While many students spent the summer vacationing or relaxing with friends, Hoban’s Mock Trial team was hard at work preparing for the national Bulldog Invitational at Yale University. Led by Jared Topp, the team traveled to New Haven, Connecticut, to compete against some of the top-ranked teams in the country.
Typically, teams receive their case in late September and spend months preparing for competition in January. This year, however, was different. The team began practice in July with a unique case from Yale, which they presented just two months later. Writing speeches, preparing lines of questioning, and memorizing content all happened under a time crunch.
The invitational also followed college-level guidelines, which differed significantly from the Ohio Mock Trial handbook. Hoban competed with a smaller team and needed three witnesses and three attorneys instead of the usual two. Senior Cassidy Wren, along with juniors Sophia Burgoyne and Rachel Greer, had to double up on characters to meet the competition’s requirements.
Despite the challenges, the Knights worked hard, practicing twice a week to perfect their case. When it was time to head to Yale, they were ready.
“Going to Yale was an incredible opportunity,” Greer said. “I’m so grateful for the chance to bond with my team during the preseason and compete against students from across the country. A good old-fashioned road trip can really bring people together.”
After last year’s loss at the state finals in Columbus, the Knights were determined to start this season stronger than ever. They faced teams from Florida, New Hampshire, and Georgia, holding their own in each matchup.
The Knights placed 13th out of more than 30 of the country’s best teams, finishing higher than the only other Ohio team in attendance. Burgoyne was recognized as one of the top witnesses overall, adding to her list of Mock Trial accolades.
With a new case and a refreshed team, the Knights are ready to build on their preseason success. As reigning state runners-up, they are determined to finish on top.
“We won’t settle for anything less than a state championship,” senior Kevin Elliott said. “I’m excited to mentor the next generation of Hoban Mock Trial along the way.”
Led by seniors Gabrielle Obhoff, Julia Lee, Elliott, and Wren, along with returning juniors Katherine Folk and Greer, the Knights are ready to take on the season.
Mock Trial creates strong bonds between its members. Greer said, “One of the best parts of Mock Trial for me is the family I’ve gained. The coaches believe in me and challenge me inside and outside the courtroom. And my teammates never fail to make me smile.”
With a strong sense of camaraderie, the team is driven to bring home a state championship, especially to honor the seniors who never got the chance to lift the trophy.
The Knights’ next challenge is the University of Cincinnati Invitational on Jan. 4, followed by district competition on Jan. 17. Stay tuned as they continue their journey back to Columbus
