The Illinois State mock trial team is heading to the first phase of the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) national tournament. One of Illinois State University’s mock trial teams advanced from the St. Louis regional, held at Washington University during the third weekend of February, to the Opening Championship Rounds (ORCS).
The Illinois State “A” team was among six squads from the 25-team regional in St. Louis that qualified for ORCS. The other successful teams were from Rhodes College, Miami University, Washington University, and the University of Chicago (two squads). One hundred and ninety-two of the 752 registered AMTA mock trial teams progress to the ORCS tournament.
The Redbirds will compete from March 8-10 in the ORCS at the Kane County Judicial Center in Geneva. Other schools assigned to the Geneva ORCS include the University of Notre Dame, Indiana University, Michigan State University, Case Western University, and the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign.
The Illinois State A team is led by Grace Nord, a senior double majoring in political science and legal studies. Her squad teammates are seniors Erin Daugherty, Ava Knapp, Emmalie Parson, and Austin Piercy and juniors Nick Kniebusch, Sara O’Dowd, and Kyleigh Weir.
The St. Louis regional recognized three Illinois State students for their individual achievements. English and legal studies double-major Ava Knapp and political science and legal studies double-major Myah Brantley were presented Outstanding Attorney Awards. Trinity Allen was named Outstanding Witness. Although Illinois State University has advanced many teams to ORCS, this is the first time that the students on the 2023-24 team have qualified for the tournament.
The head attorney coach is A.J. Blodgett, a Bloomington attorney in private practice. Spencer Chikahisa, a McLean County Assistant State’s Attorney, serves as the assistant coach. Professor Tom McClure is the educator coach.
