Zoe Bartholomay (’11)
From left to right: Stephen Gruendel (’11), Pamela L. Cameron (coach), Michael Galligan (’11), Zoe Bartholomay (’11), Andres Delgadillo (’13), Leslie Ahlstrand (’12), Zachary Green (’11), Joseph Rossetti (coach), James Geisler (’14), and Mary Sullivan (’13).
This weekend, Trinity’s Mock Trial team competed at the Opening Round of National Championships (ORCs), and earned one of the coveted top-eight spots and a bid to nationals.
There are 642 mock trial teams in the country, 192 of which make it to the Opening Rounds, and only 48 of which compete in the Championship. For the first time, Trinity will compete for the national title.
The team’s captains, Zachary Green (’11) and Michael Galligan (’11), founded the team their freshman year. They dealt with a rocky start, as the team was unfunded, uncoached, and inexperienced with the exception of Mr. Green, who had competed in high school. The team’s rapid ascension is a testament to the dedication and skill of its members. On average, the team practices for over 15 hours per week.
Last year, Trinity shocked the mock trial community by qualifying both its A team and B teams for the Opening Round of Championships. Though neither team advanced to the final round, it was a valuable learning experience that established Trinity as a serious program. One observer then called them the “new blood in New England.”
This year, Trinity’s A team has taken this success a step further by advancing out of ORCs, and on to the final round being held in Iowa. Trinity advanced ahead of other 5-3 teams because of their strength of schedule; Brown and BU are established teams that lost two and three ballots, respectively. Of these, one from each team was lost to Trinity.
Round 1: Syracuse University A (plaintiff) versus Trinity College A (defense)
In this round, Trinity won both ballots handily. The three-judge panel voted unanimously that the plaintiff had failed to meet their burden.
Round 2: Trinity College A (plaintiff) versus Boston University A (defense)
The second round against Boston University A was the closest of the tournament. Trinity and BU have met in competition three times, the last being at Regionals just a few weeks ago, when BU defense beat Trinity plaintiff convincingly. However, Trinity came back strong, winning one ballot and losing the other, each by a single point. BU had a very impressive showing at this ORC, sending both its teams on to the final round. Congratulations to Lorenzo, Margaret, Michael, Krysten, Tucker and the rest of the team!
Round 3: Brown University A (plaintiff) versus Trinity College A (defense)
The third round pitted Trinity defense against Brown University A plaintiff, who were the undefeated champions Boston regional tournament two weeks ago. This round was also close, with Trinity taking one ballot and dropping the other by two points.
Round 4: Trinity College A (plaintiff) versus Dickinson College A (defense)
Going into round four, Trinity’s record was 4-2. The last trial was a battle, and the plaintiff team’s best performance thus far. Once again, the ballots split, leaving Trinity with a record of 5-3-0, which due to the strength of schedule (Brown and BU being very highly ranked), was enough to rank the team in the top-eight and secure a spot at nationals.
Altogether, Trinity lost three ballots by a total of just four points.
The teams advancing to Nationals from our Opening Round of Championships:
New York University (7-1)
Brown University (6-2)
Boston University A (5-2-1)
Tufts University (4-2-2)
Boston University B (5-3)
Trinity College (5-3)
We would like to thank our coaches, Pamela Cameron, Joseph Rossetti and Barry Sinoway (’69) of Sinoway, McEnery & Messey for volunteering their time. We are also grateful to Professors Fulco and Cabot for their support, as well as the Gruendel and Ahlstrand families for hosting us during Regionals and Opening Rounds.