Even though the season is winding down, Lewis’ Mock Trial team has provided the university with a different type of successful sport, with multiple awards to show for it. Throughout the spring semester, the Mock Trial has successfully competed for recognition at various tournaments.
Rundown at the Illini Invitational Tournament held Jan. 23-24 at University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, the teams placed 16th and 27th, which was only the beginning. During this competition, Mock Trial team member Venus Wardlow won outstanding attorney with the top score. Other individual awards went to Matt Kratky, Ashley Ellis and Summer Hallaj for outstanding witnesses.
Both Mock Trial teams finished in third place for the national invitational at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa Jan. 29-30. This was a large competition where 70 teams competed, making this a great success for Lewis. Hallaj received an individual award for outstanding attorney with a perfect score.
Another victory for the team was during the American Mock Trial Assoc. National Tournament Feb. 20-21 at the Will County Court House in Joliet. The team won 4th place and 8th place, which was out of 24 teams from 17 different colleges and universities. Six members won All Regional Witness: Hallaj, Cary Hansing, Chezare Bingham, Angela Cotta, Kratky and Lynette Wilson.
Finally, the Mock Trial team earned a total of $37,500 in scholarships from the 2010 Regional Undergraduate Diversity competition held Feb. 27 at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Five members on Lewis’ team finished in the top six individual positions at the tournament. This competition was different from the others because students are placed randomly on teams with students from other schools, rather than competing on teams for their respective schools.
Lewis students have won a sum of $120,000 in scholarships from this competition within the last four years. Scholarships are awarded to the top four teams and top four individuals.
The Team Mock Trial members include Hallaj, Hansing, Bingham, Cotta, Kratky, Wilson, Ellis, Wardlow, Grant Anderson, Breana Bingham, Ray Catala, Jack Catalano, Jackie Devitt, Denise Ferrusquia, Derek Frommel, Daniel Giron, Sean Lenckus, Cassandra Myers and Michael Park.
The coaches for the team are Dr. James Houlihan, Brandi Sanders, John Senese of the Peter Francis Geraci Law offices in Chicago and Bill Rock of Block Klukas & Marzella Law Firm in Joliet.
The Mock Trial team began strong this year, and has stayed strong, winning almost three out of four trials they have competed in.
“I think that because of the team’s success this year, other powerhouse schools, like the University of Michigan, are starting to recognize Lewis as a team in their league,” said Hallaj.
The spring semester is always the hardest to compete in, according to Kratky, because every other team is preparing for Regionals. However, the team’s coaching and preparation techniques have placed the team in a comfortable position to continue with its success.
One way the team members prepare themselves before competing is with a brief meeting outside of the courtroom to make sure all members are on the same level. At this time, usually one member will provide a short motivational speech to calm the team, and to get them mentally prepared for the tournament.
“Mock trial is hard work, but what you gain in terms of confidence and articulation are invaluable,” Hallaj said.
A point the members stressed was that most Lewis students assume the team is for only justice majors, but this is far from the truth.
“Any major that a person thinks they may be required to testify in court should join,” said Park. “Scientists, doctors, nurses and business CEOs are called into trial every day.” He also suggested theater majors should participate in Mock Trials because it requires plenty of acting.
“Mock Trial is extremely beneficial for anyone because it exposes you to a completely different type of intellectual training that prepares anyone to excel in their chosen profession,” Kratky said.
The final competition for Mock Trial will be the opening round of the national competition March 14-16 at Lake County Courthouse in Waukegan, Ill.
The Mock Trial team holds small competitions against one other school every year during Family Day on campus, and hosts its annual Fantastic Flyer Invitational during the end of November at Lewis’ Oak Brook campus.
For additional information on Mock Trial, or to express an interest in joining, contact Houlihan at (815) 836-5313.
The Lewis Flyer
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