The ISU mock trial team competed at the 32-team Racheter Invitational hosted by Central College in Pella, Iowa on January 23–24. One ISU squad attained a 6-2 record and placed third in the tournament. Four Illinois State University competitors from the other Redbird squad were recognized by the tournament for their individual performances.
ISU squad 1033 took both ballots from teams from the University of Central Florida and the University of New Haven. It garnered split decisions against Fordham University at Rose Hill and the University of Central Missouri. Central Missouri took fourth place in the tournament. Fordham placed second, having lost its only ballot in its round with ISU squad 1033.
The tournament honored four members of squad 1034. Team captain Jasmyne Wells and teammate Brock Melrose were named outstanding attorneys. Paige Malloy, who portrayed an investigative journalist, and Tyler Gray-Henry, portraying different roles on both sides of the case, were named outstanding witnesses.
Squad 1034 won both ballots in rounds against Kansas State University and the University of Texas at El Paso. It lost both ballots in rounds against Fordham University, University of Missouri. This gave the squad a 4-4 record.
The mock trial team is coached by ISU alumnus Josh Rinker, a partner in a Bloomington law firm. He is assisted by Brad Rigdon, the First Assistant State’s Attorney of McLean County.
The team will be competing in a virtual regional tournament sponsored by the American Mock Trial Association during the first weekend in February.
