Undergraduate Mock Trial Closes Out the Month With Multiple Strong Showings

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Team T-Rex with their trophies. Back row: Harrison Merrick, Jared Presley, Matthew Pollard. Front row: Bryton Miller, Vasoula Drosopoulos, Trinity Tipton, Madalyn Acton, Julianna Kanter.

The U of A Mock Trial program competed at two tournaments across the country this past weekend. Team T-Rex traveled to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for the seventh annual Crimson Classic, while Teams Triceratops, Pterodactyl and Stegosaurus competed at the Scarlet and Cream Invitational in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

Team T-Rex had a great tournament with a near perfect record of seven wins and one tie. They placed second in a field of 27 teams, with some of the top teams in the country taking part in the competition. This was their second tournament in a row without a loss, as they had an 8-0 record last weekend. Julianna Kanter received an Outstanding Attorney award on both sides, including a perfect 20 ranks on the plaintiff and 18 on the defense.

The three other teams also had a successful weekend up in Nebraska. Team Triceratops took home the third place trophy with 5.5 - 2.5 record, as ties count 0.5-0.5 in mock trial competitions. Team Pterodactyl was right behind, netting a 5-3 record. Team Stegosaurus also had a solid showing, receiving a 3-5 record in a tough field. With these records, Team Triceratops took home the third place trophy, and Team Pterodactyl ended with an honorable mention.  

In addition to the teams placing well, five different members received six awards at the Scarlet and Cream Invitational, shown in the following:

• Noah Maher — Outstanding Witness, Plaintiff, 17 ranks

• Josh Marvine — Outstanding Witness, Plaintiff, 17 ranks

• Dylan Reynolds — Outstanding Witness, Defense, 18 ranks

• Zoee Simpson — Outstanding Witness, both sides, 18 ranks and 19 ranks

• Maddie Gwinner — Outstanding Attorney, Defense, 17 ranks

Give a big congratulations to all of our members for their hard work and dedication if you see them on campus!

The U of A Mock Trial team is a trial simulation-based RSO that competes in tournaments across the nation. Tryouts are held at the beginning of the fall semester.