EKU Mock Trial Team Wins Consecutive Tournaments, Qualifies for Nationals

After winning three tournaments in a row, Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Mock Trial team is proving it can compete on the national stage. 

During its run, the team earned first-place finishes at the EKU Colonel Classic Invitational, the Mid-Missouri Mock Trial Invitational and the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) Regional Tournament. Those results secured a bid to the AMTA Opening Round Championship Series, the first step toward the national championship tournament. 

“EKU is proud to provide students with unparalleled hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for their future careers,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Our mock trial team is proof that we put students in relevant environments that matter at the national level. Colonels graduate ready to excel in whatever career field they pursue.” 

Lynette Noblitt, coach of mock trial, chair and professor at EKU, noted the three consecutive first place wins mark a historic high for the mock trial program. 

Thomas Parker, assistant professor in EKU’s Department of Government and mock trial coordinator, believes the team stands out from other programs because of the dedication of students and the strength of the program’s structure.

Mock trial also emphasizes hands-on learning. Students step into the roles of attorneys and witnesses, delivering opening statements, questioning witnesses and presenting closing arguments while responding to objections and challenges from opposing teams.

Each year, AMTA releases a detailed case packet that serves as the basis for competition. This year, the case centers on a reality television homicide trial. 

“The case packet is complex, so students really have to dig into the case materials to craft their own examinations of witnesses, opening statements and closing arguments, all while anticipating a wide range of case theories and potential objections to testimony and exhibits under the Rules of Evidence,” said Parker.

EKU also sets its mock trial team apart from others by offering upper-level course credit, making it an academic course, in addition to being an extracurricular activity. 

For sophomore Lessie Bingham, EKU Mock Trial has been a defining part of her college experience.

“This is absolutely what I love to do,” said the criminal justice major from Berea, Kentucky. “I feel like mock trial has allowed me the space to bloom into my strong suits and really grow as a person.” 

Bingham joined the team during her freshman year after reaching out to a faculty member while exploring academic options. Since then, she said mock trial has helped her find both a community and a clear career direction.

“Mock trial gives you such a great opportunity to become a well-rounded professional,” she said. “I have really learned how to represent myself well, no matter the setting. I don’t think that I would be as confident in what I want to do today without mock trial.”

This year’s mock trial team members and awards include: 

• Bingham, outstanding attorney at Colonel Classic, Mid-Mo Invitational and regional tournament
• Abby Daniel, from Olive Hill, Kentucky, outstanding witness at Colonel Classic and Mid-Mo Invitational
• Trey Hall, from Louisa, Kentucky, outstanding witness at regional tournament
• Kira Kent, from Edgewood, Kentucky, outstanding witness at Colonel Classic and regional tournament
• Dallas McCoy, from Lexington, Kentucky
• Sam Montoya, from Manchester, Kentucky, outstanding witness at Mid-Mo Invitational and regional tournament
• Evelyn Ramirez, from Nicholasville, Kentucky
• Leah Rennels, from Lawrenceburg, Kentucky

Students on the team prepare for the competitions as they would for a real trial, working through case materials, practicing arguments and interviewing witnesses.

The program welcomes students from a variety of academic backgrounds, not just those pursuing law. Parker said the experience builds skills that translate far beyond the courtroom and prepare students for success in a wide range of careers.

“Students leave the program well-prepared for the rigor of professional or graduate school, if they go that route,” he said. “With a wealth of experience in public speaking and performance, the experience serves them well in any other profession or education they might pursue.”

As the team prepares for the next stage of competition, students hope to continue building on their recent success and carry that momentum into the national tournament.

For Parker, the program’s impact extends beyond competition results. EKU Mock Trial provides students with opportunities to grow academically, professionally and personally while representing EKU in national competition.