Furman Mock Trial

The Paladins traveled to Lexington, KY, last weekend, Saturday-Sunday, October 25-26, for the Robert Sanders Mock Trial Invitational, hosted by Eastern Kentucky University. The 26-team field featured two entries from Furman, and a host of very distinguished programs, including those from Washington University, Miami University, Rhodes College, Georgia Tech, and Duke. The senior team finished with a record of 4-3-1, winning and losing to Eastern Kentucky, winning both ballots over Georgia Tech A, tying and losing to Bellarmine, and winning and losing to Loyola-Chicago B. They are buoyed by the fact that two of the losses were -1 and -3, while our wins were +13, +11, +15, and +29.
This team also won the tournament's Spirit of AMTA award given to the team that best exemplifies the American Mock Trial Association's ideals of professionalism, civility, and fair play. This award, voted on by the other competitors, is a great testament to the fact that these students aren't only good at their craft, but they also are recognized for being decent and fair minded.

This team is led by Meredith Dempsey '10, Lexington, South Carolina, and Brittany Miller '09, Kingsport, Tennessee.

Ms. Dempsey and Ms. Miller are ably supported by:

Jan-Paul Lukas '10, Berlin, MD
Katherine Myers '10, Columbia, SC
Allison Heldreth '10, Summerville, SC
Jason Novak '09, Mt. Pleasant, SC
Emily Westberry '11, Watkinsville, GA
Ameer Armaly '11, Greenville, SC

The junior team finished with a record 3-5, winning both ballots against Middle Tennessee A, losing both ballots to Butler University and Loyola University-A, and winning and losing to Rhodes College.

This team is led by Alex Meier '10, Oviedo, FL, and Christina Antalis '10, Dalton, GA.

Meier and Antalis are backed by the following group of students:

Michelle Cote '12, Fort Mill, SC
Latasia Fields '10, Charlotte, NC
Dwayne Barrs '10, Lawrenceville, GA
Chade Franklin '11, Milledgeville, GA
Prenita Hudson '11, Walterboro, SC
Elizabeth Stell '10, Fayetteville, GA
Andy Shin '11, Florence, SC

Ms. Franklin won an outstanding witness for her portrayal of Mickey McQuiggan, a Midlands State death investigator.

The teams are coached by D. Brad Rustin '03, Steven Buckingham '03, Ashleigh Ward '03, J. Buckley Warden '03, T. Chase Samples '05, Shunta Harmon Grant '05, Ben Adams '08, and Joy Strickler.

The Paladins continue their season this weekend in Washington, D.C. at the Great American Mock Trial Invitational. The students are trying their case at the Prettyman Courthouse, a courthouse that has witnessed many important trials, including most recently, that of Alaska Senator Ted Stevens. It is a bit of a different venue than the Fayette County Courthouse in Lexington, KY. This program is remarkable for the range of jurisdictions in which the students are allowed to argue their cases.

Thank you all for being such marvelous supporters of these young people, their coaches, and our beloved University. We couldn't provide such a highly quality engaged learning experience without your stalwart support.