[353] MTSU “MOCKERS” WIN THEIR WAY TO NATIONAL COMPETITION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 10, 2009 EDITORIAL CONTACT: Dr. John Vile, 615-898-2596; Brandi Snow, 615-907-6330

MTSU “MOCKERS” WIN THEIR WAY TO NATIONAL COMPETITION Mock Trial Students Defeat Southern Stalwarts to Continue Tradition of Excellence

(MURFREESBORO) – For the 19th time in 20 years, MTSU’s mock trial teams have qualified for national competition. MTSU earned another bid at regional competition Feb. 27-28 at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., to complement the bid captured earlier this year at a tournament in Louisville, Ky. MTSU took two ballots from the University of Mississippi, compiled a win and a tie against the University of Georgia, took two wins from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and scored two wins against the University of North Alabama. MTSU gave Ole Miss, Georgia and USB their only losses in the tournament. The team consisted of Daniel Vaughan of Mt. Juliet, Austin Purvis of Memphis and Rachel Harmon of Spencer, all of whom portrayed attorneys, and Lee Whitwell of Pulaski, Samantha Ferrell of Lebanon, Jacob Strait of Nashville and Lani Lester of Memphis playing witnesses. The team also captured the “Spirit of AMTA (American Mock Trial Association) Award” for good sportsmanship.
A second team consisting of Nicole Roehrich of Murfreesboro, Nick Armes of Harriman, Kaitlin Beck of Murfreesboro, Eric Bisby of Tullahoma, Tiffany Sherrill of Lawrenceburg, Melvin Taylor of Clarksville and Kathryn Miller of Lebanon compiled a 5-3 record. Armes received an All-Regional Award for his role as an attorney, and Beck won an All-Regional Award for her performance as a witness. MTSU will send one team to one Opening Round Mock Trial National Tournament in Memphis and another team to the other Opening Round event in Greenville, S.C. on March 27-29. The final tournament to determine the national collegiate champion is slated for April 17-19 in Des Moines, Ia.
MTSU’s mock trial teams are coached by Dr. John Vile, dean of the University Honors College, Dr. Amanda DiPaolo, assistant professor of political science, and Brandi Snow, a local attorney and MTSU alumna.