SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — A difficult draw can mean certain defeat in competition of any kind.
The Wittenberg University Mock Trial team faced two Miami University teams that finished in the top five and a strong Bowling Green State University team on Feb. 18-19 at the Regional Mock Trial Tournaments held at Miami University’s branch campus in Hamilton, Ohio. However, the Wittenberg team not only placed sixth overall with a record of 5-3, it earned a bid to the National Mock Trial Tournament, which will be held March 17-19 at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn. It will be Wittenberg’s second national competition.
Competing members of the team include Gregg Carter, class of 2006 from Wellsville, Ohio; Kara Clunk, class of 2008 from Radville, Ohio; Arthur Kraatz, class of 2007 from Strongsville, Ohio; Laura Prahl, class of 2007 from Lesueur, Minn.; Matthew Reiss, class of 2007 from Beavercreek, Ohio; Eric Rey, class of 2007 from Grosse Point Woods, Mich.; and Carrie Winteregg, class of 2007 from Englewood, Ohio. Miguel Martinez-Saenz, assistant professor of philosophy, coaches the team.
Rey, the team captain, received the “Best Attorney” award at the regional competition for his outstanding trial performance.
The schools and the number of teams participating in the regional tournament included Bowling Green State University (2), University of Dayton (2), Earlham College (2), Georgetown College (1), Kenyon College (2), Marian College (1), Miami University (4), The Ohio State University (4), Ohio Wesleyan University (1), Weber State University (1), Wilmington College (1) and Wittenberg University (1).
Each year, Wittenberg’s mock trial team receives a packet of case materials from the American Mock Trial Association to prepare a court case to argue against other colleges and universities. Six to eight students make up each team, typically three attorneys and three witnesses. During the fall semester, the team participates in invitational tournaments and scrimmages in Ohio to prepare themselves for the regional and national competitions.
Coach Martinez-Saenz said the team responded well to the very strong competition in the regional tournament.
“ They kept their poise and came up with a big win on Sunday morning,” he said.
- Phyllis Eberts
027-06
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