We know we have a good squad," Danforth said. "We know we can pull together a really polished product, but it's about working with all the new information and working against the time."
Senior Charity Taylor won all-regional outstanding attorney and sophomore Jennifer Perkins won all-regional outstanding witness.
Johnson said the students are passionate, driven and hard-working, all qualities needed for a successful team.
"I think this is a historical year for the UP Mock Trial team," Johnson said. "They're a very talented group of students."
