From the very beginning of the season, the Hoban Mock Trial team knew that success would require serious commitment. That dedication led to a title few can claim: state champions. Careful consideration was made, leading three competition teams to represent Hoban: Gold, Blue, and Silver. Led by various coaches, including our very own Mr. Topp, trials were won, and trophies were acquired. “We had ambitions to grow the program and make three competitive teams,” said Mr. Topp. “I am proud of everyone. The teams exceeded my expectations for the year.”
The season kicked off with nonstop preparation, multiple long practices a week, and with everyone reviewing, writing, and memorizing, all three teams were ready to dominate the season. With an invitational in Cincinnati and a few scrimmages planned, Hoban mock trial knew this would set the tone for the rest of the season.
Before long, district competition at the Summit County Courthouse arrived. Twenty high school teams came ready to compete for a coveted spot in the regional round. For Hoban, the day brought both challenge and triumph. All three teams advanced, with the Gold team earning first place. Among the twelve teams that moved forward, Hoban quickly stood out as the one to beat.
After another month of diligent work, it was time for the regional competition at the Summit County courthouse. With the top twenty teams from the region competing and only four teams being able to advance to states, the stakes were high. Trials got harder, judges got tougher so we had to be prepared for anything. It was time for awards, the stress was through the roof, and everyone was filled with uncertainty. Everyone, hand in hand, anxiously waiting for the results. The next thing we knew, it was a sweep. Gold won first place, Silver won second place, and Blue won third place. This proved that our hard work and dedication paid off and it was time for the next one.
After another month of disciplined work, regional competition returned to the Summit County Courthouse, with the top 20 teams in the area competing for just four spots at states. The trials were more intense, and the judges stricter. With so much on the line, every objection and cross-examination mattered. When the final results were announced, the Hoban community was stunned, in the best way possible. Gold took first place, Silver placed second, and Blue followed in third. A complete sweep of the regional competition confirmed that Hoban was not just ready for state competition, it was ready to win it.
It’s the day of the state final and will be life-streamed from the Ohio Supreme Court. In this room are the top two teams in Ohio and both desperately want to win. Around two hours later, the trial concludes and all they can do is hope it was enough. The judges come back and it is time for the individual awards. The best attorney award goes to Rachel Greer. The best witness award goes to Gabrielle Obhof. Both awards went to the Gold team, boosting everyone’s confidence until the final results were announced. The state champions were Archbishop Hoban High School.
With so much success over the years, the mock trial team has grown immensely and will continue to grow. It is shown through every single member of this team that hard work when no one is looking pays off. Gold team won the trial because of their dedication to put in the extra work, be organized and productive, as well as the coaches putting in the hours to help them. All that’s left now is to wonder, where will the team go next?
