News
Miami Mock Trial team qualifies for 25th-straight national tournament
March 2018
Jay Murdock
A streak that has continued for more than two decades will go on for another year for Miami’s James Lewis Family Mock Trial team.
Miami A, Team 1050, qualified Sunday for the 34th American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) national championship in Minneapolis, MN on April 20-22.
“1050 was largely comprised of a core of post-season savvy seniors, but they needed every bit of effort they received in preparation and in competition from those that were competing at the Opening Round Championships for the first time. Finishing with only one loss, even after facing the most difficult schedule of any team with their record or better, 1050 qualified for the National Championship Tournament (NCT),” program director Neal Schuett said.
It’s the 25th consecutive time that the Miami team has gone to the national championship, the second-longest streak in the AMTA.
Miami A compiled six wins at the Opening Round Championship Series in Hamilton,OH. Miami B, Team 1051, narrowly missed qualifying with five wins, but earned an honorable mention.
“1051 may have been on the wrong end of the tie-breaker, and just missed the NCT … but the entire coaching staff is extremely proud of their performances and Miami Mock Trial's future is bright beyond the class of 2018,” Schuett remarked.
“Both teams exhibited the best of what mock trial offers: strong work ethic, crisis management skills, teamwork, and professionalism,” he said.
Miami A’s Da'Rya McAllister was named an Outstanding Witness, while Danielle Kunkel was named an Outstanding Attorney.
“This was the hardest year in College Mock Trial history to qualify for the championship; the season started with over 700 teams, and we are now one of 48 remaining. I am so excited to head out to Minneapolis in April, and represent this school and program one last time before I graduate in May,” Kunkel said. “It has been an honor and privilege competing for this university, and I am extremely grateful for the wonderful experiences I have gained as a result.”
"This weekend was amazing. We had a lot on our plate. I wanted to make our coaches proud and I know my teammates felt the same. We had a legacy to uphold," McAllister said. "However, Miami Mock Trial is unique because instead of dwelling on the negative, we thrive! We come together like a family and we support one another even when things get difficult. It feels good to be recognized for the long hours we pour into this activity. Thank you to everyone who supports our program!
Miami Mock Trial team qualifies for 25th-straight national tournament
March 2018
Jay Murdock
A streak that has continued for more than two decades will go on for another year for Miami’s James Lewis Family Mock Trial team.
Miami A, Team 1050, qualified Sunday for the 34th American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) national championship in Minneapolis, MN on April 20-22.
“1050 was largely comprised of a core of post-season savvy seniors, but they needed every bit of effort they received in preparation and in competition from those that were competing at the Opening Round Championships for the first time. Finishing with only one loss, even after facing the most difficult schedule of any team with their record or better, 1050 qualified for the National Championship Tournament (NCT),” program director Neal Schuett said.
It’s the 25th consecutive time that the Miami team has gone to the national championship, the second-longest streak in the AMTA.
Miami A compiled six wins at the Opening Round Championship Series in Hamilton,OH. Miami B, Team 1051, narrowly missed qualifying with five wins, but earned an honorable mention.
“1051 may have been on the wrong end of the tie-breaker, and just missed the NCT … but the entire coaching staff is extremely proud of their performances and Miami Mock Trial's future is bright beyond the class of 2018,” Schuett remarked.
“Both teams exhibited the best of what mock trial offers: strong work ethic, crisis management skills, teamwork, and professionalism,” he said.
Miami A’s Da'Rya McAllister was named an Outstanding Witness, while Danielle Kunkel was named an Outstanding Attorney.
“This was the hardest year in College Mock Trial history to qualify for the championship; the season started with over 700 teams, and we are now one of 48 remaining. I am so excited to head out to Minneapolis in April, and represent this school and program one last time before I graduate in May,” Kunkel said. “It has been an honor and privilege competing for this university, and I am extremely grateful for the wonderful experiences I have gained as a result.”
"This weekend was amazing. We had a lot on our plate. I wanted to make our coaches proud and I know my teammates felt the same. We had a legacy to uphold," McAllister said. "However, Miami Mock Trial is unique because instead of dwelling on the negative, we thrive! We come together like a family and we support one another even when things get difficult. It feels good to be recognized for the long hours we pour into this activity. Thank you to everyone who supports our program!