WASHINGTON, PA (Feb. 23, 2017) - The Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) mock trial team arrived at the American Mock Trial Association’s (AMTA) Regional tournament at Pennsylvania State University on Feb. 3 ready to bring their A-game.
Throughout February, the AMTA held 25 Regional tournaments—the first round of AMTA’s annual national tournament structure—across the country. The top teams from each Regional tournament are set to advance to the Opening Round Championship Series held in March.
Under the mentorship of their attorney coach Corey Kirkwood, a local law clerk at Washington County Courthouse, W&J had a spectacular showing at Penn State’s Regional tournament. The team won against Carnegie Mellon University’s A team, host Penn State’s A team, and a number of other colleges and universities, which leaves W&J’s team only four wins away from nationals.
“We faced some very strong competition, and I am truly proud of how we stacked up,” said team member Ethan Heller. “[In particular,] the Penn State trial was substantially significant within the mock trial world due to [Penn State’s] top rank this year and their historically significant program. We didn't only beat them, we actually won by over 25 points. Usually a trial comes down to no more than 6 or so.”
In addition to its strong performance, W&J also was awarded the Spirit of AMTA Award. Voted on by all teams and coaches in the tournament, the Award recognizes the team that best exemplifies the ideals of civility, justice, and fair play, upon which AMTA was founded.
“The award is voted on by the fellow teams of the tournament and to be recognized by our fellow competitors was truly affirming for our entire team,” said Ethan.
This year’s ongoing case focuses on a civil trial concerning age discrimination, a case students practice and compete with throughout the tournament season. W&J’s mock trial team for the case includes Ethan, President and attorney/witness; Denver Stahl, attorney/witness; Nate Ecker, attorney; Katherine Starr, attorney/witness; River Icenhour, witness; Jim Campese, witness/attorney.
About Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College, located in Washington, Pa., is a selective liberal arts college founded in 1781. Committed to providing each of its students with the highest-quality undergraduate education available, W&J offers a traditional arts and sciences curriculum emphasizing interdisciplinary study and independent study work. For more information about W&J, visit washjeff.dev, or call 888-W-AND-JAY.
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