Weeks of preparation finally paid off for many Xavier students this past month. After a great deal of work in and out of practice, students from the Robins mock trial team were rewarded with a state championship and a bid to the national tournament. After five hard fought rounds at the state tournament, Robins Mock Trial was named the 2017 Iowa   Mock   Trial   State    Champions.

This victory was a long time in the making for the team. Robins Mock Trial’s varsity team, consisting of nine Xavier students, needed to place in the top four at regionals to compete at state. On Wednesday, March 8, they placed first at their regional competition. The team was both surprised and proud of how they did, placing ahead of the defending national champions at both the regional and state competitions. The team meets twice a week and runs practice trials. They then receive feedback from the coaches and try to make improvements. In addition to this, they also do work outside of practice. This involves doing research and memorizing their parts. It can be hard work on top of school, but in the process, they are learning a lot.

“I learn a lot about different jobs people have by reading the witness statements. Last year, I was a forensic specialist, so I had to learn about and be able to explain what they do and figure out how to incorporate jargon that they would use,” junior Sophie Cataldo said. “This year, I’m the vice president of an investment company, so I’m learning all about due diligence and what makes a good investment.”

The process is also about more than the placement for many students. They have fun doing it and form strong relationships with their teammates. Not only are they learning and building a strong work ethic, but they are learning how to work as a team.

“My favorite part is the people,” junior Emily Cunningham said. “That’s probably why I do it, because I love the people that do it. We have a lot of fun and laugh together.”

After preparing for two additional weeks after the regional competition, the Robins  team headed to Des Moines for the state competition. The state tournament was held March 27-29 at the Iowa Events Center. During the preliminary rounds, freshman Emma Stadelmann was recognized as an “Outstanding Witness” by judges. In the state championship round, students had the opportunity to try their case in the same courtroom real attorneys use  to  argue their cases  in  front  of the Iowa Supreme Court.

For Robins Mock Trial, the season does not end at state. By winning the Iowa State Championship,   the     team   qualified for the National  High School Mock Trial Championships. That tournament will be held May 11-13 in Hartford, CT.

 Noah Lynch

News Writer

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