ARCHBISHOP MURPHY MOCK TRIAL IMPROVES RANKING AT 2019 STATE MEET – FINISHES IN 14TH PLACE

In a courageous effort by a positive, supportive group of students, Archbishop Murphy’s Varsity mock trial team improved on their 18th place ranking from last year at the Washington State high school mock trial championship, likely finishing 14th at the Thurston County Courthouse in Olympia on March 22-24, 2019.

OLYMPIA, March 24, 2019: In a courageous effort by a positive, supportive group of students, Archbishop Murphy’s Varsity mock trial team improved on their 18th place ranking from last year at the Washington State high school mock trial championship, likely finishing 14th at the Thurston County Courthouse in Olympia on March 22-24, 2019.

AMHS finished with a 2-2 record in their four trials, winning six out of 12 ballots throughout the tournament. Every trial was extremely close in the scoring with all four of the trials were “split decisions” meaning neither team swept all three rater ballots.

Twenty-four teams had moved on from various District Competitions to make it to State. About 60 high schools through Washington compete in mock trial.

The 2019 State case, crafted by Clark County Superior Court Judge Robert Lewis, involved an environmental nuisance action against a cattle farm that was allegedly causing problems for neighbors including flies, odor, truck noise, and cow noise. The case was inspired by real-life property law, contract law, and Homeowners’ Association issues in areas transitioning from agricultural use to residential use.

The following AMHS students received recognition at the awards banquet. Earning best witness awards were Alex Gross and Luke Kendrick. Maria Morales and Thea Zabala earned best lawyer awards. Students recognized by our trial opponents for their strong performances included witnesses Christopher Marley and Kainoa Evans, and lawyer Alex Miller. The team also benefited from strong performances by witnesses Christine Yen, Mary Grossenbacher, Ellie Bailey, Jenna Suh, and lawyers Varsha Moolayil, Matthew Kenny, and Jaida Ivy, and bailiff Suzy Huang.

This year’s finish marks the 14th consecutive trip to State for AMHS. The exciting season included a cross-country trip to the 2018 Harvard Mock Trial Seminar in Boston, a District Championship, and a fantastic weekend of bonding and fun at the State Meet including a meeting with newly elected 44th District State Representative Jared Mead. The program began in 2005.

The team is coached by Roger Brodniak, Susan Bolles, Jennifer Flynn, Danielle Gadek, Kari Petrasek, Caleb Rivas, and Judge Ken Williams. The team is coached by Roger Brodniak, Susan Bolles, Jennifer Flynn, Danielle Gadek, Kari Petrasek, Caleb Rivas, and Judge Ken Williams.