Mock Trial Team 2011-12 Season

For the eleventh year in a row Quincy University fielded two teams to compete in the annual American Mock Trial Regional competition. This year QU competed in a new regional tournament in Cedar Rapids Iowa against schools from the Upper Mid-West including Notre Dame, Iowa, Iowa State, Wisconsin, Illinois State, Ambrose, Loras, and Culver-Stockton. Quincy Teams failed to win a place in the National Competitions in March as in previous years. Coach Dr. Brian Borlas says this year's competition was a valuable experience for the young team, "Only five out of sixteen of our team members had any previous experience before this season. These kids never gave up. They've got the kind of spirit that will make them champions with more trials under their belts."

The bulk of this year's team will return in the fall to study in the new pre-law courtroom and learning center currently under construction in Friar's Hall. "This project is indicative of the level of commitment that the board and administration has for the growth and development of Pre-Law and Mock Trial at Quincy University. These projects will enable us to expand our student base and improve the experience our students will enjoy as members of the Quincy community," said Borlas.

These newly constituted teams didn't come away from the season empty-handed. Andrew Sparks, multiple Outstanding Witness award winner from the 2010-11 season took yet another Outstanding Witness Regional Award with a perfect score. Last season's National Outstanding Witness recipient Sara Mares earned a Regional Outstanding Attorney Award. Also participating in this year's Mock Trial Teams were:
Charles Argana, Claire Falletti, Rob Schmittgens, Pam Ganer, Ron Mann, Darren Lilliard, Dalton Mann, Danielle Estes, Leslie Valentin, Markus McCoy, Bridget McNett, Dylan Corrigan-Mook, Mason Ellison, and Tyler Willer.