51ĀŅĀ×

Mock trial is a simulated courtroom experience in which students are taught to think and act as trial attorneys and witnesses for both the defense and plaintiff sides, performing cross and direct examinations, opening and closing statements, and introducing evidence. This yearā€™s American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) case is a criminal trial involving the alleged murder of Rob Armstrong, a contestant on a fictional reality TV show. The defendant, Charlie Martin, is accused of poisoning Armstrong during a diving challenge, leading to his drowning.

ā€œWe had an outstanding group of students tryout for the team this year. Almost every tryout slot was taken across two days,ā€ said Larry Hayman, Esq., director of legal engagement and pre-law program and head coach of the team. ā€œI look forward to a great year ahead.ā€

This is the 11th year for the 51ĀŅĀ× Mock Trial Team, a selective and competitive experiential learning opportunity affiliated with the Center for Law Justice & Culture. The team competes in the AMTA with more than 700 other teams representing around 350 colleges and universities across the country.

Team members take on specific roles based on the case. For example, Ava Poling, Mock Trial president, serves as the closing defense attorney for the White Team, while James Cox, Mock Trial treasurer, is the opening defense attorney for the Green Team. Both are responsible for crafting direct and cross examinations, building a case theory and advocating for the defendantā€™s rights. ā€œEveryone receives the same case and prepares arguments using courtroom procedures, language and etiquette. Judges from the legal community preside over the trials and score individual performances, which combine to determine team scores.ā€

New members Piper Cunningham and Anthony Gordon are swing attorneys for the prosecution, meaning they donā€™t have an opening statement or closing argument, but engage in direct and cross examination of witnesses. 

ā€œWeā€™ll be doing direct examinations and preparing cross-examinations for multiple witnesses,ā€ said Cunningham. Gordon added, ā€œAs a swing, I go after the opening prosecutor and before the closing prosecutor, helping prove why Charlie Martin is guilty of murder.ā€

To support travel, materials, and tournament fees, the team participates in fundraising efforts, including working football concession stands. ā€œWe receive a flat fee for each worker and keep the tips,ā€ said Cox. ā€œCome buy from football concessions and leave a tip to support 51ĀŅĀ× Mock Trial!ā€

The 2025-2026 team members are:

• Ava Poling, senior political science pre-law and philosophy major
• James Cox, sophomore political science major
• Sydney Gross, senior forensic chemistry major
• Maahi Patel, junior international business pre-law major
• Katie Buschle, junior sociology major
• Nathan Gollings, junior political science pre-law major
• Ethan Bartlett, senior psychology major
• Mason Shawkey, freshman political science pre-law major
• Karmen Kirker, senior sociology pre-law major
• Raegan Elliott, junior political science pre-law and environmental biology major
• Gretchen Sahr, senior sociology and philosophy major
• Spencer Boakye, junior political science pre-law major
• Noah Kiel, junior political science pre-law major
• Corey Adams, sophomore English pre-law major
• Marshall Smittle, freshman history major
• Piper Cunningham, sophomore sociology pre-law major
• Mallory Kaminski, sophomore political science major
• Anthony Gordon, freshman business pre-law major
• Hayden Lewis, sophomore political science pre-law major
• Aubrey Duggan, freshman hearing, speech, and language sciences major
• Sara Kraus, freshman political science pre-law major
• Dulce Miranda, sophomore business pre-law major
• Chloe Daniel, freshman political science pre-law major
• Luke Viviano, freshman journalism major
• Gabriella Pelton-Blewitt, sophomore political science pre-law major
• Jimmy Green, freshman political science pre-law major

The team credits its success to the support of the Student Senate, the Center for Law, Justice & Culture, and coaches Larry Hayman, Esq., and Ashley Johnson, Esq.