Saint Louis University’s mock trial team recently participated
in an invitational tournament at Illinois State University. Of the
three teams that SLU sent to the competition, one brought home the
second place trophy and three SLU students were honored with
individual awards.

Among the 28 teams SLU faced in the competition were Drake
University, Bradley University, the University of Chicago and
former national champion Illinois State University. The teams were
given a murder case in which a hockey player was on trial for
allegedly killing a fellow player. His motive? The fellow player
had won a contract the accused had wanted, and he had allegedly
been having an affair with the defendant’s wife.

In the end it was the team of Mike Crowley, Rex Gradeless, David
McCune, David Pritchett, Ashley Rothe, Sarah Schauerte and
Christine Young who won second place for SLU.

In addition, Rothe and Melanie Riley were both presented with
Outstanding Witness and Latieke Sanford was awarded Outstanding
Attorney.

“To receive second place, during the first semester for Saint
Louis University, is a tremendous accomplishment,” Gradeless said.
“There is no doubt that SLU has tremendous odds of sending two
teams to the national tournament this year.”

Rothe, who portrayed a detective for the prosecution and a
doctor on the defense, said, “Obviously everyone loves to win
awards because it’s just reinforcement to continue working hard,
and acknowledge that you’re working in the right direction.

“Mock trial has helped me to learn many things that will be
relevant in my future career as a lawyer. Although I do not wish to
be a litigator, it has been very informative to learn the rules of
evidence, objections and the overall procedure in the courtroom,”
Riley said.

The teams are led by faculty coach Charles Fleener, Ph.D.,
attorney coaches Jim Paul and Mike McDonnell, and assistant coach
Kate Kimper. Mock trial, which can be taken as a class for one or
three credits, or as an extracurricular activity, has been at SLU
for 16 years. It has taken a team to national competitions every
year for the last 15. SLU’s record is not only the best in the
state, but it’s also one of the best in the country.

Kimper, who in addition to being the assistant coach, is a 2003
SLU graduate and former mock trial team captain, said, “It’s a
tradition we’re very proud of and hope to continue.”